 | This articleneeds additional citations forverification. Please helpimprove this article byadding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. Find sources: "James Rebhorn" – news ·newspapers ·books ·scholar ·JSTOR(December 2016) (Learn how and when to remove this message) |
James Rebhorn | |
|---|---|
 Rebhorn at the 2009Tribeca Film Festival | |
| Born | James Robert Rebhorn (1948-09-01)September 1, 1948 |
| Died | March 21, 2014(2014-03-21) (aged 65) South Orange, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Education | Wittenberg University (BA) Columbia University (MFA) |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1976–2013 |
| Spouse | |
| Children | 2 |
James Robert Rebhorn (September 1, 1948 – March 21, 2014) was an Americancharacter actor. Rebhorn appeared in over 100 films, television series, and plays.
Rebhorn portrayed George Wilbur inMy Cousin Vinny, Dr. McElwaine inBasic Instinct, and FBI Agent Flynn inWhite Sands and Mr. Trask inScent of a Woman (all in 1992), John Merino inUp Close & Personal, Albert Nimziki inIndependence Day, Charlie Reynolds inMy Fellow Americans, Alvin Hooks inSnow Falling on Cedars, and Dr. Larry Banks inMeet the Parents.
He had several recurring roles in TV series, including Charles Garnett inLaw & Order (where he also played other characters), Captain Elchisak inThird Watch, Bertram Webster inThe Book of Daniel, Reese Hughes inWhite Collar, Carl Franklin inBig Lake, and Frank Mathison inHomeland.
Rebhorn was born inPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania, on September 1, 1948, the son of Ardell Frances (née Hoch) and James Harry Rebhorn, an industrial engineer and salesman.[1][2] He was of German descent. Rebhorn moved toAnderson, Indiana, as a child and graduated from Madison Heights High School in 1966. A devoutLutheran,[3][4] he attendedWittenberg University inSpringfield, Ohio, where he studiedpolitical science.
While there, he was a member of theLambda Chi Alphafraternity. Richard S. Huffman was one of his instructors and directed him in a lead role inAristophanes'Lysistrata as well asMolière'sTricks of Scapin. After graduating in 1970, Rebhorn moved to New York City, where he earned aMaster of Fine Arts in acting fromColumbia University's School of the Arts,[5] and joined the metropolitan theater scene.
An early performance was inButterflies are Free at the Peterborough Players in New Hampshire in 1974. Rebhorn played Peter Latham inForty Carats at the GasLight Dinner Theatre in Salt Lake City in the 1970s. He was known both for portrayingWASPstereotypes, lawyers, politicians, doctors, andmilitary men, as well as portraying individuals engaged in or responsible for criminal behavior.
He delivered equally notable performances in a variety of other roles, including that of a brutalserial killer onNBC'sLaw & Order (he would later return to the show in the recurring role of defense attorney Charles Garnett), Ellard Muscatine inLorenzo's Oil (1992), Fred Waters inBlank Check (1994), Clyde Frost, the father of famed bullriderLane Frost, in8 Seconds (1994), Lt. Tyler inWhite Squall (1996), and a shipping magnate inThe Talented Mr. Ripley (1999).
One of his best known performances was in the popular 1996 filmIndependence Day, where he playedSecretary of Defense Albert Nimziki. He acted inScent of a Woman (1992), and played anexpert witness inMy Cousin Vinny (1992). He appeared inCarlito's Way as an obsessed district attorney the following year. Rebhorn played an FBI agent in the 1994 filmGuarding Tess.
Rebhorn played several roles on television, including an abusive stepfather, Bradley Raines, on the soap operaGuiding Light from 1983 to 1985, and anabusive father, Henry Lange, on sister soapAs the World Turns from 1988 to 1991. An earlier daytime role was as John Brady inTexas from 1981 to 1982.
In 1991, he played the role of Ezra in thetelevision movie/pilotPlymouth. He cameoed inMadonna's video for her single "Bad Girl" along withChristopher Walken (1993). In 1994, he appeared in an episode of theNickelodeon seriesThe Adventures of Pete & Pete, titled "Farewell, My Little Viking", as Mr. McFlemp.
In 1998, he played thedistrict attorney in thetwo part series finale ofSeinfeld. He appeared in supporting roles inRegarding Henry,The Game,The Talented Mr. Ripley andMeet the Parents. In 2003, he appeared in theChris Rock filmHead of State, as Democratic Senator Bill Arnot. In 2004, he appeared in the television miniseriesReversible Errors. His role in the short-lived and controversialNBC dramaThe Book of Daniel cast him as the father of the title character. From 2009 to 2013, Rebhorn played the recurring role of Reese Hughes, the FBI white-collar division chief, onWhite Collar.
Starting in 2011, Rebhorn appeared in theShowtime seriesHomeland as Frank Mathison, father of the series' main characterCarrie Mathison, played byClaire Danes. His character suffered frombipolar disorder like Danes's character did. However, Frank had been able to get it under control and became quite functional on a daily basis with the correct dosing of medications, and would often encourage Carrie to do the same. Rebhorn's death in 2014 meant his character died in the show as well. The fourth-season finale ofHomeland was dedicated to him.[6]
In 2004, he appeared on Broadway as Juror 4 in theRoundabout Theatre Company production ofTwelve Angry Men at theAmerican Airlines Theatre.
Rebhorn appeared as a judge inBaby Mama. In the movieThe Box, Rebhorn portrayed aNASA scientist. He had a recurring role on the seriesWhite Collar as Special Agent Reese Hughes. Rebhorn co-starred in theComedy Central sitcomBig Lake in 2010. He played Max Kenton's uncle in the movieReal Steel in 2011. He starred as Oren in the miniseriesComa. Rebhorn starred as Gary Pandamiglio in the 2012Mike Birbiglia comedySleepwalk with Me.
In 2012, he played the role of Archbishop McGovern in "Leap of Faith",[7] second-season episode of theCBS police procedural dramaBlue Bloods. He co-starred in the romantic comedyThe Perfect Wedding in 2013. His stage career included seven Broadway productions, as well as numerous appearances with New York City'sRoundabout Theatre Company.[8]
Rebhorn was married to Rebecca Linn and was the father of two daughters.[9]
Rebhorn died at his home inSouth Orange, New Jersey on March 21, 2014, as a result ofmelanoma, which he had been battling since 1992.[8][9] He was 65 years old. Rebhorn wrote his ownobituary.[10]
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1976 | The Yum-Yum Girls | Casting Director | |
| 1980 | He Knows You're Alone | Professor Carl Mason | |
| 1982 | Soup for One | Lawyer | |
| 1983 | Silkwood | Los Alamos Doctor | |
| 1985 | Cat's Eye | Drunk Businessman | |
| 1986 | Whatever It Takes | Michael Manion | |
| 1988 | The House on Carroll Street | The Official | |
| Heart of Midnight | Richard | ||
| 1990 | Desperate Hours | Prosecutor | |
| 1991 | Regarding Henry | Dr. Sultan | |
| Shadows and Fog | Hacker's Vigilante #1 | ||
| 1992 | My Cousin Vinny | George Wilbur | |
| Basic Instinct | Dr. McElwaine | ||
| White Sands | FBI Agent Flynn | ||
| Wind | George | ||
| Scent of a Woman | Mr. Trask | ||
| Lorenzo's Oil | Ellard Muscatine | ||
| 1993 | Carlito's Way | Bill Norwalk | |
| 1994 | Blank Check | Fred Waters | |
| 8 Seconds | Clyde Frost | ||
| Guarding Tess | Howard Schaeffer | ||
| I Love Trouble | Mando, The Thin Man | ||
| 1996 | White Squall | Tyler | |
| Up Close & Personal | John Merino | ||
| If Lucy Fell | Simon Ackerman | ||
| Independence Day | Albert Nimziki | ||
| My Fellow Americans | Charlie Reynolds | ||
| 1997 | The Game | Jim Feingold | |
| 1998 | All of It | Bill Holbeck | |
| 1999 | Snow Falling on Cedars | Alvin Hooks | |
| The Talented Mr. Ripley | Herbert Greenleaf | ||
| 2000 | The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle | President Signoff | |
| Meet the Parents | Dr. Larry Banks | ||
| 2001 | Scotland, PA | Norm Duncan | |
| Last Ball | Mr. Corcoran | ||
| 2002 | The Adventures of Pluto Nash | Belcher | |
| Far from Heaven | Dr. Bowman | ||
| 2003 | The Trade | John Torman | |
| Head of State | Senator Bill Arnot | ||
| Vacuums | Dirk Bentley | ||
| Cold Mountain | Doctor | ||
| 2004 | The Last Shot | Abe White | |
| 2006 | How to Eat Fried Worms | Principal Nelson Burdock | |
| Bernard and Doris | Waldo Taft | ||
| 2007 | Spinning into Butter | President Winston Garvey | |
| Anamorph | Chief Lewellyn Brainard | ||
| 2008 | Baby Mama | Judge | |
| An American Affair | Lucian Carver | ||
| 2009 | The International | New York D.A. | |
| Don McKay | Dr. Lance Pryce | ||
| The Box | Norm Cahill | ||
| 2010 | A Little Help | Dr. Bronstein | |
| The Sparrow and the Tigress | Ernest | ||
| 2011 | The Line | The Man | Short |
| Real Steel | Marvin | ||
| 2012 | Sleepwalk with Me | Frank | |
| The Odd Life of Timothy Green | Joseph Crudstaff | ||
| The Perfect Wedding | Richard Fowler | ||
| 2013 | Before I Sleep | Priest | Final film role |
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1977 | The Doctors | Tom Carroll | |
| 1981–1982 | Texas | John | Recurring cast member |
| 1982 | Will: G. Gordon Liddy | Peter Maroulis | Television film |
| 1983 | Sessions | Harry | Television film |
| 1983–1985/1989 | Guiding Light | Bradley Raines | Cast member |
| 1984 | He's Fired, She's Hired | Man on Phone | Television film |
| 1985 | ABC Weekend Special | Charlie Riley | Episode: "The Adventures of Con Sawyer and Hucklemary Finn" |
| 1985 | North and South | Major Anderson | Episode: "Episode Six" |
| Kane and Abel | Federal Prosecutor | Episode: "Episode Two" | |
| 1985–1986 | Search for Tomorrow | Al Miller | |
| Kate & Allie | Derek | 2 episodes | |
| 1985–1987 | Spenser: For Hire | Father Hoyt / Paul Manning | 2 episodes |
| 1986 | Rockabye | Arthur Reardon | Television film |
| A Deadly Business | Corbett | Television film | |
| The Equalizer | Eric | Episode: "Prelude" | |
| 1987 | Kojak: The Price of Justice | Quibro | Television film |
| 1988 | The Equalizer | Gant | Episode: "Last Call" |
| 1989 | Great Performances | Dr. Gibbs | Episode: "Our Town" |
| Kojak: Fatal Flaw | Slusher | Television film | |
| ABC Afterschool Special | Dan Jensen | Episode: "A Town's Revenge" | |
| Kojak: Ariana | Slusher | Television film | |
| 1990 | H.E.L.P. | Perry | Episode: "Fire Down Below" |
| Against the Law | Mayor | Episode: "We, the Jury" | |
| Wiseguy | Agent White | 3 episodes | |
| Everyday Heroes | Jim | Television film | |
| As the World Turns | Angus Oliver / Henry Lange | 3 episodes | |
| 1991 | Sarah, Plain and Tall | William Wheaton | Television film |
| Plymouth | Ezra | Television film | |
| Dead and Alive: The Race for Gus Farace | Timothy Lanigan | Television film | |
| 1992 | I'll Fly Away | Roger Thorne | Episode: "The Slightest Distance" |
| Deadly Matrimony | Lieutenant Lloyd Butler | Television film | |
| 1992–2008 | Law & Order | Charles Garnett / Dr. Horace Garrison / Albert Lawrence Cheney | 7 episodes |
| 1993 | JFK: Reckless Youth | St. John | 2 episodes |
| Skylark | William Wheaton | Television film | |
| 1994 | The Adventures of Pete & Pete | John McFlemp | 2 episodes |
| 1995 | The Buccaneers | Mr. Closson | Episode: "Invasion" |
| The Wright Verdicts | Will Garrett | Episode: "Special Prosecutor" | |
| 1996 | Mistrial | Mayor Taylor | Television film |
| 1997 | New York Undercover | Tuckett | Episode: "The Promised Land" |
| 1998 | From the Earth to the Moon | Harrison Storms | Episode: "Apollo One" |
| Seinfeld | District Attorney Hoyt | Episode: "The Finale" | |
| A Bright Shining Lie | AmbassadorEllsworth Bunker | Television film | |
| 1999–2002 | Third Watch | Captain Elchisak | 6 episodes |
| 2000 | Now and Again | GeneralFrederick Augustus Irving | 2 episodes |
| Hopewell | John Melville | Television film | |
| 2001 | Amy & Isabelle | Avery Clark | Television film |
| The Practice | Attorney John Rapherson | 2 episodes | |
| UC: Undercover | Deputy Warden Richard Petrocelli | Episode: "The Siege" | |
| 2003 | Hack | Richard Farrell | 2 episodes |
| 2004 | Reversible Errors | Erno Erdai | Television film |
| 2006 | Waterfront | Thomas Porter | 2 episodes |
| The Book of Daniel | Bertram Webster | 6 episodes | |
| Candles on Bay Street | Farmer Frieden | Television film | |
| 2007 | The Knights of Prosperity | Harrison Plunk | Episode: "Operation: Rent Money" |
| 2008 | Comanche Moon | Gov. Elisha Pease | Miniseries |
| Canterbury's Law | Dr. Allen Petch | Episode: "Baggage" | |
| Boston Legal | Wade Mathis | 2 episodes | |
| 2009 | Royal Pains | Will | Episode: "No Man Is an Island" |
| 2009–2013 | White Collar | Reese Hughes | 16 episodes |
| 2010 | 30 Rock | Dr. Kaplan | 2 episodes |
| Big Lake | Carl Franklin | 10 episodes | |
| 2011–2013 | Homeland | Frank Mathison | 8 episodes |
| 2012 | Blue Bloods | Archbishop McGovern | Episode: "Leap of Faith" |
| Coma | Oren | Miniseries | |
| Made in Jersey | Judge Hudnut | Episode: "Ridgewell" | |
| 2013 | The Good Wife | Wilkes Ingersol | Episode: "Boom De Yah Da" |
| Enlightened | Charles Szidon | 4 episodes |
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
| Artists | |
| People | |
| Other | |