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Christopher Guest

Updated: Wikipedia source

Christopher Guest

Christopher Haden-Guest, 5th Baron Haden-Guest (born February 5, 1948), known professionally as Christopher Guest, is an American and British actor, comedian, screenwriter and director. Guest has written, directed, and starred in his series of comedy films shot in mockumentary style. He co-wrote and acted in the rock satire This Is Spinal Tap (1984), and later directed a string of satirical mockumentary films such as Waiting for Guffman (1996), Best in Show (2000), A Mighty Wind (2003), For Your Consideration (2006), and Mascots (2016). He also acted in the films Death Wish (1974), Little Shop of Horrors (1986), The Princess Bride (1987), and A Few Good Men (1992); and was a regular cast member on the 10th season of Saturday Night Live. Guest holds a hereditary British peerage as the 5th Baron Haden-Guest. He was active in the House of Lords until the 1999 reform abolished his seat. When using his title, he is normally styled as Lord Haden-Guest. Guest is married to the actress Jamie Lee Curtis.

Infobox

Preceded by
The 4th Baron Haden-Guest
Succeeded by
Seat abolished [a]
Born
Christopher Haden-Guest (1948-02-05) February 5, 1948 (age 77)New York City, U.S.
Spouse
mw- Jamie Lee Curtis (m. 1984)
Parent(s)
Peter Haden-Guest, 4th Baron Haden-Guest (father)Jean Pauline Hindes (mother)
Relatives
Elissa Haden Guest (sister) Nicholas Guest (brother) Anthony Haden-Guest (half-brother)
Education
Bard CollegeNew York University (MFA)

Tables

Coat of arms of Christopher Guest · Arms
Crest A caladrius displayed Sable, beaked, legged and charged on the breast with a sun in splendour Or. Escutcheon Sable two flaunches Or, three Welsh triple harps in fess counter-changed. Supporters Dexter: a leopard Sable semée of roundels and grasping in the interior paw a quill Or; Sinister: a leopard Or semée of roundels and grasping in the interior paw a quill Sable. Motto "NON NOBIS SOLUM NATI SUMUS" ("We are not born for ourselves alone" / "Not for ourselves alone do we come into the world").
· Filmography › Film
1971
The Hospital
Role(s)
Yes
Notes
No
1972
The Hot Rock
Role(s)
Yes
Notes
No
1973
National Lampoon Lemmings
Role(s)
Yes
Notes
Yes
1974
Death Wish
Role(s)
Yes
Notes
No
1975
The Fortune
Role(s)
Yes
Notes
No
Tarzoon: Shame of the Jungle
Role(s)
Yes
Notes
No
1978
Girlfriends
Role(s)
Yes
Notes
No
1979
The Last Word
Role(s)
Yes
Notes
No
1980
The Long Riders
Role(s)
Yes
Notes
No
The Missing Link
Role(s)
Yes
Notes
No
1981
Heartbeeps
Role(s)
Yes
Notes
No
Likely Stories, Vol. 1
Role(s)
Yes
Notes
Yes
1983
Likely Stories, Vol. 3
Role(s)
Yes
Notes
Yes
1984
This Is Spinal Tap
Role(s)
Yes
Notes
Yes
1985
Martin Short: Concert for theNorth Americas
Role(s)
Yes
Notes
No
1986
Little Shop of Horrors
Role(s)
Yes
Notes
No
1987
Beyond Therapy
Role(s)
Yes
Notes
No
The Princess Bride
Role(s)
Yes
Notes
No
1988
Sticky Fingers
Role(s)
Yes
Notes
No
1989
The Big Picture
Role(s)
No
Notes
Yes
1992
A Few Good Men
Role(s)
Yes
Notes
No
1994
The Return of Spinal Tap
Role(s)
Yes
Notes
No
1996
Waiting for Guffman
Role(s)
Yes
Notes
Yes
1998
Almost Heroes
Role(s)
No
Notes
No
Small Soldiers
Role(s)
Yes
Notes
No
2000
Best in Show
Role(s)
Yes
Notes
Yes
2003
A Mighty Wind
Role(s)
Yes
Notes
Yes
2005
Mrs Henderson Presents
Role(s)
Yes
Notes
No
2006
For Your Consideration
Role(s)
Yes
Notes
Yes
2009
Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian
Role(s)
Yes
Notes
No
The Invention of Lying
Role(s)
Yes
Notes
No
2012
Her Master's Voice
Role(s)
No
Notes
No
2016
Mascots
Role(s)
Yes
Notes
Yes
2025
Spinal Tap II: The End Continues
Role(s)
Yes
Notes
Yes
Year
Title
Actor
Screenwriter
Director
Producer
Role
Notes
1971
The Hospital
Yes
No
No
No
Resident
Uncredited
1972
The Hot Rock
Yes
No
No
No
Policeman
1973
National Lampoon Lemmings
Yes
Yes
No
No
Musical arranger
1974
Death Wish
Yes
No
No
No
Patrolman Jackson Reilly
1975
The Fortune
Yes
No
No
No
Boy Lover
Tarzoon: Shame of the Jungle
Yes
No
No
No
Chief M'Bulu / Short / Nurse
Voice only
1978
Girlfriends
Yes
No
No
No
Eric
1979
The Last Word
Yes
No
No
No
Roger
1980
The Long Riders
Yes
No
No
No
Charley Ford
The Missing Link
Yes
No
No
No
No Lobes
English version; voice
1981
Heartbeeps
Yes
No
No
No
Calvin
Likely Stories, Vol. 1
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
All roles (segment "Dead Ringer")
1983
Likely Stories, Vol. 3
Yes
Yes
No
No
Frankie (segment "Split Decision")
1984
This Is Spinal Tap
Yes
Yes
No
No
Nigel Tufnel
Composer, musician
1985
Martin Short: Concert for theNorth Americas
Yes
No
No
No
Rajiv Vindaloo
1986
Little Shop of Horrors
Yes
No
No
No
The First Customer
1987
Beyond Therapy
Yes
No
No
No
Bob
The Princess Bride
Yes
No
No
No
Count Tyrone Rugen
1988
Sticky Fingers
Yes
No
No
No
Sam
1989
The Big Picture
No
Yes
Yes
No
1992
A Few Good Men
Yes
No
No
No
Dr. Stone
1994
The Return of Spinal Tap
Yes
No
No
No
Nigel Tufnel
1996
Waiting for Guffman
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Corky St. Clair
1998
Almost Heroes
No
No
Yes
No
Small Soldiers
Yes
No
No
No
Slamfist/Scratch-It
Voices
2000
Best in Show
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Harlan Pepper
2003
A Mighty Wind
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Alan Barrows
2005
Mrs Henderson Presents
Yes
No
No
No
Lord Cromer
2006
For Your Consideration
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Jay Berman
2009
Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian
Yes
No
No
No
Ivan the Terrible
The Invention of Lying
Yes
No
No
No
Nathan Goldfrappe
2012
Her Master's Voice
No
No
No
Yes
2016
Mascots
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Corky St. Clair
2025
Spinal Tap II: The End Continues
Yes
Yes
No
No
Nigel Tufnel
· Filmography › Television
1975
Saturday Night Live with Howard Cosell
Role(s)
No
Notes
Yes
The Lily Tomlin Special
Role(s)
No
Notes
Yes
Kojak
Role(s)
Yes
Notes
No
1976
The Billion Dollar Bubble
Role(s)
Yes
Notes
No
TVTV Looks at the Oscars
Role(s)
No
Notes
Yes
TVTV: Super Bowl
Role(s)
No
Notes
Yes
The TVTV Show
Role(s)
Yes
Notes
Yes
1977
It Happened One Christmas
Role(s)
Yes
Notes
No
The Andros Targets
Role(s)
Yes
Notes
No
All in the Family
Role(s)
Yes
Notes
No
1978
Laverne & Shirley
Role(s)
Yes
Notes
No
Peeping Times
Role(s)
No
Notes
Yes
1979
Blind Ambition
Role(s)
Yes
Notes
No
The Chevy Chase National Humor Test
Role(s)
Yes
Notes
Yes
1980
Haywire
Role(s)
Yes
Notes
No
1982
Million Dollar Infield
Role(s)
Yes
Notes
No
A Piano for Mrs. Cimino
Role(s)
Yes
Notes
No
St. Elsewhere
Role(s)
Yes
Notes
No
1984–85
Role(s)
Saturday Night Live
Notes
Yes
1986
Shelley Duvall's Tall Tales & Legends
Role(s)
No
Notes
Yes
1989
Trying Times
Role(s)
No
Notes
No
Billy Crystal: Midnight Train toMoscow
Role(s)
Yes
Notes
No
I, Martin Short, Goes Hollywood
Role(s)
Yes
Notes
No
1991
Morton & Hayes
Role(s)
Yes
Notes
Yes
Amnesty International's Big 3-0
Role(s)
Yes
Notes
No
1992
The Simpsons
Role(s)
Yes
Notes
No
1993
Animaniacs
Role(s)
Yes
Notes
No
Attack of the 50 Ft. Woman
Role(s)
No
Notes
No
1999
Dilbert
Role(s)
Yes
Notes
No
2003
MADtv
Role(s)
Yes
Notes
No
2007, 2021
Role(s)
SpongeBob SquarePants
Notes
Yes
2009
Stonehenge: 'Tis a Magic Place
Role(s)
Yes
Notes
No
2012
84th Academy Awards
Role(s)
Yes
Notes
No
2013
Family Tree
Role(s)
Yes
Notes
Yes
Year
Title
Actor
Screenwriter
Director
Producer
Role
Notes
1975
Saturday Night Live with Howard Cosell
No
Yes
No
No
Variety series
The Lily Tomlin Special
No
Yes
No
No
TV special
Kojak
Yes
No
No
No
Sound Man (uncredited)
Episodes: "Question of Answers Pt. 1 & Pt. 2"
1976
The Billion Dollar Bubble
Yes
No
No
No
Al Green
TV film
TVTV Looks at the Oscars
No
Yes
No
No
TV special
TVTV: Super Bowl
No
Yes
No
No
The TVTV Show
Yes
Yes
No
No
Various
1977
It Happened One Christmas
Yes
No
No
No
Harry Bailey
TV film
The Andros Targets
Yes
No
No
No
Gordon Hamilton
Episode: "A Currency for Murder"
All in the Family
Yes
No
No
No
Jim
Episode: "Mike and Gloria Meet"
1978
Laverne & Shirley
Yes
No
No
No
Greg Harris
Episode: "Bus Stop"
Peeping Times
No
Yes
No
No
Television special
1979
Blind Ambition
Yes
No
No
No
Jeb Stuart Magruder
Miniseries
The Chevy Chase National Humor Test
Yes
Yes
No
No
Various
Television special
1980
Haywire
Yes
No
No
No
The T.V. Director
Television film
1982
Million Dollar Infield
Yes
No
No
No
Bucky Frische
A Piano for Mrs. Cimino
Yes
No
No
No
Philip Ryan
St. Elsewhere
Yes
No
No
No
Cummings
2 episodes
1984–85
Saturday Night Live
Yes
Yes
No
No
Various
19 episodes
1986
Shelley Duvall's Tall Tales & Legends
No
Yes
No
No
Episode: "Johnny Appleseed"
1989
Trying Times
No
No
Yes
No
Episode: "The Sad Professor"
Billy Crystal: Midnight Train toMoscow
Yes
No
No
No
The Voice
Stand-up special
I, Martin Short, Goes Hollywood
Yes
No
No
No
Antoninus DiMentabella
1991
Morton & Hayes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
El Supremo / Crooner /Dr. Von Astor
Directed 5 episodes; acted in 3 episodesComposed theme music
Amnesty International's Big 3-0
Yes
No
No
No
Nigel Tufnel
Television special
1992
The Simpsons
Yes
No
No
No
Nigel Tufnel
Episode: "The Otto Show"Voice
1993
Animaniacs
Yes
No
No
No
Umlatt
Episode: "King Yakko"Voice
Attack of the 50 Ft. Woman
No
No
Yes
No
Television film; also composer
1999
Dilbert
Yes
No
No
No
The Dupey
Episode: "The Dupey"Voice
2003
MADtv
Yes
No
No
No
Alan Barrows
Episode
2007, 2021
SpongeBob SquarePants
Yes
No
No
No
Stanley S. SquarePants / Clem Clam
2 episodes: "Stanley S. SquarePants", "Goofy Scoopers"Voice
2009
Stonehenge: 'Tis a Magic Place
Yes
No
No
No
Nigel Tufnel
3 episodes
2012
84th Academy Awards
Yes
No
Yes
No
Focus Group Member
Directed focus group segment
2013
Family Tree
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Dave Chadwick /Phineas Chadwick
3 episodes; also co-creatorComposed credits theme
· Filmography › Recurring cast members
This Is Spinal Tap
This Is Spinal Tap
WorkActor
This Is Spinal Tap
Col 2
The Big Picture
Col 3
Morton & Hayes
Col 4
Attack of the 50 Ft. Woman
Col 5
Waiting for Guffman
Col 6
Almost Heroes
Col 7
Best in Show
Col 8
A Mighty Wind
Col 9
For Your Consideration
Col 10
Family Tree
Col 11
Mascots
Col 12
Spinal Tap II: The End Continues
Bob Balaban
Bob Balaban
WorkActor
Bob Balaban
Col 6
Col 8
Col 9
Col 10
Col 11
Col 12
Ed Begley Jr.
Ed Begley Jr.
WorkActor
Ed Begley Jr.
Col 2
Col 8
Col 9
Col 10
Col 11
Col 12
Paul Benedict
Paul Benedict
WorkActor
Paul Benedict
Col 2
Col 4
Col 5
Col 6
Col 9
Jennifer Coolidge
Jennifer Coolidge
WorkActor
Jennifer Coolidge
Col 8
Col 9
Col 10
Col 12
Paul Dooley
Paul Dooley
WorkActor
Paul Dooley
Col 7
Col 8
Col 10
Fran Drescher
Fran Drescher
WorkActor
Fran Drescher
Col 2
Col 3
Col 13
Christopher Guest
Christopher Guest
WorkActor
Christopher Guest
Col 2
Col 4
Col 6
Col 8
Col 9
Col 10
Col 11
Col 12
Col 13
Rachael Harris
Rachael Harris
WorkActor
Rachael Harris
Col 8
Col 9
Col 10
John Michael Higgins
John Michael Higgins
WorkActor
John Michael Higgins
Col 8
Col 9
Col 10
Col 12
Col 13
Michael Hitchcock
Michael Hitchcock
WorkActor
Michael Hitchcock
Col 6
Col 8
Col 9
Col 10
Col 12
Don Lake
Don Lake
WorkActor
Don Lake
Col 6
Col 7
Col 8
Col 9
Col 10
Col 11
Col 12
Col 13
Eugene Levy
Eugene Levy
WorkActor
Eugene Levy
Col 6
Col 7
Col 8
Col 9
Col 10
Jane Lynch
Jane Lynch
WorkActor
Jane Lynch
Col 8
Col 9
Col 10
Col 12
Michael McKean
Michael McKean
WorkActor
Michael McKean
Col 2
Col 3
Col 4
Col 6
Col 8
Col 9
Col 10
Col 11
Col 13
Larry Miller
Larry Miller
WorkActor
Larry Miller
Col 6
Col 8
Col 9
Col 10
Catherine O'Hara
Catherine O'Hara
WorkActor
Catherine O'Hara
Col 4
Col 6
Col 8
Col 9
Col 10
Jim Piddock
Jim Piddock
WorkActor
Jim Piddock
Col 8
Col 9
Col 10
Col 11
Col 12
Parker Posey
Parker Posey
WorkActor
Parker Posey
Col 6
Col 8
Col 9
Col 10
Col 12
Rob Reiner
Rob Reiner
WorkActor
Rob Reiner
Col 2
Col 4
Col 6
Col 8
Col 9
Col 10
Col 13
Harry Shearer
Harry Shearer
WorkActor
Harry Shearer
Col 2
Col 6
Col 7
Col 9
Col 10
Col 12
Col 13
Fred Willard
Fred Willard
WorkActor
Fred Willard
Col 2
Col 6
Col 8
Col 9
Col 10
Col 11
Col 12
WorkActor
This Is Spinal Tap
The Big Picture
Morton & Hayes
Attack of the 50 Ft. Woman
Waiting for Guffman
Almost Heroes
Best in Show
A Mighty Wind
For Your Consideration
Family Tree
Mascots
Spinal Tap II: The End Continues
Bob Balaban
Ed Begley Jr.
Paul Benedict
Jennifer Coolidge
Paul Dooley
Fran Drescher
Christopher Guest
Rachael Harris
John Michael Higgins
Michael Hitchcock
Don Lake
Eugene Levy
Jane Lynch
Michael McKean
Larry Miller
Catherine O'Hara
Jim Piddock
Parker Posey
Rob Reiner
Harry Shearer
Fred Willard
· Awards and nominations
1976
Primetime Emmy Award
Role(s)
Outstanding Writing in a Comedy-Variety or Music SpecialShared with Ann Elder, Earl Pomerantz, Jim Rusk, Lily Tomlin, Rod Warren, George Yanok
Notes
The Lily Tomlin Special
1995
International Fantasy Film Award
Role(s)
Best Film
Notes
Attack of the 50 Ft. Woman
1998
Independent Spirit Award
Role(s)
Best Male Lead
Notes
Waiting for Guffman
Best ScreenplayShared with Eugene Levy
Role(s)
Nominated
Lone Star Film & Television Award
Role(s)
Best Director
Notes
Won
2001
DVD Exclusive Award
Role(s)
Best DVD Audio Commentary
Notes
This Is Spinal Tap
American Comedy Award
Role(s)
Funniest Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture
Notes
Best in Show
Golden Satellite Award
Role(s)
Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture, Comedy or Musical
Notes
Nominated
Independent Spirit Award
Role(s)
Best Director
Notes
Nominated
Writers Guild of America Award
Role(s)
Best Screenplay Written Directly for the ScreenShared with Eugene Levy
Notes
Nominated
2003
Seattle Film Critics Award
Role(s)
Best MusicShared with John Michael Higgins, Eugene Levy, Michael McKean, Catherine O'Hara, Annette O'Toole, Harry Shearer, Jeffrey C. J. Vanston
Notes
A Mighty Wind
2004
Grammy Award
Role(s)
Best Song Written for a Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual MediaShared with Eugene Levy, Michael McKean
Notes
Won
Year
Award
Category
Film
Result
1976
Primetime Emmy Award
Outstanding Writing in a Comedy-Variety or Music SpecialShared with Ann Elder, Earl Pomerantz, Jim Rusk, Lily Tomlin, Rod Warren, George Yanok
The Lily Tomlin Special
Won
1995
International Fantasy Film Award
Best Film
Attack of the 50 Ft. Woman
Nominated
1998
Independent Spirit Award
Best Male Lead
Waiting for Guffman
Nominated
Best ScreenplayShared with Eugene Levy
Nominated
Lone Star Film & Television Award
Best Director
Won
2001
DVD Exclusive Award
Best DVD Audio Commentary
This Is Spinal Tap
Won
American Comedy Award
Funniest Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture
Best in Show
Nominated
Golden Satellite Award
Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture, Comedy or Musical
Nominated
Independent Spirit Award
Best Director
Nominated
Writers Guild of America Award
Best Screenplay Written Directly for the ScreenShared with Eugene Levy
Nominated
2003
Seattle Film Critics Award
Best MusicShared with John Michael Higgins, Eugene Levy, Michael McKean, Catherine O'Hara, Annette O'Toole, Harry Shearer, Jeffrey C. J. Vanston
A Mighty Wind
Won
2004
Grammy Award
Best Song Written for a Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual MediaShared with Eugene Levy, Michael McKean
Won
· External links
Preceded byBrad Hall
Preceded byBrad Hall
Media offices
Preceded byBrad Hall
Media offices
"Weekend Update" anchor 1984–1985
Media offices
Succeeded byDennis Miller
Peerage of the United Kingdom
Peerage of the United Kingdom
Media offices
Peerage of the United Kingdom
Media offices
Preceded byBrad Hall
"Weekend Update" anchor 1984–1985
Succeeded byDennis Miller
Peerage of the United Kingdom
Preceded byPeter Haden-Guest
Baron Haden-Guest 1996–present Member of the House of Lords(1996–1999)
IncumbentHeir presumptive:Hon. Nicholas Haden-Guest

References

  1. Under the House of Lords Act 1999.
  2. The Guardian Weekend
    https://www.theguardian.com/film/2004/jan/10/features.weekend
  3. The Palgrave Dictionary of Anglo-Jewish History
    https://books.google.com/books?id=_T_HCg17ufIC
  4. The New York Times Magazine
    https://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/12/magazine/12guest.html
  5. Adam and Cain: Symposium of Old Bible History, Sumerian Empire, Importance of Blood of Race, Juggling Juggernaut of the Leaders of the Jews, the Gothic Civilization of Adam and the Ten Commandments of His Church
  6. The Jewish Journal of Greater Los Angeles
    http://www.jewishjournal.com/home/preview.php?id=16799
  7. The Guardian Weekend
    https://www.theguardian.com/film/2004/jan/10/features.weekend
  8. Fresh Air, WHYY
    https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=14081515
  9. "NYU Graduate Acting Alumni"
    http://gradacting.tisch.nyu.edu/object/ga_alumbios.html
  10. The New York Times
    https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2019/12/14/arts/television/SNL-history.html
  11. The Guardian
    https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2023/mar/05/eugene-levy-reluctant-traveler-schitts-creek-interview
  12. "A conversation with director Christopher Guest"
    https://web.archive.org/web/20081201094915/http://www.charlierose.com/shows/2003/05/12/1/a-conversation-with-director-christopher-guest
  13. All Things Considered
    https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=100007776
  14. Ad Age
    https://adage.com/videos/us-census-bureau-preproduction-location/436
  15. "Taxpayers to Fork Out $2.5 Million for Single Census Ad During Super Bowl"
    https://www.foxnews.com/politics/taxpayers-to-fork-out-2-5-million-for-single-census-ad-during-super-bowl
  16. The Boston Globe
    http://archive.boston.com/ae/celebrity/articles/2011/10/18/christopher_guest_parties_for_berklee/
  17. The Independent
    https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/features/christopher-guest-from-spinal-tap-to-family-tree-8695950.html
  18. Mascots
    https://variety.com/2015/digital/news/christopher-guest-netflix-movie-mascots-1201567417/
  19. Rolling Stone
    https://www.rollingstone.com/movies/movie-news/princess-bride-reunion-table-read-1058955/
  20. IMDb
    https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5566790/fullcredits/
  21. GRAMMY.com
    https://www.grammy.com/grammys/awards/46th-annual-grammy-awards
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