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July 8, 2024 7 mins
Alexander Rae Baldwin III, known to the world as Alec Baldwin, was born on April 3, 1958, in Amityville, New York. He is the second oldest of six children in a family that would see all four Baldwin brothers (Alec, Daniel, William, and Stephen) become actors. Baldwin grew up in Massapequa, a suburban town on Long Island, where his mother, Carol, was a homemaker and his father, Alexander, a high school history teacher and football coach. Baldwin attended Alfred G. Berner High School in Massapequa, where he was a standout football player. After high school, he enrolled at George Washington University and then transferred to New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, where he studied acting under the renowned coach Lee Strasberg. Baldwin graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 1994, by which time he had already begun his professional acting career. Rise to Fame Alec Baldwin's rise to fame began in the 1980s with television roles, notably as Billy Aldrich on the soap opera "The Doctors" and later on the primetime soap "Knots Landing." His breakthrough in film came with roles in "Beetlejuice" (1988), directed by Tim Burton, and "Working Girl" (1988). These roles showcased Baldwin's versatility and charisma, propelling him into Hollywood stardom. In 1990, Baldwin starred in "The Hunt for Red October" as Jack Ryan, a role that solidified his status as a leading man. Throughout the 1990s, Baldwin continued to demonstrate his range with performances in films like "Glengarry Glen Ross" (1992), "Malice" (1993), and "The Edge" (1997). Television Success and Continued Film Work While Baldwin enjoyed a successful film career, he also found significant success on television. From 2006 to 2013, he starred as Jack Donaghy on the NBC sitcom "30 Rock." Baldwin's performance earned him critical acclaim, winning two Emmy Awards, three Golden Globe Awards, and seven Screen Actors Guild Awards. His portrayal of the brash, yet charming network executive became one of the most beloved characters in television comedy. Simultaneously, Baldwin continued to work in film, appearing in diverse roles in "The Departed" (2006), "It's Complicated" (2009), and "Blue Jasmine" (2013). His ability to oscillate between comedy and drama underscored his reputation as one of the most talented actors of his generation. Voice Work and Other Ventures In addition to his on-screen work, Baldwin has had a successful career in voice acting. He provided the voice for characters in animated films such as "The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie" (2004), "Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa" (2008), and "The Boss Baby" (2017). Baldwin's distinctive voice also made him a popular choice for narrating documentaries and commercials. Baldwin is also known for his work on "Saturday Night Live," where his impersonation of Donald Trump became a cultural phenomenon. His recurring role on SNL earned him a Primetime Emmy Award and added another facet to his diverse career. Personal Life and Advocacy Baldwin's personal life has often been the subject of public interest. He was married to actress Kim Basinger from 1993 to 2002, with whom he has a daughter, Ireland Baldwin. In 2012, he married Hilaria Thomas, a yoga instructor, and the couple has seven children together. Outside of acting, Baldwin is a passionate advocate for various causes. He has been involved in animal rights, environmental conservation, and arts funding. He supports the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and has served as a board member of the Hamptons International Film Festival. Legal Troubles and Recent News Alec Baldwin's career has not been without controversy. In recent years, he has faced significant legal troubles related to the accidental shooting on the set of the film "Rust." On October 21, 2021, while rehearsing a scene, Baldwin discharged a prop gun, which tragically resulted in the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and injured director Joel Souza. The incident led to multiple lawsuits an
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