FRED MELAMED - Nov 09,2012

Fred Melamed received his theatrical training at Hampshire College and the Yale School of Drama. His voice became a familiar presence on television, serving as the sound of the Olympics, Mercedes Benz, CBS Sports, USA Network, the Superbowl, and numerous commercials and television programs. He became known within the industry as a voice actor, appearing in the "Grand Theft Auto" series, and dubbing several actors entire performances in films. But it was for his portrayal of "sensitive" villain Sy Ableman, in Joel and Ethan Coens 2009 film, "A Serious Man," which was nominated for Best Picture, at the 2010 Academy Awards, that he became most widely known. About that character, "Film Confessional" said, "Sy Ableman is as great a contemporary movie villain as The Joker, Hans Landa, or Anton Chigurh...The character Fred Melamed contrives is the years most brilliant force of destruction." For his performance in "A Serious Man," Melamed, along with the Coen Brothers, the films Ensemble and Casting Directors, won Film Independents "Independent Spirit Robert Altman Award." "New York Magazine" listed Melameds work as among the Best Performances of 2009, and Empire called Sy Ableman "One of The Best Alternative Coen Characters of All Time". Michael Philips of The Chicago Tribune and Roger Ebert said his performance was worthy of Academy Award nomination. On television, he plays Larry Davids smug psychiatrist, "Dr. Arthur Thurgood," on "Curb Your Enthusiasm," and tough-guy jurist "Judge Alan Karpman," on "The Good Wife." Currently he can be seen in the new release, "Fred Wont Move Out," co-starring Elliott Gould.

Fred Melamed