David Schwimmer Biography

David Schwimmer, actor

Birthdate: November 12, 1966

Birthplace: Queens, New York

Sign: Scorpio

David Lawrence Schwimmer was born in Astoria, Queens, New York to Arthur Schwimmer and Arlene Colman. At age 2, the Jewish family moved to Los Angeles, where David attended Beverly Hills High School.

He attended Northwestern University as a theater major. He joined Delta Tau Delta Fraternity and Arts Alliance in addition to acting and directing. He co-founded Chicago's Looking Glass Theater Company in 1998 with seven other Northwestern graduates.

He scored a minor, but significant guest role in the 80s dramedy "The Wonder Years" as Michael, Karen Arnold's live-in boyfriend, and later her husband.

David achieved fame when he landed the role of Dr. Ross Geller in the hugely successful sitcom NBC sitcom "Friends." He was the first one from the other main casts to receive an Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series in 1995. He also directed 10 episodes of "Friends." The series ran from 1994 to 2004.

He appeared in numerous films including a memorable performance in the dramatic mini-series "Band of Brothers" as Captain Herbert Sobel. He also hosted Saturday Night Live in 1995.

David played the protagonist in the independent drama "Duane Hopwood," where he received critical acclaim for his role as an alcoholic in 2005. In 2007, he directed his first film in the form of the British comedy "Run, Fat Boy, Run."

David, who has never been married, was romantically linked to Natalie Imbruglia, Mili Avital, and Tina Barrett among others.