The heavy-set, stage-trained Pankin began appearing in NYC productions of Shakespeare after receiving his undergraduate degree in 1968. He subsequently appeared in productions at the New York Shakespeare Festival and was a company member at the Vivian Beaumont in 1972. After relocating to the West Coast, Pankin began a career in TV as a supporting player on a number of short-lived series, including "The San Pedro Beach Bums" (ABC, 1977) and "No Soap, Radio" (ABC, 1982), before landing a starring berth on the HBO satirical comedy "Not Necessarily the News" (1983-88). As reporter Bob Charles, Pankin was hilarious in various skits, particularly specializing in slow burns. He also voiced Earl Sinclair, the father, on the ABC sitcom "Dinosaurs" (1991-94).Pankin made his feature film debut in the all-star bust "Scavenger Hunt" (1979) and followed with other mediocre comic fare ("The Hollywood Knights" 1980; "Dirt Bike Kid" 1986; "Love at Stake" 1987), mixed with the occasional prestige picture ("Fatal Attraction" 1987; "Arachnophobia" 1990). In the 1990s, he continued to alternate between outright misfires ("Mannequin Two: On the Move" 1991 and "Silence of the Hams" 1994) and near misses ("Life Stinks" 1991, "I Love Trouble" (1994) and "Congo" (1995).
Profession(s):
Actor, comedian, producer, songwriter
Sometimes Credited As:
Education
Dickinson College Carlisle, Pennsylvania BA 1968
Columbia University New York, New York MFA 1971
CableACE Award Actor (Comedy Series) "Not Necessarily the News" 1986
CableACE Award Actor (Comedy Series) "Not Necessarily the News" 1985
1989 Starred with Eric Idle in the short-lived NBC sitcom "Nearly Departed"
1987 TV producing debut on eponymously titled Cinemax comedy special
1983 - 1988 Starred as reporter Bob Charles on HBO's comedy series "Not Necessarily the News"
1982 Featured in the short-lived ABC series "No Soap, Radio"
1979 Feature debut "Scavenger Hunt"
1979 Played recurring role of Benny Appleman on CBS primetime sudser "Knots Landing"
1977 TV acting debut in pilot for ABC series "The San Pedro Beach Bums"; subsequently co-starred in regular role of Anthony 'Stuff' Danelli
1968 NY stage acting debut in off-Broadway production of "The War of the Roses"
Voiced Earl Sinclair, the father, on ABC sitcom "Dinosaurs"
Co-starred on The WB sitcom "Nick Freno, Licensed Teacher"
