Originally a theater performer, Eric Bogosian has also made a contribution to film, applying his writing skills to several pictures, including his famous play, "Talk Radio", which was turned into a movie in 1988. Bogosian was born in Woburn, Massachusetts, to Edwina (Jamgochian), a hairdresser, and Henry Bogosian, an accountant. He is of Armenian descent. Bogosian graduated from Oberlin College. He moved to New York City after that, with the intent of working in the theater. He became known for his frequent character changes on stage, and used few props. His style was often a blend of dark comedy and social realism. Aside from acting, Bogosian also wrote theater scripts, including "subUrbia" (later made into a film) and "Talk Radio", which was nominated. His first on-screen appearance was in the documentary film, Born in Flames (1983), which talked about class-ism and sexism, among other things. It was praised at the Berlin Film Festival. After this, Bogosian acted in several different shows and films. These included the horror flick, Special Effects (1984), the well-known show, Miami Vice (1984), and Arena Brains (1987) (which he also co-wrote). In 1988, his well-received play, "Talk Radio", was adapted into a film. Bogosian wrote the screenplay (with assistance from Oliver Stone) and starred as the main character. Barry Champlain is the outspoken host of a show that is given the chance to broadcast to millions of people. Champlain must endure death threats, outsiders of society, and the kind of people who tune in the most. With Oliver Stone directing, the supporting cast featured Alec Baldwin, and John C. McGinley (who had been involved in the theatrical version). Bogosian won a Silver Bear for his brilliant screenplay and acting for the film, but it was not a commercial hit. Bogosian continued on with his career, starring alongside former co-star, John C. McGinley in Suffering Bastards (1989), a film about a man who recounts his life story to a girl he meets, and it is unclear whether he is lying or telling the truth. Bogosian followed this up with the hit TV show, Law & Order (1990), where he took a supporting role for two episodes. Also noteworthy is the Stephen King-adapted film, Dolores Claiborne (1995), which deals with a woman accused of murdering an elderly woman whom she worked for. That same year, Bogosian acted in the Steven Seagal-helmed action film Under Siege 2: Dark Territory (1995). The film was a success, bringing in twice its budget, but received mixed reviews. But it hasn't been just acting for Bogosian. His screen-writing credits included Chasing the Dragon (1987), "Arena Brains", Sex, Drugs, Rock & Roll (1991) and SubUrbia (1996). The latter two were both based on plays he wrote for theater. After "SubUrbia", Bogosian laid off screen-writing in favour of acting. His credits up to the 2000's include the Oscar-nominated comedy, Deconstructing Harry (1997) (directed by Woody Allen), the mystery thriller, Gossip (2000), and the romantic comedy, In the Weeds (2000). Bogosian made a few more films before acting in one of his most respected film choices: the emotional drama, Ararat (2002), by Atom Egoyan. The film, dealing with the Armenian genocide by the Turks, is a topic that Bogosian can relate to, and he acted alongside such legendary character actors as Christopher Plummer and Elias Koteas. After "Ararat", Bogosian acted in the comedic, Igby Goes Down (2002), the crime thriller, Wonderland (2003), starring Val Kilmer, and the less-than-expected action film, Blade: Trinity (2004). Recently, Bogosian has turned to television, and has returned to a show he knows well. He plays the promoted "Captain Daniel Ross" in the mystery series, Law & Order: Criminal Intent (2001). He is also set to co-star in the film, Cadillac Records (2008), which deals with the blues legends such as Muddy Waters, Etta James and Howlin' Wolf. Whether it be theater, film, or television, Eric Bogosian has made his mark on them all.
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