Image credits: Wikimedia Commons
Wayne Knight
August 7, 1955
New York City, US
71 Years Old
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Who Is Wayne Knight?
Wayne Elliot Knight is an American actor and voice actor, recognized for his distinct comedic timing and versatile character portrayals. His roles often bring memorable depth to ensemble casts.
His breakout moment arrived with his portrayal of Dennis Nedry in the 1993 film *Jurassic Park*, a performance that garnered him a Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actor nomination.
Early Life and Education
Born in New York City, Wayne Elliot Knight’s family moved to Cartersville, Georgia, where his father, William Knight, worked in the textile industry. He was raised in a Catholic household and played as a lineman on his high school football team.
Knight attended the University of Georgia, where he was an honors student before leaving to pursue acting. He later returned to complete his degree in 2008 after an internship at the Barter Theatre in Virginia.
Notable Relationships
A string of high-profile romances has not been the focus for Wayne Knight, who married makeup artist Paula Sutor in 1996; they later divorced in 2003. He then married Clare de Chenu in 2006.
Knight and his current wife, Clare de Chenu, share one son, Liam Knight, maintaining a private family life in Toluca Lake, Los Angeles.
Career Highlights
Wayne Knight anchored his place in television history with his iconic role as the scheming mailman Newman on the NBC sitcom *Seinfeld*, appearing from 1992 to 1998. He also portrayed Officer Don Orville on *3rd Rock from the Sun*.
Knight achieved widespread recognition for his memorable film role as Dennis Nedry in Steven Spielberg’s 1993 blockbuster *Jurassic Park*, which earned him a Saturn Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. He has also lent his voice to beloved characters like Al McWhiggin in *Toy Story 2* and Tantor in *Tarzan*.
Signature Quote
“Whatever road you've been given, enjoy that road.”