Nathan Lane, born Joseph Lane on February 3, 1956, in Jersey City, New Jersey, is an acclaimed American actor known for his work on stage and screen. He has been active in the entertainment industry since 1975 and has received numerous awards, including three Tony Awards, seven Drama Desk Awards, a Laurence Olivier Award, three Emmy Awards, and a Screen Actors Guild Award.

Lane made his professional theatre debut in 1978 in an off-Broadway production of "A Midsummer Night's Dream". He gained widespread recognition for his roles in Broadway productions such as "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum," "The Producers," and "Angels in America". His film credits include "The Lion King," "The Birdcage," "Mouse Hunt," and "The Producers".