Nathan Lane (born February 3, 1956) is a Tony Award- and Emmy Award-winning American actor of the stage and screen. He is known for his roles as Albert in The Birdcage, Max Bialystock in the musical (as well as the film) The Producers, and his voice work in The Lion King and Stuart Little.

Played the Cowardly Lion in "The Wizard of Oz in Concert" (1996) Co-host of 1995 Tony Awards Telecast Host of 1996 Tony Awards Telecast

Originally named Joseph Lane, he changed his name because he heard of another actor named Joseph Lane. He chose the name Nathan after the character of Nathan Detroit from the Broadway musical "Guys and Dolls". Coincidentally, he later played that role in the hugely successful 1992 revival of "Guys and Dolls" on Broadway.

Starred on Broadway as Max Bialystock in "The Producers" and Pseudolus in "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum". Zero Mostel played both characters in the earlier film versions. He won Tony Awards for both roles. When he accepted his second Tony, he looked up and thanked Mostel's "spirit" for inhabiting him somehow.

May 28, 1991: Starred in the first production of Terrence McNally's play "Lips Together, Teeth Apart" with Swoosie Kurtz, Christine Baranski, and Anthony Heald.

Attended St. Peter's Preparatory High School in Jersey City, New Jersey. Class of 1974, where he was voted "Best Actor."

Father was a New Jersey police officer.

His second Broadway show was "Merlin", one of the most notorious, expensive flops in Broadway history. The show was conceived as a vehicle for the magic of Doug Henning (I), with Henning in the title role; other stars of the production included Chita Rivera and a young Christian Slater.

Won two Tony Awards as Best Actor (Musical): in 1996 for playing Pseudolus in a revival of "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum;" and in 2001 for playing Max Bialystock in "The Producers, the new Mel Brooks musical." He was also nominated in the same category in 1992 for playing Nathan Detroit in a revival of "Guys and Dolls."

He and Broadway co-star Matthew Broderick (I) were awarded a joint star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on 9th Jan 2006.

Frequently works with Matthew Broderick (I). They appeared together in the films 'The Lion King (1994) , The Lion King 2 (1999) , The Lion King 1 1/2 (2004) , and Producers, The (2005). They also appeared together in the original Broadway production of "The Producers", and in a revival of "The Odd Couple".

Was a guest at Sarah Jessica Parker's 40th birthday.

Was considered to play the role of George Costanza in _"Seinfeld (1992)"_.