Peter Scolari was a celebrated American actor renowned for his remarkable versatility across television, stage, and film. But who exactly was Peter Scolari? This article delves into the life and career of this talented performer, tracing his journey from his early aspirations to his memorable roles and lasting legacy.
Born on September 12, 1955, in New Rochelle, New York, Peter Scolari’s upbringing in Scarsdale laid the foundation for his future in the performing arts. He was the son of Arthur Scolari, a lawyer with Italian heritage and a former semi-professional baseball player, and Barbara Scolari, a singer who later dedicated herself to helping others at the Tidewater Psychiatric Institute. Growing up alongside his siblings, Scolari’s early exposure to the arts sparked a passion that would define his life. Even as a young teen, at just 13, he began exploring his talents with animation voice work and participation in school plays at Edgemont High School. A pivotal moment arrived at 16 when he starred in “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.” This experience solidified his ambition to pursue acting as a professional career.
In 1972, Scolari enrolled at Occidental College in Los Angeles as a theater arts major, but the sudden loss of his father prompted his return to New York a year later. This period marked a significant chapter in his artistic development as he joined the Colonnades Theater Lab in Manhattan. This repertory theater became a crucial training ground, where he honed his skills alongside notable figures like Danny DeVito, Rhea Perlman, Jeff Goldblum, and Michael O’Keefe. His time at Colonnades was rich with experience, encompassing numerous off-Broadway productions and even serendipitous encounters, such as meeting Finnish actor Paavo Tammim, who introduced him to the art of juggling. Always eager to expand his repertoire, Scolari also immersed himself in mime and unicycle riding, showcasing his commitment to diverse performance skills. His performance in the 1974 production “Reflections” garnered critical acclaim from The New York Times, signaling his burgeoning talent. By 1979, he decided to return to Los Angeles, ready for new opportunities.
The 1980s marked Scolari’s breakthrough into mainstream television with the sitcom “Bosom Buddies,” co-starring Tom Hanks. Initially, Scolari was working on a guest role on a nearby set when he was discovered and auditioned for “Bosom Buddies”. Just days later, the pilot was filmed, launching a show that quickly gained popularity. Although “Bosom Buddies” was unfortunately canceled after two seasons, it proved to be a pivotal moment, establishing Scolari as a comedic talent. He seamlessly transitioned into another successful sitcom, “Newhart,” from 1984 to 1990. Initially a recurring character, Michael Harris, Scolari’s charm and comedic timing resonated with audiences, leading to a regular cast position from the third season onwards. His work on “Newhart” earned him three consecutive Primetime Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series from 1987 to 1989, solidifying his status as a prominent television actor.
Scolari continued to grace television screens in the following decades, taking on memorable roles such as Wayne Szalinski in the Disney sitcom “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids: The TV Show” (1997-2000) and Tad Horvath in the HBO series “Girls” (2012-2017). His role in “Girls” was particularly significant, earning him the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series in 2016, a testament to his enduring talent and range. Beyond these prominent roles, Scolari also made recurring appearances in series like “Gotham” (2015) and “Evil” (2019-2021), showcasing his ability to inhabit diverse characters across genres. His film credits include roles in “The Rosebud Beach Hotel” (1984), “Corporate Affairs” (1990), “That Thing You Do!” (1996), and “The Polar Express” (2004), further demonstrating his versatility.
On stage, Peter Scolari continued to shine. He portrayed Yogi Berra in “Bronx Bombers” (2014) and appeared in productions like “Sly Fox” (2004), “Magic/Bird” (2012), and “Lucky Guy” (2013). He also stepped into replacement roles in Broadway musicals, including “Hairspray” in 2003 and “Wicked” in 2016, adding musical theatre to his impressive repertoire.
Peter Scolari’s life was tragically cut short when he passed away from leukemia on October 22, 2021, in Manhattan at the age of 66. He had been living with the diagnosis for two years. Peter Scolari’s career was marked by his incredible range and dedication to his craft. From comedic sitcoms to dramatic roles on stage and screen, he consistently delivered memorable performances. His legacy remains as a testament to his talent and the indelible mark he left on the entertainment industry.
