Peter Riegert's unfailing ability to slip effortlessly into almost any role, be it dramatic, comedic, or musical, has enabled him to work continuously in films, television and on stage for three decades. Riegert marked time in a series of jobs from teaching eighth grade to waiting tables before he decided he wanted to pursue a career as an actor. Soon after settling on show business, the Bronx native joined the improvisational comedy troupe, War Babies. He obtained his Equity card playing Chico Marx in the stage musical Minnie's Boys and went on to appear in several theatrical productions, including the 1976 Off-Broadway hit Sexual Perversity in Chicago by David Mamet. Riegert has appeared memorably in more than 30 films, including the recently SAG and Oscar®-awarded TRAFFIC (2000), the classic LOCAL HERO (1983), opposite Burt Lancaster, the memorable romantic comedy CROSSING DELANCEY (1988) and the perennial comedy favorite, ANIMAL HOUSE (1978). He also starred in the THE MASK (1994), opposite Jim Carrey, PASSED AWAY (1992), and OSCAR (1991) opposite Sylvester Stallone, THE OBJECT OF BEAUTY (1991) and MAN IN LOVE (1987), among many others. Riegert starred in Showtime's "Bojangles," opposite Gregory Hines, and in the 2001 season's first several episodes of "The Sopranos." He was seen in the ABC drama "The Beast." Riegert has appeared in many made-for-TV movies including, "The Baby Dance," "North Shore Fish" and "Face Down." Other cable features include "The Infiltrator" "Gypsy," opposite Bette Midler, and "Barbarians At The Gate," opposite James Garner, among many others. On network television, Riegert was featured in the infamous final episode of "Seinfeld" and the movies "Jacqueline Susann, The Element Of Truth," "Mystery Dance," "Ellis Island," and the comedy series "Middle Ages." On Broadway, Riegert has starred in David Mamet's The Old Neighborhood, An American Daughter, The Nerd, Censored, Scenes From King Kong and Dance With Me, and on the off-Broadway stage in Road To Nirvana, The Birthday Party, Isn't It Romantic, Sexual Perversity In Chicago and A Rosen By Any Other Name. His experience as an actor -- as well as his pre-acting career as a social worker -- sustained him in his directorial debut of the short film BY COURIER (2000), based on an 0'Henry short story. Legendary jazz musician Al Cooper composed the music for the film which was honored with an Academy Award® nomination as Best Live Action Short Film. Riegert adapted and directed BY COURIER, employing a host of friends and well wishers in his low-budget effort. His acting experience helped him in inspiring his actors, while his social work experience came in handy in managing the ensuing chaos when both a tornado and torrential rains threatened to scuttle the production, which was planned for and only for that particular weekend in upstate New York. The film subsequently was shown successfully at the Telluride and Hamptons Film Festivals prior to earning its Oscar nod.  Nominated for Achievement in Live Action Short Films 2000: BY COURIER - Producer (w. Ericka Frederick) 1 nomination