Robert Francis 'Bobcat' Goldthwait (born May 26, 1962) is an American comedian and most commonly known for his eccentric performance of the deranged Officer Zed in the Police Academy movie franchise.
He was born in Syracuse, New York in 1962. He decided on a career as a comedian at an early age and was performing professionally while still in high school at the age of 15. He attended Bishop Grimes High School in East Syracuse, graduating with voice actor Tom Kenny (the voice of Spongebob Squarepants) in the class of 1980. He, Tom Kenny and political satirist Barry Crimmins performed in a comedy trio, billing themselves as "The Generic Comics" and going by the stage names of "Bobcat, Bearcat and Tomcat". Early in his career, he co-wrote with Boston comedy writer Martin Olson who is listed as writer on his first two comedy specials, Share the Warmth (HBO) and Don't Watch This Show (Cinemax). Goldthwait became recognized as a solo stand-up comedian and had two televised concert specials in the 1980s: An Evening with Bobcat Goldthwait — Share the Warmth and Bob Goldthwait — Is He Like That All the Time?.
Goldthwait and Robin Williams had a short-lived comedy partnership for a while, using the names "Jack Cheese" and "Marty Fromage". Goldthwait used the name Jack Cheese when he appeared in the film Tapeheads, and when Williams made a cameo as Mime Jerry in Goldthwait's Shakes the Clown, he was billed as Marty Fromage.
Goldthwait has appeared in several movies. His first major role was in the Police Academy series. He starred in the 1986 comedy film One Crazy Summer, which also starred John Cusack, and his other big role was in the 1987 comedy film Burglar with Whoopi Goldberg. He also starred in Scrooged with Bill Murray. In 1992, Goldthwait wrote, directed, and starred in the movie Shakes the Clown. He also made a cameo appearance as an insane writer in the 1994 film Radioland Murders.
During the fall of 1993 Goldthwait did stand up material as an opening act for Nirvana on what would be their final North American tour, as well as the promo video for the band's album In Utero.
He has made several guest appearances on talk shows as well as comedy programs including The Ben Stiller Show. On May 9, 1994, Goldthwait made a controversial appearance on Tonight Show with Jay Leno where he set a couch on fire. This incident was then the basis of the plot for his subsequent appearance on The Larry Sanders Show and later inspired a pusedo-fire safety PSA on MadTV. He was also in the fifth episode of Space Ghost Coast to Coast, "Bobcat". He would later party with Space Ghost had The Ramones not stolen the cake, and later make an appearance in the 37th Anniversary special episode.
One of the most recognizable features of Goldthwait's performances is his voice. Goldthwait has voiced characters on the television series Capitol Critters (1992), The Moxy Show (1995), Unhappily Ever After (1995–1999), The Tick (1995), Hercules (1998–1999), and Buzz Lightyear of Star Command (2000). Goldthwait has also appeared as himself hosting the comedy quiz show Bobcat's Big Ass Show (1998).
Goldthwait released his first comedy album in 1988, entitled "Meat Bob". A second album, "I Don't Mean to Insult You, But You Look Like Bobcat Goldthwait", was released on Comedy Central Records on September 23, 2003. His film, "Windy City Heat", has won a Comedia Award for Best Comedy Film at Montreal's Just for Laughs Film Festival in 2004.
Goldthwait married Ann Luly in 1986 at the age of 24. The couple have two children (now grown), Tasha and Taylor, and were divorced in May 1998. Goldthwait met his next fiancée, Nikki Cox, when they co-starred on Unhappily Ever After in July of 1998. The two were engaged in June of 1999, but as of January of 2005 they were no longer engaged. They parted ways after a 6-year relationship and five years of engagement.
Goldthwait finished up his final gigs as a stand-up comic in 2005. The official final gig took place in Vegas on September 2005.
The March 28, 2005 article of the New York Post announced that Bobcat Goldthwait was the new director of ABC's "Jimmy Kimmel Live". He has been directing the show since the fall season of 2004. Since joining, ratings for the show increased to over 2 million viewers per night. The numbers have jumped to 50% with tough-to-attract teens. In May of 2006, he left to pursue his film career. He maintains contact with Jimmy Kimmel (they're best friends) and still directs for television and film.
His new girlfriend is longtime friend Sarah de sa Rego, a costume designer and co-producer of Sleeping Dogs Lie.
Goldthwait's 3rd and most recent feature Sleeping Dogs Lie (originally titled Stay) starring Melinda Page Hamilton was in the 2006 Sundance Film Festival and was part of the "Independent Dramatic Features" competition. Sleeping Dogs Lie is about a youthful, impulsive sexual encounter which opens the door to a dark comedy about the complexities of honesty. It was also nominated for the Grand Jury Prize in the "Dramatic Features" category. Goldthwait's film "Stay" was recently bought by Roadside Attractions & Samuel Goldwyn Films at the 2006 Sundance Film Festival for the North American rights to the film. Gaumont also bought it for the international rights to the film. The film's U.S. release was on October 20, 2006. "Sleeping Dogs Lie" will be released on February 21, 2007 under Gaumont in France - over 250 screens wide. It will also be released in the UK on March 16, 2007 as well.
