Charles Grodin

"Charles Grodin is a man of many talents," said Jeff Fager, executive producer of the broadcast. "Among them is that he is a prolific writer whose books and essays display a rare ability to comment on current events and our daily lives."

Most recently, Grodin served as a contributor to NBC's Today Show and Court TV. He hosted The Charles Grodin Show, broadcast on CNBC (1995-98) and MSNBC (1998-99), and was nominated for four CableACE Awards, the cable television industry's highest award.

Grodin recently completed his yet-to-be-released memoirs, So You Want to Be a Talk Show Host. He has also authored three critically acclaimed books: It Would Be So Nice If You Weren't Here (1989), How I Get Through Life (1991) and We're Ready for You, Mr. Grodin (1992). Grodin also wrote the children's book, Freddy the Fly (1991) and has contributed articles to The New York Times, Esquire and The Village Voice.

He has starred in several films and has written, directed and produced many award-winning television specials.

Grodin was born in Pittsburgh and now lives in Connecticut with his wife and son. His birth date is April 21.