Jeff Goldblum's Life in Photos

Mar. 15, 2025

Jeff Goldblum in August 2018.Photo:Shutterstock/Andrea Raffin

Shutterstock/Andrea Raffin

Jeff Goldblumhas found a way in life.The actor, best known for his charismatic performance as Dr. Ian Malcolm in the 1993 classicJurassic Park, has built an impressive résumé over his 50 years in the industry. His filmography ranges from thrilling sci-fi films likeInvasion of the Body Snatchersto quirky comedy dramas likeThe Grand Budapest Hotel. He’s also established himself as a talented jazz musician, releasing three albums with the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra.See Goldblum’s life in photos, from his earliest roles andJurassic Parkbreakthrough to first-time fatherhood, jazz endeavors andWicked.

Jeff Goldblumhas found a way in life.

The actor, best known for his charismatic performance as Dr. Ian Malcolm in the 1993 classicJurassic Park, has built an impressive résumé over his 50 years in the industry. His filmography ranges from thrilling sci-fi films likeInvasion of the Body Snatchersto quirky comedy dramas likeThe Grand Budapest Hotel. He’s also established himself as a talented jazz musician, releasing three albums with the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra.

See Goldblum’s life in photos, from his earliest roles andJurassic Parkbreakthrough to first-time fatherhood, jazz endeavors andWicked.

01of 10

Jeff Goldblum’s Childhood

Jeff Goldblum in 1980.American Broadcasting Companies via Getty

American Broadcasting Companies via Getty

Jeffrey Lynn Goldblum was born on Oct. 22, 1952, in West Homestead, Pennsylvania, to Shirley and Harold Goldblum. He grew up with one sister, Pamela, and two brothers, Lee and Rick.

When he was 17, he left Pennsylvania for New York City to study under the legendary acting instructor Sanford Meisner.

02of 10Jeff Goldblum’s First RolesJeff Goldblum in ‘Death Wish’ (1974).CBS via GettyHe made his Broadway debut in 1971 in the ensemble of theTony-winning playThe Two Gentlemen of Verona. His first on-screen appearance came as a home invader in 1974’sDeath Wish. Goldblum later gained notoriety for his performance in the 1978 sci-fi horrorInvasion of the Body SnatchersoppositeDonald SutherlandandBrooke Adams.He credited the film for helping him develop his signature line delivery, recalling a scene he did toNerdistin 2018 where he stammered through a line.“[Director Phil Kaufman] appreciated the way I had done that. It wasn’t a big Goldblumism, but I thought, ‘That’s kind of… I sort of… I think I found something,’ “ he told the outlet.

02of 10

Jeff Goldblum’s First Roles

Jeff Goldblum in ‘Death Wish’ (1974).CBS via Getty

CBS via Getty

He made his Broadway debut in 1971 in the ensemble of theTony-winning playThe Two Gentlemen of Verona. His first on-screen appearance came as a home invader in 1974’sDeath Wish. Goldblum later gained notoriety for his performance in the 1978 sci-fi horrorInvasion of the Body SnatchersoppositeDonald SutherlandandBrooke Adams.

He credited the film for helping him develop his signature line delivery, recalling a scene he did toNerdistin 2018 where he stammered through a line.

“[Director Phil Kaufman] appreciated the way I had done that. It wasn’t a big Goldblumism, but I thought, ‘That’s kind of… I sort of… I think I found something,’ “ he told the outlet.

03of 10

Jeff Goldblum and Geena Davis’ Marriage

Jeff Goldblum and Geena Davis at the Oscars in March 1990.Frank Trapper/Corbis via Getty

Goldblum, whose first marriage withSilveradocostar Patricia Gaul was ending, hit it off withGeena Davison the set of 1985’sTransylvania 6-5000. The couple later starred in the acclaimed sci-fi horrorThe Flyand 1988’sEarth Girls Are Easy. They married in 1987, but Davis filed for divorce from the actor in October 1990, and it was finalized the next year.

“The great Geena Davis, everybody,” Goldblum said to introduce his ex-wife.

04of 10‘90s Blockbuster StarJeff Goldblum as Dr. Ian Malcolm in ‘Jurassic Park’ (1993).Murray Close/GettyPerhaps his most memorable role came in 1993 as mathematician Dr. Ian Malcolm inJurassic Park. Due to the character’s popularity, he became the main protagonist of the 1995 novel’s sequel,The Lost World, and its film adaptation,The Lost World: Jurassic Park.“I’m the voice of wisdom and reason and insight and conscience in this movie,” he described the character toGood Morning Americain 1993. “I have a passionate idea that I gotta get off my chest about the scruples in science and the respect for nature and the way that science and the power of technology can be used without morality.”Goldblum found more success with the 1996 sci-fi action filmIndependence Day, playing MIT-educated engineer David Levinson.

04of 10

‘90s Blockbuster Star

Jeff Goldblum as Dr. Ian Malcolm in ‘Jurassic Park’ (1993).Murray Close/Getty

Murray Close/Getty

Perhaps his most memorable role came in 1993 as mathematician Dr. Ian Malcolm inJurassic Park. Due to the character’s popularity, he became the main protagonist of the 1995 novel’s sequel,The Lost World, and its film adaptation,The Lost World: Jurassic Park.

“I’m the voice of wisdom and reason and insight and conscience in this movie,” he described the character toGood Morning Americain 1993. “I have a passionate idea that I gotta get off my chest about the scruples in science and the respect for nature and the way that science and the power of technology can be used without morality.”

Goldblum found more success with the 1996 sci-fi action filmIndependence Day, playing MIT-educated engineer David Levinson.

05of 10

Working with Wes Anderson

Jeff Goldblum as Vilmos Kovacs in ‘The Grand Budapest Hotel’ (2014).20th Century Fox/Kobal/Shutterstock

20th Century Fox/Kobal/Shutterstock

Goldblum andWes Andersonhave become frequent collaborators since the actor appeared in the award-winning director’s 2004 filmThe Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou. He has had roles in Anderson’sThe Grand Budapest Hotel(2014) [pictured],Isle of Dogs(2018) andAsteroid City(2023).

06of 10Jeff Goldblum Marries Emilie LivingstonJeff Goldblum and Emilie Livingston at the 2024 Vanity Fair Oscar Party held at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on March 10, 2024 in Beverly Hills, California.Christopher Polk/Variety via GettyGoldblum began dating former Olympic rhythmic gymnastEmilie Livingstonin 2011 after the pair met at the gym.“I liked her right away,” he recalled onConan O’Brien’slate-night talk showin 2017.On Nov. 8, 2014, GoldblummarriedEmilie Livingston at the Chateau Marmont in Los Angeles after a three-month engagement.

06of 10

Jeff Goldblum Marries Emilie Livingston

Jeff Goldblum and Emilie Livingston at the 2024 Vanity Fair Oscar Party held at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on March 10, 2024 in Beverly Hills, California.Christopher Polk/Variety via Getty

Christopher Polk/Variety via Getty

Goldblum began dating former Olympic rhythmic gymnastEmilie Livingstonin 2011 after the pair met at the gym.

“I liked her right away,” he recalled onConan O’Brien’slate-night talk showin 2017.

On Nov. 8, 2014, GoldblummarriedEmilie Livingston at the Chateau Marmont in Los Angeles after a three-month engagement.

07of 10Jeff Goldblum as a DadRiver Joe Goldblum, Jeff Goldblum, Emilie Livingston and Charlie Ocean Goldblum.Michael Buckner/Variety/Penske Media/GettyHe became afirst-time dadat age 62, when Livingston gave birth to their firstsonCharlie in 2015. They had another son, River, in 2017. Reflecting on his age when he became a father, Goldblum toldiNewsin 2018 that he is “glad” he waited.“It feels great to do it right now, because all the things I’m considering are perfectly suited to the big questions and challenges of having kids, and what you want to expose them to,” he explained. “What you want to leave them with, what life is, and what kind of life you contribute to them.”

07of 10

Jeff Goldblum as a Dad

River Joe Goldblum, Jeff Goldblum, Emilie Livingston and Charlie Ocean Goldblum.Michael Buckner/Variety/Penske Media/Getty

Michael Buckner/Variety/Penske Media/Getty

He became afirst-time dadat age 62, when Livingston gave birth to their firstsonCharlie in 2015. They had another son, River, in 2017. Reflecting on his age when he became a father, Goldblum toldiNewsin 2018 that he is “glad” he waited.

“It feels great to do it right now, because all the things I’m considering are perfectly suited to the big questions and challenges of having kids, and what you want to expose them to,” he explained. “What you want to leave them with, what life is, and what kind of life you contribute to them.”

08of 10

Jeff Goldblum as Grandmaster in ‘Thor: Ragnarok’.Jasin Boland/Marvel Studios

Jasin Boland/Marvel Studios

The 2010s saw Goldblum return to his iconic characters — and rise to the occasion in new ones for Marvel films. In 2017, he portrayed the ageless Grandmaster (pictured) inThor: RagnarokalongsideChris Hemsworth,Cate BlanchettandTom Hiddleston, as well as in a credits scene forGuardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.

After 20 years, theEmmy-nominated actor reprised his role as Dr. Ian Malcolm for a cameo inJurassic World: Fallen Kingdom. He reunited withJurassic ParkcostarLaura Dernin the following installment,Jurassic World Dominion.

Although Goldblumdoesn’t see a futurefor Ian Malcolm in theJurassicuniverse, he believes the character has more relevance today than ever.

09of 10Jeff Goldblum & the Mildred Snitzer OrchestraJeff Goldblum performs with The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra in Milan in October 2023.Sergione Infuso/Corbis via GettyWith over 50 years of jazz piano experience, Goldblum released his first album in November 2018, a jazz record with the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra.The Capitol Studios Sessionsspawned two more jazz LPs from Goldblum and the orchestra, 2019’sI Shouldn’t Be Telling You Thisand 2023’sPlays Well with Others.

09of 10

Jeff Goldblum & the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra

Jeff Goldblum performs with The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra in Milan in October 2023.Sergione Infuso/Corbis via Getty

Sergione Infuso/Corbis via Getty

With over 50 years of jazz piano experience, Goldblum released his first album in November 2018, a jazz record with the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra.The Capitol Studios Sessionsspawned two more jazz LPs from Goldblum and the orchestra, 2019’sI Shouldn’t Be Telling You Thisand 2023’sPlays Well with Others.

10of 10

Jeff Goldblum’s Recent Roles

Jeff Goldblum as The Wizard of Oz in ‘Wicked’ (2024).Giles Keyte/Universal Pictures

Giles Keyte/Universal Pictures

He recently led the short-lived Netflix comedyKaosas Zeus, king of the Greek gods. Just over a month afterKaos’ release, the streaming service announced that the series was canceled.

Goldblum plays another all-powerful character in the movie musicalWicked(pictured), costarringAriana Grande,Cynthia ErivoandMichelle Yeoh.

source: people.com