Norbert Leo Butz - A Look At His Life And Work
When you think of a performer who truly brings characters to life, someone who has graced stages and screens with a genuine spark, the name Norbert Leo Butz surely comes to mind. He is an American actor, a director, and even a soundtrack artist, widely recognized for his memorable turns in big shows like Wicked and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, and also for his part in the movie Dan in Real Life. This individual, so it seems, has a way of leaving a lasting impression on anyone who watches his work.
From his early days growing up in South St. Louis, Norbert Leo Butz found considerable success on Broadway, and as a matter of fact, in film and television too. His professional life has truly been a journey of varied acting experiences, stretching across theatre, television, and film, showing a real commitment to his craft. He never, you know, really spent much time alone, always surrounded by the hustle and bustle of his many projects or the warmth of his large family.
People often wonder about the person behind the performances, the life story that shapes such a varied professional path. We are going to look closer at Norbert Leo Butz, exploring his background, his many roles, and some of the things that make him stand out, giving you a pretty good idea of who he is. We will also touch on his family background, his personal details, and how he manages to do so much.
Table of Contents
- Biography - Norbert Leo Butz's Path
- Personal Details - Norbert Leo Butz
- What Makes Norbert Leo Butz So Special?
- Broadway Success - Norbert Leo Butz's Stage Presence
- Film and Television - Norbert Leo Butz on Screen
- How Did Norbert Leo Butz Start Out?
- What Are Norbert Leo Butz's Notable Performances?
- How Does Norbert Leo Butz Balance It All?
Biography - Norbert Leo Butz's Path
Norbert Leo Butz, born on January 30, 1967, in St. Louis, Missouri, came into the world as the seventh child of Elaine and Norbert A. Butz. He has, you know, a heritage that includes German, French, and Irish roots, giving him a pretty interesting background. His formative years in South St. Louis set the stage for what would become a truly diverse and successful professional life. He is an individual who has, in a way, consistently pushed the boundaries of his craft, moving from the bright lights of Broadway to the demanding sets of film and television productions.
Before he became widely recognized in the entertainment world, Norbert Leo Butz spent time learning about creative pursuits at the University of Alabama. This educational foundation, as a matter of fact, helped shape his abilities and prepared him for the journey ahead. He is, essentially, a person who has always been driven by a passion for performing, which is quite clear when you see the range of characters he has brought to life. His early experiences, even those before his acting fame, contributed to the strong individual he is today, giving him a real sense of character.
His professional life really began to take shape in the early 1990s, when he made his initial important tryout at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival. From that point on, Norbert Leo Butz, you know, steadily built a reputation as a gifted and adaptable performer. He has since become a familiar face and voice to many, earning a special place in the hearts of those who follow stage and screen productions. His journey shows a consistent dedication to his art, and he has, apparently, found a way to connect with audiences across various mediums.
Personal Details - Norbert Leo Butz
| Full Name | Norbert Leo Butz |
| Date of Birth | January 30, 1967 |
| Place of Birth | St. Louis, Missouri, USA |
| Parents | Elaine Bourisaw and Norbert A. Butz |
| Spouse | Michelle Federer |
| Children | Georgia Teresa Butz (youngest daughter mentioned) |
| Estimated Financial Holdings | Around $3 million |
| Known For | Broadway theatre, film, and television roles |
What Makes Norbert Leo Butz So Special?
What truly sets Norbert Leo Butz apart, you might ask? Well, it is his remarkable ability to move with ease between different forms of performance. He can, for instance, be seen delivering a powerful stage performance one moment and then appearing in a quiet, nuanced film role the next. This adaptability, you know, is something that few performers possess to such a degree. He brings a unique energy to every part he takes on, making each character feel authentic and memorable, which is a pretty special skill.
Another thing that makes Norbert Leo Butz stand out is his distinctive name. He has, in fact, kept what he playfully calls “the worst name ever ever ever ever,” despite some serious cautions from a drama teacher who suggested he change it to something like “Bert Lee.” This choice, in a way, reflects a certain confidence and an unwillingness to compromise who he is, which is quite refreshing. It is a little detail, but it tells you something about his character, and how he approaches things, too.
His performances are often noted for their emotional depth and genuine connection to the story. Whether he is singing a powerful song on stage or delivering a quiet line in a movie, you feel like he truly understands the person he is portraying. This commitment to truth in his work is, arguably, one of the main reasons why he has earned so much praise throughout his professional life. He has a way of drawing you into the story, making you forget you are watching an actor, which is a rare gift.
Broadway Success - Norbert Leo Butz's Stage Presence
Norbert Leo Butz has certainly made a significant mark on Broadway, becoming a beloved figure in the theatre community. He is, basically, most recognized for what he does on the stage, where his powerful voice and strong acting truly shine. His appearances in big shows like Wicked and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels have, you know, cemented his reputation as a top-tier stage performer. In Wicked, he brought a particular kind of energy to his part, captivating audiences night after night.
His work in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels also earned him considerable recognition, showing his comedic timing and versatility. These performances, and others, have not only entertained countless theatre-goers but have also brought him various honors for his contributions to the stage. He has a way of commanding attention when he is on stage, filling the space with his presence, which is quite something to see. He is, to be honest, someone who truly thrives in the live performance setting, giving his all every time.
Beyond these widely known productions, Norbert Leo Butz has taken on a variety of stage appearances, each one adding to his impressive list of accomplishments. He is, in some respects, a true chameleon on stage, able to adapt to different styles and genres of theatre. This dedication to the live performance experience is, apparently, a big part of what makes him such a respected figure in the world of Broadway. He truly understands the connection between performer and audience in a live setting, and it shows.
Film and Television - Norbert Leo Butz on Screen
While his stage work is widely celebrated, Norbert Leo Butz has also made a notable impact on screen, with appearances in both movies and television series. He showed his range in the film Dan in Real Life, where he played a part that resonated with many viewers. This movie, for example, allowed a wider audience to see his acting skills beyond the theatre, which was a pretty big step for him. He has, you know, a natural presence in front of the camera, too.
On the television side, Norbert Leo Butz has taken on a variety of main parts in different series. He stars as Norbert Bryl in Justified: City Primeval, which is a short run show that continues a story many people loved. This role, in a way, showcased a different side of his acting abilities, proving he can handle complex characters on the small screen. He is, essentially, a performer who can adapt to the demands of episodic storytelling, which is quite different from stage work.
His recent television appearances also include significant parts in the NBC series Debris, the PBS series Mercy Street, and the Netflix series Bloodline, where he began taking on the part of Kevin Rayburn in 2015. He also recently became a main actor in Disney’s Better Nate Than Ever. These various screen works demonstrate his versatility and his ability to contribute to different kinds of stories, from science fiction to historical dramas, which is pretty impressive, you know. He really seems to enjoy the challenge of working in different mediums.
How Did Norbert Leo Butz Start Out?
Norbert Leo Butz’s journey into the entertainment world began, as we know, in South St. Louis, where he grew up as part of a large Catholic family. This background, you know, likely instilled in him a certain set of values and a strong work ethic. He did not often find himself by himself, always surrounded by his many siblings, which might have contributed to his ability to connect with people and portray a wide range of human experiences. His early life, in a way, seems to have prepared him for a career that involves constant interaction and performance.
Before he launched himself onto the professional stage, Norbert Leo Butz dedicated time to learning about creative pursuits at the University of Alabama. This period of study, as a matter of fact, provided him with the foundational skills and theoretical knowledge that would serve him well throughout his professional life. It was here that he honed his abilities and developed his unique approach to acting, preparing for the many challenges ahead. He was, apparently, very serious about his studies, too.
One interesting detail about his early life comes from his time in Mattapoisett, Massachusetts, where he gained strength from his experiences working at the docks and on the vessels themselves. This kind of hands-on, physical work, you know, is quite different from acting, and it likely gave him a grounded perspective and a certain toughness that he carries into his performances. It is a bit of a contrast, actually, to the glamorous world of entertainment, showing a different side of his background. His initial important tryout in 1993 at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival, simply as Norbert Butz, was a key moment in starting his professional path.
What Are Norbert Leo Butz's Notable Performances?
When we talk about Norbert Leo Butz, certain performances immediately come to mind because they truly showcased his extraordinary abilities. His part in Wicked, for example, is one that many people remember. He brought a certain depth and charisma to the character, making it his own and leaving a lasting impression on those who saw the show. This role, you know, really helped establish him as a major force on Broadway, and it is still talked about today.
Another standout performance that comes up often is his work in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. Here, he displayed a fantastic sense of comedic timing and a knack for physical comedy, proving that he is just as capable of making people laugh as he is of making them feel deeply. This particular show, as a matter of fact, allowed him to show a different facet of his acting range, which is pretty impressive. He really knows how to deliver a punchline, too.
On screen, his part in Dan in Real Life offered a glimpse into his more subtle acting style, showing he can hold his own alongside big names in film. More recently, his work as Norbert Bryl in Justified: City Primeval has also drawn attention, proving his ability to take on complex characters in television series. These appearances, and others, truly highlight his versatility and his consistent ability to deliver memorable performances across different mediums, which is quite a feat, honestly. He is, essentially, a performer who consistently brings his A-game, no matter the project.
How Does Norbert Leo Butz Balance It All?
It is fair to wonder how Norbert Leo Butz manages to keep up with such a packed calendar, given his many acting jobs in theatre, television, and film. He is, apparently, someone who has a lot on his plate, yet he still finds time for his personal life. We know, for instance, that he is married to his partner Michelle Federer, and they have a daughter, Georgia Teresa Butz, who recently turned 14 years old. This balance between a demanding professional life and family time is, in a way, quite admirable.
Despite his busy schedule, which includes main parts in upcoming shows like the world premiere of Big, Norbert Leo Butz seems to find moments to share glimpses of his personal world. For example, he has, you know, shared wishes for his youngest daughter's birthday, showing that family remains a central part of his life. This personal touch helps people connect with him beyond his roles, seeing him as a person with a full and rich life, which is pretty nice.
People are also often curious about his preferred tunes, his future works, and the artists who shaped his sound. While specific details about his favorite songs or musical influences are not always widely publicized, the fact that he is also recognized as a soundtrack artist suggests a deep connection to music. He is, to be honest, a multi-talented individual who finds different avenues for creative expression, and that is a pretty compelling thing to consider. He has, essentially, a wide range of interests that fuel his professional life.
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Norbert König, deutscher Fernsehmoderator und Sportmoderator, Portrait
