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Northern
Exposure fans know Paul
Provenza from his role as Dr. Philip Capra,
Fleischman's replacement as Cicely's town
doctor, but few know of Provenza's long road to Cicely.
Born and raised
in New York City, Provenza graduated from the prestigious Bronx
High School of Science in 1975. Even before he graduated, Provenza
was writing and performing standup comedy. He wrote " little radio
shows," acted in school plays, and begged his way on stage at a
local nightclub. After high school, Provenza went on to the University
of Pennsylvania, but continued to perform standup on weekends. He
graduated with the first Theatre Arts degree in the history of the
university and then continued his studies in London with the Royal
Academy of Dramatic Arts. Since then, he has done everything from
Shakespeare in London to specials on Comedy Central.
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Provenza
is perhaps best known for his comedy. His one-man show, The
Incredible Man-Boy for Showtime, which he wrote, produced,
and performed, was critically acclaimed. One of his many projects
for Comedy Central, Comics Only, was nominated for two Cable Ace
Awards. In addition, Provenza has also appeared as a comedian on
almost every major talk show.
Provenza did
not just limit himself to standup -- he also made innumerable TV
appearances before he joined the cast of Northern Exposure.
He was a series regular on Empty Nest, as well as the star
of his own show, The Pursuit of Happiness. Viewers may
also remember him from appearances on The Facts of Life
and Under the Influence. Since Northern Exposure,
Provenza has concentrated on comedy projects and a return to theater,
appearing in the title role of Steve Martin's Picasso at the
Lapin Agile.
After Northern
Exposure, Provenza was in films Nothing
Sacred (1997), The
Hungry Bachelor's Club (1999), Fixing
Frank (2002), and Stealing
Candy (2002). He has had a handful of television appearances
including The
West Wing.
In 2005, Provenza
directed a short film documentary, "The
Aristrocrats." Produced by Penn Jillette (Penn & Teller),
the film debuted at Sundance.
See
Paul
Provenza's Bio page At Patterson & Associates. Read an interview
about his role on NX. More on TV
Tome. |