Timothy Britten Parker
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Timothy Britten Parker (born February 8, 1962), also known as Toby, is an American stage, film, and television actor. He was born in Iowa City, Iowa and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. He moved to New York City with his family in 1977 as he began pursuing his professional career.
Toby is one of eight children. He has three brothers and four sisters, most of whom also have careers in the entertainment industry, including siblings Sarah Jessica Parker and Pippin Parker.
[edit] Professional career
In October of 1976, Toby Parker made his Broadway debut at the Morosco Theatre in a revival of the play The Innocents, adapted and directed by Harold Pinter. In 1978, Toby was cast in Runaways, which made its Off-Broadway premiere at The Public Theatre and later moved to Broadway at the Plymouth Theatre. He was in the original cast of The Visit at Criterion Center Stage Right in 1992, where he played the roles of Ottilie Schill, Pedro Cabral, and Wechsler. In 1996, Toby joined Anthony Rapp, Adam Pascal, Daphne Rubin-Vega, Taye Diggs, Wilson Jermaine Heredia, and Idina Menzel in the Broadway cast of Rent. His track included Gordon in Life Support, the man in Christmas Bells, Mr. Grey in La Vie Boheme, and others. His voice can be heard on Rent's original Broadway cast recording. Toby appeared with the rest of the cast to perform "Seasons of Love" and "La Vie Boheme" at the 1996 Tony Awards. Among the four awards the show won that evening was a Tony Award for Best Musical. The original cast has reunited to celebrate the show's 5th and 10th anniversaries in special one-night concerts.
Since 1991, Toby has had a recurring role as a Forensics Technician on Law & Order with Rent co-star Jesse L. Martin. His film credits include Marshall Fine in Gold Coast by Elmore Leonard, Anita Liberty, a researcher in Quiz Show, Bill in The Last Supper by Daryl Hannah, and the M.C./King of Comedy in Joey Breaker.
In the spring of 2005, Toby was cast in the First National Tour Cast of Wicked, which opened in Toronto, Canada, originating the role of Doctor Dillamond. He left the tour cast on March 28, 2006 to join the show's sit-down production in Chicago, replacing Steven Skybell, until December 2006.
Toby originated the role of Doctor Dillamond in the Los Angeles sit-down production of Wicked, which opened in February 2007, and left the company on May 25, 2008. He will join the Broadway production of Wicked beginning in September 2008.
[edit] Naked Angels
Along with eleven other theatre artists, including his brother Pippin Parker, Toby co-founded Naked Angels Theater Company in New York City in 1986. Taking its name from John Tytell's book, the company focuses on giving new and upcoming artists an opportunity to showcase their works. Hundreds of readings, workshops, and productions have emerged at the theatre over the years. Through the company's Issues Project, Naked Angels has raised awareness for social and political issues by bringing them to life in theatrical works.
