Frank Whaley's Biography

Actor Frank Whaley was born in syracuse, New York on July 20, 1963.� He has a brother, Robert, who is the lead singer of the New York based band The Niagaras, and two sisters. He attended Albany State University where he graduated with a BFA in theatre.� It was his older brother who originally wanted to become an actor but after attending an acting class with the latter he decided a career in acting was what he wanted to pursue.� Upon graduation he packed up and moved to New York City where he got his first big break acting opposite Jack Nicholson in "Ironweed". A couple small roles in films such as "Field of Dreams", "The Freshman", and "Born on the fourth of July" followed.� While filming the war film "A Midnight Clear" in early '92 Frank became good friends with actor Ethan Hawke and later formed a New York theatre company called Malaparte.� He is also a co-founder of the Naked Angels theatre group.� Frank has been able to work steadily through the '90's, popping up here and there in minor roles.� 1996's "Swimming with Sharks" gave Frank one of his few starring roles as an assistant to Kevin Spaceys character who takes revenge after being treated like s*$t.
In 1998 Frank wrote and directed his first film "Joe the King".� The film is supposedly somewhat autobiographical and tells the story of a young boy troubled by his surroundings who ends up taking the wrong path.� The film earned Frank the Waldo Salt screenwriting award which he shared with director Audrey Whells for her film "Guinevere". He was also nominated for a Gotham Award which celebrates independent filmmaking.
Frank is not only an actor/writer and director but an accomplished musician as well. He has been playing the drums for over twelve years and use to play for his brothers band.