Emmy-nominated actor Gregory Itzin was born on April 20, 1948 in Washington, D.C. Originally dreaming of becoming a theater actor, he trained at the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco, and later appearing on different stage productions across the country. He has appeared in several award-winning productions staged by Los Angeles’ Matrix Theater Company, including roles in Waiting for Godot, The Homecoming and The Birthday Party. He was also nominated for Tony and Drama Desk awards for his role in the Pulitzer-winning drama The Kentucky Cycle.
Itzin is, however, is more known for his television roles. He first appeared in 1979, playing a small role in the miniseries Backstairs at the White House. He has since played guest roles in numerous television programs, such as Santa Barbara, Hill Street Blues, Murphy Brown, Bodies of Evidence, Beverly Hills 90210, Chicago Hope, JAG, The Closer, Party of Five, Without a Trace, The Practice, Friends and The OC. His first regular television role came in 1995, when he joined the case of the crime drama Murder One, being one of the few actors whose character stayed in both seasons. He also was a regular in the short-lived Comedy Central series Strip Mall.
Itzin is perhaps best known as Vice President Charles Logan in the action series 24. He joined the cast in the middle of the fourth season without having to audition for the role, as he knew one of the producers and auditioned previously. He eventually stayed throughout the fifth season (when his character became President) and in four episodes of the sixth. His performance earned him an Emmy nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
Itzin has also appeared in several films, the first being the 1980 release Airplane! His notable films include Young Goodman Brown, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, Small Soldiers, Original Sin and I Know Who Killed Me.