Robert Elmer Balaban (born August 16, 1945) is an American actor, director, producer, and writer. He gained widespread recognition for his performances in films such as Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977), where he portrayed interpreter David Laughlin, Altered States (1980), Gosford Park (2001), and Capote (2005). Balaban has also appeared in numerous films by Wes Anderson, including Moonrise Kingdom (2012), The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014), and Isle of Dogs (2018). In addition to acting, he has worked extensively as a director, producer, and author, earning a reputation as one of Hollywood's most respected character actors.