Overview

Peter Riegert (born April 11, 1947) is an American actor, screenwriter, and movie director known for a long career in film, television and theatre. He emerged in feature films in the late 1970s and has since built a reputation for playing wry, often world-weary characters in comedies and dramas alike. Riegert’s work spans supporting and leading parts, ensemble comedies, character-driven dramas and episodic television.

Career and notable roles

Riegert first drew wide attention for his role as Donald "Boon" Schoenstein in the college-set comedy that became a touchstone of 1970s American film. He later appeared as the laconic "Mac" MacIntyre in the British-set drama Local Hero, and created memorable supporting characters in mainstream Hollywood fare — for example, portraying a tough, straight-laced police officer in a major comic-action picture and a quick-talking gangster in a farcical caper. On television he took recurring parts, including a politically charged role as a New Jersey assemblyman on the HBO series The Sopranos.

Work as writer and director

Alongside acting, Riegert has written and directed projects for film and stage, bringing a performer’s sensibility to storytelling and character development. His behind-the-camera work is less prolific than his acting, but it reflects an interest in intimate, character-focused narratives and in translating theatrical techniques to screen.

Style and reception

Critics and audiences have praised Riegert for his dry delivery, precise comic timing and ability to lend depth to supporting characters. He often plays figures who are pragmatic, slightly ironic and emotionally guarded, which has made him a reliable presence in ensemble casts and an adaptable performer across genres.

Selected film and television highlights

  • Animal House — ensemble comedy breakthrough
  • Local Hero — sympathetic small-town lead (see Local Hero)
  • Oscar — comedic crime role
  • The Mask — supporting role in a high-profile studio comedy
  • The Sopranos — recurring television role

Riegert’s career demonstrates a steady, versatile presence in American entertainment: a character actor who has occasionally headed projects behind the camera and who remains recognized for several emblematic screen performances.