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Lee Arenberg possesses a unique talent for transforming himself into a wide range of characters, from terrifying aliens and twisted psychotherapists to lecherous entertainment executives and beyond. Known primarily as a character actor, Arenberg has built a successful career spanning nearly two decades across television, stage, and film. He has appeared in over 30 films, including Cradle Will Rock (1999), RoboCop 3 (1993), Waterworld (1995), Bob Roberts (1992), The Apocalypse (1997), Cross My Heart (1987), and the fantasy adventure Dungeons & Dragons (2000). Inspired by acting at age eight when he played David in his Hebrew school play "Killing Goliath," Arenberg remarks that the story "could be the title of any actor’s chances in this game."
A native of Los Angeles, Arenberg attended Santa Monica High School alongside "brat pack" members Sean Penn, Robert Downey Jr., and Emilio Estevez. He co-wrote a play with Estevez that was directed by Penn. His first professional role came in 1986 at the Mark Taper Forum in the play "Ghetto," directed by Gordon Davidson. Shortly after, he secured roles in three films, including Norton in Tapeheads (1988) opposite Tim Robbins and John Cusack. His television guest appearances began in 1987 on the sitcom Perfect Strangers and have included memorable parts such as the parking space-stealing New Yorker on Seinfeld, the murderous rock promoter in Tales from the Crypt alongside Katey Sagal and Sam Kinison, as well as roles on Arli$$, Friends, Star Trek: The Next Generation, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, and Star Trek: Voyager. Arenberg also played the notoriously large studio head, Bobby G., on the syndicated comedy Action (1999) opposite Jay Mohr.
He credits his family and friends as his inspirations, noting that growing up on Los Angeles’ Westside allowed him to see actors as parents of friends and classmates, rather than just movie stars. This perspective gave him a realistic understanding of the industry and what he was entering. Arenberg cites "fear of failure" as his primary motivation and admires the talents and creativity of legendary actors like Paul Muni, Lon Chaney, and Boris Karloff. Much of his growth as an actor is attributed to his involvement with the Actors’ Gang, one of Los Angeles’ oldest theater companies, which he co-founded in 1981 with Tim Robbins and other UCLA friends. After two decades with the group, he recently made his writing and directing debut with Foursome, a play exploring golf, sex, and witchcraft.
In his free time, Arenberg enjoys golf, cooking, playing the blues harmonica, video games, and pitching for his softball team, Bubblin’ Crude, which includes fellow actors, many of whom are high school friends. He is active in charitable causes, supporting St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, other children’s health initiatives, and animal rights organizations, frequently participating in fundraising efforts for these causes.
