Timothy Busfield Biography

Timothy Busfield is an American actor, director, and producer whose career has spanned more than four decades across television, film, and the stage. He is best known for his Emmy-winning work on the landmark drama series Thirtysomething, his recurring role as reporter Danny Concannon on The West Wing, and memorable turns in films like Field of Dreams and Revenge of the Nerds.

Timothy built his reputation in the 1980s with steady television work, including roles on Trapper John, M.D., Family Ties, and the ensemble drama Thirtysomething, where his portrayal of Elliot Weston earned multiple Emmy nominations and a win for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series in 1991. During this period he also broke through on the big screen, playing Arnold Poindexter in Revenge of the Nerds and the antagonistic brother‑in‑law Mark in the baseball fantasy classic Field of Dreams.

Busfield has maintained a prolific presence on television, appearing as a series regular or recurring player on more than 20 shows, including The West Wing, Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, Ed, Sleepy Hollow, Designated Survivor, Almost Family, One Dollar, and the legal drama For Life. His film credits range from thrillers like Sneakers and Quiz Show to family favorites such as Little Big League, in which he combined his acting with his real‑life passion for baseball.

In addition to acting, Busfield has established himself as a respected television director, having helmed more than 140 episodes of series including Thirtysomething, Sports Night, This Is Us, The Fosters, Without a Trace, Las Vegas, Designated Survivor, The Night Shift, The Rookie and The Cleaning Lady. He has also worked as a producer on various projects, further solidifying his reputation as a versatile behind‑the‑camera talent.

Busfield’s long‑running collaboration with writer‑producer Aaron Sorkin, from Broadway’s A Few Good Men through The West Wing and Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, has been a defining thread in his career. With hundreds of professional credits, he is recognized as one of television’s most durable character actors, seamlessly shifting between drama and comedy while expanding his influence as a director and producer.

He is married to third wife, Melissa Gilbert, best known for her long-running role as Laura Ingalls on the 1970s TV series Little House on the Prairie. He has three children from his previous marriage.