Grant Shaud has long been a familiar and versatile face on television, carving out a respected niche as both a comedic and dramatic performer. Best known for his portrayal of the earnest, slightly neurotic TV producer Miles Silverberg on the hit series Murphy Brown, Grant Shaud’s performance became a standout element of the show’s success during its original run from 1988 to 1998. Born Edward Grant Shaud III on February 27, 1961, in Evanston, Illinois, he initially pursued journalism at the University of Richmond, graduating in 1983. But soon after, driven by a passion for acting, Grant Shaud made the move to New York City to chase his dreams in theater and film.
His early screen appearances were modest but promising—like his role as a college student and cable access director on Kate & Allie (CBS, 1984–1989). He then transitioned into more serious roles, appearing in Oliver Stone’s Wall Street (1987), where he played one of the young, ambitious professionals orbiting Michael Douglas’s Gordon Gekko. However, it was his casting as Miles Silverberg—a quintessential ‘80s yuppie with big ideas and even bigger anxieties—that truly launched Grant Shaud into the spotlight. On Murphy Brown, his character provided a perfect comic contrast to Candice Bergen’s sharp, no-nonsense journalist, earning Grant Shaud critical acclaim. Over eight seasons, he received six Viewers for Quality Television Award nominations for Best Supporting Actor and shared a Screen Actors Guild nod for the show’s outstanding comedy ensemble.
Before the start of the show’s ninth season, Grant Shaud stepped away from the series, choosing instead to explore a broader range of roles across television and stage. He delivered a compelling performance as Robert Carbee, co-designer of the lunar module, in HBO’s acclaimed miniseries From the Earth to the Moon (1998). He also took on recurring roles in various series, including playing the father of young Grant Rosenmeyer’s character on Fox’s Oliver Beene (2003–2004), showcasing his ability to portray grounded, relatable family men.
Beyond screen work, Grant Shaud maintained a strong presence in theater. In 2011, he appeared in the Broadway anthology Relatively Speaking, which featured short plays by Woody Allen, Elaine May, and Ethan Coen—proof of his enduring appeal in live performance. Meanwhile, his voice became recognizable to fans of animated shows through roles in Batman: The Animated Series (Fox, 1992–1995) and The Wild Thornberrys (Nickelodeon, 1998–2004).
As the 2000s progressed, Grant Shaud remained consistently active on television. He popped up in multiple guest spots each year, bringing his signature blend of wit and sincerity to shows like Louie (FX, 2010–2015) and Curb Your Enthusiasm (HBO, 2000– ). Later, he enjoyed a recurring role on TVLand’s Younger (2015– ), playing a close friend of Peter Hermann’s character, further cementing his status as a reliable and talented supporting actor.
Then, in 2018, fans welcomed back Grant Shaud to the role that made him famous—he reprised Miles Silverberg in CBS’s revival of Murphy Brown. It was a nostalgic yet timely return, proving that Grant Shaud’s talent and charm continue to resonate across generations of viewers.
When it comes to Grant Shaud’s filmography, fans and critics alike often point to Antz (1998) as his standout performance—widely regarded as Grant Shaud’s highest rated movie. It’s no surprise that this animated hit, with its stellar voice cast and clever storytelling, helped boost Grant Shaud’s reputation in the industry. On the other end of the spectrum, Waltzing Anna (2006) tends to receive less favorable reviews, making it Grant Shaud’s lowest rated film to date. While opinions may vary, the contrast between these two projects highlights the range of roles Grant Shaud has taken on throughout his career. Still, many would agree that Grant Shaud shines brightest when part of a well-crafted ensemble, like in Antz, rather than more niche or underperforming efforts such as Waltzing Anna.