Robbins studied drama at UCLA where he graduated with honors in 1981. That same year, he formed the Actors' Gang, an experimental ensemble that expressed radical political observations through the European avant-garde form of theater. He started film work in TV movies in 1983, but hit the big time in 1988 with his portrayal of the dimwitted fastball pitcher "Nuke" Laloosh in Bull Durham. Tall with baby-faced looks, he has the ability to play naive and obtuse (Cadillac Man and The Hudsucker Proxy) or slick and shrewd (The Player and Bob Roberts).


Has played in the Heroes of Hockey game at the National Hockey League's All-Star Game. His father, Gil Robbins, was a member of the folk-music group The Highwaymen. His mother is actress Mary Robbins. Has a brother, David Robbins and sister Adele Robbins. Two sons with partner Susan Sarandon: Miles Robbins and Jack Henry Robbins. He and Sarandon have been together since 1988 - 2009. By age 12, he was already a member of the Theater for the New City, an avant-garde acting troupe. Chosen by Empire magazine as one of the 100 Sexiest Stars in film history (#94). [1995] A long-time Green Party member (along with partner, Susan Sarandon), he was repeatedly criticized by other Hollywood stars for voting for Ralph Nader in the controversial 2000 election. He wrote a small essay about why he made the choice in the August 6, 2001, edition of "The Nation," a monthly progressive magazine. [August 2001] LA Weekly cover story detailed his struggle taking creative control of The Actors' Gang, the theater company he founded in 1981. Many long-time members of the group left the company during the controversy. [August 2001] Attended anti-war rally in London on 15th February 2003. Was considered for the role of Dr. Doom in Fantastic Four (2005) and Eddie Darko in Donnie Darko (2001). During an interview with Charlie Rose regarding the 10-year anniversary of The Shawshank Redemption (1994), he said he regarded that film, Bull Durham (1988), Dead Man Walking (1995), and Mystic River (2003) as the highlights of his career so far. Is good friends with John Cusack, in addition to being his co-star in six films: Bob Roberts (1992), Cradle Will Rock (1999), High Fidelity (2000), The Player (1992), The Sure Thing (1985), and Tapeheads (1988). Was considered for the role of Charles Van Doren in Quiz Show (1994), when Steven Soderbergh was offered the opportunity to direct it. Was in attendance at Chris Penn's funeral. Partner of Susan Sarandon from 1988 to 2009. The have two children together. Played in the Boston Bruins Legends Classic Hockey Game (January 2010). Despite his reputation as a ultra-liberal activist (which has frequently led him to be the target of Republican criticism), Robbins has donated significant amounts of money to Republican, as well as Democratic, candidates for public office. This includes $500.00 he gave to the ultimately successful 2006 U.S. congressional campaign of Michele Bachman, R-MN, who is a prominent and vocal far-right opponent of nearly every Democratic and liberal proposal and policy.