Tony Shalhoub spent his early life in Green Bay, Wisconsin. His father emigrated from Lebanon to the United States as an orphan at the age of ten, later marrying Shalhoub's mother, who herself originated from Lebanon. When Tony was just six he was introduced to the theater, in a school production of 'The King and I'. Tony graduated from Green Bay East High, then graduated with a bachelor's degree in drama from the University of Southern Maine before progressing to the Yale School of Drama, which he left with a Master's in 1980.

After a time in the American Repertory Theatre, he moved to Broadway where he met his future wife, Brooke Adams, who he married in 1992. On marrying her Tony adopted Brooke's own adopted child, Josie Lynn (b. 1989). They had a daughter, Sophie in 1993. Tony's first audition after arriving in Los Angeles was for the Italian cabdriver Antonio Scarpacci in the long-running sitcom Wings (1990), which also starred Tim Daly and Steven Weber. Tony also had roles in Men in Black, Men in Black II and Thir13en Ghosts. His biggest break came, however, playing the obsessive compulsive detective Adrian Monk in Monk (2002). The series turned him into a well known star, and earned him four straight Emmy Award nominations between 2003 and 2006, for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series. Tony won the trophy in 2003, 2005 and 2006, proving how popular he has become after the success of Monk, which continues to be very popular into its fifth series.
Tony is from Green Bay, Wisconsin. Two daughters Josie (b. 1989 - Brooke's adopted daughter, whom Tony later adopted) and Sophie (b. 1993). He is a Lebanese-American. Cousin of famous Chicago/LA radio personality Jonathon Brandmeier. Attended college at the University of Southern Maine in Portland, Maine. Sister-in-law is Lynne Adams. Directorial debut in Lynne Adams's film Made-Up. Graduated from USM in 1977. Keynote speaker at the University of Southern Maine graduation in 2003, his alma mater Brother of actor Michael Shalhoub. Has worked both with the Coen Brothers (Barton Fink, The Man Who Wasn't There) and their former cinematographer, Barry Sonnenfeld (Men in Black II). Attended Yale University. His family left Lebanon because of religious persecution. Was nominated for Broadway's 1992 Tony Award as Best Actor (Featured Role - Play) for Herb Gardner's "Conversations with My Father." Spent four seasons with the American Repertory Theatre in Cambridge, Massachusetts.