The New School for Drama has announced that award-winning actor John Turturro will be the distinguished Artist-in-Residence for the 2008—09 academic year. Turturro is the recipient of a multitude of awards and accolades for his extensive acting work in theater, film, and television. Most recently, he was nominated for a SAG Award for his portrayal of Billy Martin in ESPN's The Bronx Is Burning, and starred in Samuel Beckett's Endgame at the Brooklyn Academy of Music to critical acclaim.

Turturro will teach several master classes in the fall and spring semesters. Moderated by New School Drama Director Robert LuPone, Turturro will address the drama school in a town hall meeting, where he will describe his stage and film experiences and answer student questions. “I am looking forward to the opportunity to support the artistic growth of students at The New School for Drama,” said Turturro of his residency, which will coincide with his filming Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen. “I hope my experiences, including both the obstacles and successes, will connect with them and help them find their path in this challenging industry.”

Turturro studied at the Yale School of Drama. In his theatrical debut, he created the title role of John Patrick Shanley's Danny and the Deep Blue Sea, for which he won an Obie Award and a Theater World Award. Turturro has performed in more than 60 films. Most recently, he appeared in Robert De Niro's The Good Shepherd, Michael Bay’s Transformers, Noah Baumbach's Margot at the Wedding, and Barry Levinson's What Just Happened? He just finished filming Columbia Pictures’ The Taking of Pelham One Two Three opposite Denzel Washington and John Travolta.