David Schultz (born September 19, 1960) is an American actor, writer, and director best known for his roles in films such as The Goonies, Gremlins, The Shawshank Redemption, and 2 Guns. He was born in New York City, and grew up in Long Island, where he attended Oyster Bay High School.
Schultz began his career in the entertainment industry as a stand-up comedian in the late 1970s and early 1980s. He honed his skills performing at clubs around the New York City area, and eventually opened for Jerry Seinfeld and other notable comedians. After several years of stand-up, he began appearing in small roles on television shows such as The Equalizer and Miami Vice.
In 1985, Schultz made his feature film debut in The Goonies, playing the role of Data's father, Chester Copperpot. The role earned him a Young Artist Award nomination for Best Young Actor. After The Goonies, he went on to star in the cult classic Gremlins, playing the role of Randall Peltzer.
In the early 1990s, Schultz began appearing in larger roles in films, such as The Shawshank Redemption, 2 Guns, and Apollo 13. He also appeared in a number of television shows, including Roseanne, Home Improvement, and NYPD Blue.
In addition to his work as an actor, Schultz has also written and directed several films, including the independent feature The Last Supper and the short film Five Fingers. He also served as executive producer of the film The Immaculate Misconception.
David Schultz continues to be active in the entertainment industry today. He has recently appeared in the films Christine and The Judge, as well as television shows such as Bones and Castle. He is currently in pre-production on the independent feature film, The Same Kind of Different.
Throughout his career, Schultz has been nominated for a number of awards, including a Young Artist Award, a Saturn Award, and an Independent Spirit Award. He has also received several accolades for his writing and directing work.
