An American composer and actor, born in New Jersey, USA, on October 22, 1959. He received his first credits in Saturday Night Live. His first notable cinematic work was in the movie Misery (1990). His other notable movies include City Slickers (1991), When Harry Met Sally... (1989), and The American President (1995). Shaiman won a Grammy, an Emmy, and a Tony Award for the musical Hairspray, and was nominated for several Oscars.