John Lurie (born December 14, 1952) is an American musician, painter, actor, director, and producer. He co-founded
The Lounge Lizards jazz ensemble, has acted in 19 films, including
Stranger than Paradise and
Down by Law, has composed and performed music for 20 television and film works, and produced, directed, and starred in the
Fishing with John television series. In 1996 his soundtrack for
Get Shorty was nominated for a
Grammy Award, and his album
The Legendary Marvin Pontiac: Greatest Hits has been praised by critics and musicians alike.