Edward Herrmann was an American stage, film, and television actor.

Edward Herrmann (full name Edward Kirk Herrmann) was born on July 21, 1943, in Washington, D.C., the son of Jean Eleanor (O'Connor) and John Anthony Herrmann. Edward had German roots on his father's side. Herrmann grew up in Grosse Pointe, Michigan, graduating from Bucknell University in 1965, where he was a member of Phi Kappa Psi. He studied acting at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art on a Fulbright Scholarship.

Herrmann began his career in the theater. One of Edward's first professional roles was in the American premiere of Michael Weller's "Moonchildren" at Arena Stage in Washington in November 1971. In 1972, Edward came to New York with this show, where he made his Broadway debut. His next Broadway appearance was in 1976, portraying Frank Gardner in the production of "Mrs. Warren's Profession." For this performance, Herrmann received a Tony Award for Best Leading Actor in a Play. Edward is also known for his roles as American President Franklin Delano Roosevelt in the TV productions "Eleanor and Franklin" (1976) and its sequel "Eleanor and Franklin: The White House Years" (1977). For both roles, he was nominated for an Emmy Award as Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama.

In 1982, Herrmann appeared in the film "Annie," an adaptation of the Broadway production. He was nominated for a Tony Award for his role in the film "Plenty" (1983), as well as Tony Awards in 1986 and 1987 for his role as Father Joseph McCabe in the drama "St. Elsewhere." Edward starred as Herman Munster in the Fox Broadcasting Company production "Here Come the Munsters," which aired on Halloween in 1995. He won an Emmy Award for his role in the drama "The Practice" (1999). Herrmann appeared in the American television series "Oz" on HBO. From 2000 to 2007, Edward appeared in the series "Gilmore Girls" on The WB Television Network.