Mandy Patinkin in “The Princess Bride”
“Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.” Few actors get an inconic line that everyone will remember for decades. Mandy Patinkin delivered this fantastic line when he played Inigo Montoya in Rob Reiner’s beloved “The Princess Bride” in 1987.
Inigo is a skilled Spanish swordsman and one of the film’s beloved supporting characters. He’s introduced as a member of a trio of outlaws hired by the villainous Prince Humperdinck (Chris Sarandon) to kidnap Princess Buttercup (Robin Wright). Alongside the Sicilian mastermind Vizzini (Wallace Shawn) and the gentle giant Fezzik (André the Giant), Inigo starts as an antagonist but quickly reveals layers of depth and charm. He’s a master fencer driven by a lifelong quest for revenge: as a child, he watched his father, a renowned swordmaker named Domingo Montoya, be murdered by a mysterious six-fingered man (later revealed as Count Rugen, played by Christopher Guest) who refused to pay for a custom sword. Inigo has spent decades training rigorously to become unbeatable with a blade, all in pursuit of confronting and killing his father’s killer.Patinkin’s portrayal brings immense passion, humor, and emotional weight to the role. Inigo is charismatic, honorable and deeply human. Patinkin was perfect in the role and helped create a masterpiece.
Another Iconic Role – Saul Berenson in “Homeland”
Patinkin has had an amazing career, but another signature role was waiting for him. Mandy Patinkin portrayed Saul Berenson across all eight seasons of the acclaimed Showtime series. Saul is a highly experienced, principled CIA veteran who serves as the mentor, father figure, and steadfast ally to the show’s main character, Carrie Mathison (played by Claire Danes). Patinkin is brilliant in the role. Saul is often the voice of reason in the high-stakes world of counterterrorism, balancing bureaucratic maneuvering with genuine compassion, especially toward Carrie.
“Homeland” was a sensation, particularly the first two seasons, and Patinkin was key to the longevity of the show. He earned multiple Emmy nominations for the role.
Interview
New Yorker Interview
Mandy talks about his singing career along with his life as an actor.