Richard Jenkins

Richard Dale Jenkins, born on May 4, 1947, is an esteemed American actor with a diverse and extensive body of work across film and television. He first gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of Nathaniel Fisher, the deceased patriarch, on the acclaimed HBO funeral drama series "Six Feet Under," which aired from 2001 to 2005.
Jenkins' career began in theater, where he honed his craft at the renowned Trinity Repertory Company. He transitioned to film in 1974, marking the start of a prolific and successful career in the industry. Known for his versatility and ability to inhabit a wide range of characters, Jenkins has appeared in numerous supporting roles in both mainstream and independent films.


Some of Jenkins' notable film credits include "The Witches of Eastwick" (1987), "Little Nikita" (1988), "Flirting with Disaster" (1996), "Snow Falling on Cedars" (1999), "The Mudge Boy" (2003), "Burn After Reading" (2008), "Step Brothers" (2008), "Let Me In" (2010), "Jack Reacher" (2012), "The Cabin in the Woods" (2012), "Bone Tomahawk" (2015), "The Last Shift" (2020), "The Humans" (2021), and "Nightmare Alley" (2021).
Jenkins received critical acclaim and multiple award nominations for his performance in the drama film "The Visitor" (2007), including nominations for the Academy Award, Spirit Award, and Screen Actors Guild Award for Best Actor. He also won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie for his role in the limited drama series "Olive Kitteridge" (2014).


In addition, Jenkins earned further recognition for his supporting role in the fantasy drama film "The Shape of Water" (2017), receiving nominations for the Academy Award, Golden Globe, and Screen Actors Guild Award for Best Supporting Actor.
His recent work includes the Netflix miniseries "Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story" (2022), for which he garnered Golden Globe and Emmy nominations for Best Supporting Actor, as well as an additional Emmy nod for his producing efforts on the series.
Richard Jenkins' illustrious career is marked by his exceptional talent, versatility, and dedication to his craft, making him one of the most respected actors in the industry.


Richard Jenkins was born and grew up in DeKalb, Illinois, where he spent his formative years. His mother, Mary Elizabeth (née Wheeler), worked as a housewife, while his father, Dale Stevens Jenkins, pursued a career as a dentist.
Jenkins attended DeKalb High School, where he likely began to develop his interest in the arts and entertainment. Before embarking on his acting career, Jenkins had a job driving a linen truck, a detail that connects him to fellow actor John C. Reilly, as Reilly's father was Jenkins' boss during this time.
After completing his high school education, Jenkins furthered his studies at Illinois Wesleyan University, where he earned a degree in drama. Following his graduation, he relocated to Rhode Island to pursue his passion for acting and began his journey in the theater world.

Richard Jenkins, primarily known for his supporting roles, took on a lead role in "The Visitor" (2007), earning him nominations for the Independent Spirit Award and an Academy Award for Best Actor. He also won the International Press Academy's Satellite Award for Best Actor in a Motion Picture.
In 2010, Jenkins starred in "Dear John" as the father of the protagonist, John Tyree (played by Channing Tatum), and appeared alongside Julia Roberts and Javier Bardem in "Eat Pray Love." He continued his streak with roles in "The Cabin in the Woods" and "Jack Reacher" in 2012, followed by appearances in action films such as "White House Down" (2013) and "Kong: Skull Island" (2017).
Jenkins gained critical acclaim for his role in Guillermo del Toro's fantasy romance drama "The Shape of Water" (2017). His performance earned him nominations for the Academy Award, Golden Globe, and Screen Actors Guild Award for Best Supporting Actor.

Richard Jenkins has had a prolific career in film since his debut in the television movie "Feasting with Panthers" in 1974. Some of his early film credits include roles in "Silverado" (1985), "Hannah and Her Sisters" (1986), "The Witches of Eastwick" (1987), "Sea of Love" (1989), "Blue Steel" (1990), "How to Make an American Quilt" (1995), "Flirting with Disaster" (1996), and "Snow Falling On Cedars" (1999).
He has collaborated with the Farrelly brothers in several films, including "There's Something About Mary" (1998), "Outside Providence" (1999), "Me, Myself & Irene" (2000), "Say It Isn't So" (2001), and "Hall Pass" (2011). Additionally, Jenkins has appeared in three Coen Brothers movies: "The Man Who Wasn't There" (2001), "Intolerable Cruelty" (2003), and "Burn After Reading" (2008). He also had notable roles in "North Country" (2005) and "The Kingdom" (2007), where he portrayed FBI Director James (Robert) Grace, as well as "Step Brothers" (2008), where he played Dr. Robert Dobeck.

References

1.  "Just Visiting". FutureMovies.co.uk. Archived from the original on January 13, 2018. Retrieved January 10, 2016.
2. ^ Benjamin Secher (June 28, 2008). "Richard Jenkins: bald, 61 years old - and a star at last". Telegraph.co.uk. Archived from the original on February 26, 2009. Retrieved October 13, 2010.
3. ^ "Richard Jenkins profile". FilmReference.com. Archived from the original on May 20, 2011. Retrieved October 13, 2010.
4. ^ "Reilly + Movie Dad Met When He Was Four". Showbizspy.com. June 29, 2008. Archived from the original on February 26, 2009. Retrieved October 13, 2010.
5. ^ Stated on the Late Show with David Letterman, February 3, 2009.
6. ^ Moynihan, Rob (January 19, 2015). "How I Got My SAG-AFTRA Card", TV Guide. p. 8
7. ^ "History". Trinity Rep. Archived from the original on October 9, 2017. Retrieved October 8, 2017.