Cole Hauser was an American actor who made a name for himself in both film and television, with standout performances in movies like “School Ties” (1992), “Dazed and Confused” (1993), and the critically acclaimed “Good Will Hunting” (1997). Born in Santa Barbara, California, Cole came from a family deeply rooted in the entertainment industry—his maternal great grandfather was none other than Harry Warner, co-founder of Warner Bros. So in many ways, acting was practically in Cole Hauser’s DNA. His mother managed a production company, and his father was a working actor, which meant Cole Hauser grew up surrounded by the world of showbiz.
When Cole Hauser was just two years old, his parents divorced. He moved around frequently with his mom before spending a pivotal year living with his dad. That time proved formative, as Cole Hauser’s father taught him the ins and outs of auditioning for roles on screen. By the age of 16, Cole Hauser was so passionate about acting that he decided to leave high school behind and dive into the craft full time. Just one year later, at 17, Cole Hauser landed his first major film role in “School Ties”—a movie that also featured rising stars Ben Affleck and Matt Damon. Interestingly, Cole Hauser would go on to form lasting friendships with both actors.
The success of “School Ties” opened doors, and Cole Hauser quickly built momentum throughout the ‘90s. He appeared in several notable films, including Richard Linklater’s cult classic “Dazed and Confused” and John Singleton’s “Higher Learning” (1995). Then, in 1997, Cole Hauser reunited with Affleck and Damon in “Good Will Hunting,” a film that not only earned massive acclaim but also gave Damon and Affleck their first Academy Awards for Best Original Screenplay.
As the 2000s rolled in, Cole Hauser continued to work steadily across film and TV. He took on memorable roles in sci-fi thriller “Pitch Black” (2000), action-packed “2 Fast 2 Furious” (2003), and the Vince Vaughn-led comedy “The Break-Up” (2006). By the mid-2010s, Cole Hauser began shifting more toward television, securing recurring parts in series like “Rogue” (Audience, 2013–17) and “The Lizzie Borden Chronicles” (Lifetime, 2015). But it was his role in the Paramount Network’s hit western drama “Yellowstone” (2018– ) that truly brought Cole Hauser back into the spotlight. Created by Oscar-nominated Taylor Sheridan and starring Kevin Costner, “Yellowstone” premiered in June 2018 and became a cultural phenomenon—further solidifying Cole Hauser’s place in modern American storytelling.
When it comes to Cole Hauser’s filmography, fans often wonder which roles stood out the most — and honestly, it’s no surprise that Cole Hauser’s highest rated movie is Good Will Hunting (1997). That film really showcased his early talent and helped solidify his presence in Hollywood. On the other end of the spectrum, Cole Hauser appeared in Acts of Violence (2018), which ended up being one of his lowest rated films to date. While Cole Hauser has taken on a wide range of roles over the years, these two movies represent the highs and lows in terms of critical reception. Still, Cole Hauser continues to be a compelling actor, no matter the project.