The actor, widely recognized for his standout role as Police Chief Jim Hopper in the 2016 Netflix sensation Stranger Things, has built an impressive career across film and stage. That performance really put him on the map, and fans have followed his journey ever since. In the same year, 2016, he took on a different kind of role—playing Dexter Tolliver in the DC film Suicide Squad. He continued to expand his range by stepping into the title role of the 2019 reboot Hellboy, showcasing his versatility as the actor audiences love to watch. Then, in 2021, he joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe, portraying the character Red Guardian in Black Widow, further solidifying his status as a go-to actor for bold, memorable roles.
Before all the fame and red-carpet moments, the actor began honing his craft in theater. His professional debut came on Broadway in the 1999 revival of The Rainmaker, where he showed early signs of the powerful presence he’d become known for. His talent didn’t go unnoticed—he earned a Tony Award nomination in 2005 for his intense performance in Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, proving his strength in dramatic roles long before he became a household name.
Academically, the actor graduated from Dartmouth College in 1997, where he likely laid some of the groundwork for his future success. He shares a close bond with his sister, who’s been part of his life through all the ups and downs. On the personal front, the actor married British pop star Lily Allen in 2020, drawing media attention as the two navigated life in the public eye. However, by late 2024, they announced their separation, marking the end of a high-profile relationship. Prior to that, he had been in relationships with actress Maria Thayer and musician Alison Sudol, each chapter adding depth to the story of the actor behind the characters.
He actually took home a Screen Actors Guild Award back in 2016, which was a big deal—specifically for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series thanks to his role in Stranger Things. He’s known for bringing depth to every character, and one of his standout roles was playing news anchor Elliot Hirsch on the HBO series The Newsroom, where he really captured the intensity of broadcast journalism. On top of that, he also made a memorable appearance as CIA operative Gregg Beam in Quantum of Solace, showing off his range in high-stakes espionage scenes. He definitely has a knack for choosing compelling projects, and over the years, he’s built an impressive resume across both television and film. He continues to be a respected figure in the industry, with each performance adding to his growing legacy.