Canadian actor Diego Klattenhoff first made waves with a memorable turn as the charming high school jock in the cult classic Mean Girls (2004). That role introduced Diego Klattenhoff to mainstream audiences, showcasing his natural screen presence even in his early career. Though he didn’t become an overnight sensation, Diego Klattenhoff kept working steadily throughout the 2000s, taking on teen and young adult roles in various Canadian series and making appearances in U.S. television shows and the occasional film. It was clear even then that Diego Klattenhoff had potential, but it took some time for Hollywood to fully recognize it.
His breakthrough came in the early 2010s, when he landed a pivotal role on the hit Showtime drama Homeland (2011– ). Playing Nicholas Brody’s loyal yet conflicted best friend—whose personal life takes a dramatic turn—Diego Klattenhoff delivered a nuanced performance that earned critical praise and significantly raised his profile. This visibility opened doors to bigger opportunities, and soon, Diego Klattenhoff was starring in major motion pictures like Pacific Rim (2013) and After Earth (2013), both high-profile projects that showcased his range and appeal.
But perhaps the most defining role of his career so far came with The Blacklist (NBC, 2013– ), where Diego Klattenhoff stepped into the shoes of FBI agent Donald Ressler. Opposite James Spader’s cunning Raymond Reddington, Diego Klattenhoff brought intensity, integrity, and emotional depth to the character, anchoring the procedural with a grounded, relatable presence. The show’s success cemented Diego Klattenhoff as a leading man capable of carrying a primetime network series.
From his early days playing teenagers in Canadian TV to sharing the screen with A-list stars in blockbuster films, Diego Klattenhoff’s journey has been one of persistence and quiet determination. By the mid-2010s, the steady stream of high-caliber projects made it undeniable: Diego Klattenhoff wasn’t just another actor trying to make it—he was a rising star who had finally found his moment. And with each new role, Diego Klattenhoff continued to prove why he belonged in the spotlight.
So, when it comes to Diego Klattenhoff’s film career, there’s definitely a standout in terms of critical reception. If you’re looking at the numbers, Diego Klattenhoff’s highest rated movie is Radius from 2017—a film that really seemed to showcase his strengths as an actor. On the flip side, one of the lower points in his filmography would be After Earth, released back in 2013. While Diego Klattenhoff had a role in that project, it didn’t quite land the same way with audiences or critics. Overall, Diego Klattenhoff has had a mix of successes and challenges throughout his acting journey, but films like Radius definitely highlight what he brings to the screen.