Celebrity Info
Kevin Rankin has truly carved out a remarkable path as one of the most versatile character actors in Hollywood, showcasing his range across both film and television. Over the years, Kevin Rankin has taken on roles that span from deeply sympathetic characters to some of the most unsettling villains on screen. Born in Baton Rouge, Kevin Rankin grew up captivated by action-packed films and TV series—especially shows like The Fall Guy (ABC, 1981–86)—and for a time, he dreamed of becoming a stuntman. But that changed when he realized the show’s star, Lee Majors, wasn’t actually a real stunt performer but an actor playing one. That moment sparked a shift in direction, leading Kevin Rankin toward acting.
He made his screen debut in The Apostle (1997), where, though credited simply as “Young Man in Car,” he shared pivotal scenes with none other than Robert Duvall. It was a small but meaningful start. This experience paved the way for a more substantial role in Clean and Narrow (1999), a performance that solidified his passion for acting and gave him the confidence to pursue it full-time. In 2000, Kevin Rankin made the bold move to Los Angeles, determined to build a career in entertainment.
That same year, he landed his first television role on Buffy the Vampire Slayer (WB, 1997–2003), marking the beginning of a steady climb in the industry. From there, Kevin Rankin began working consistently across major networks and acclaimed productions. He appeared in Judd Apatow’s beloved college comedy Undeclared (Fox, 2001–02) over four episodes, took part in eleven episodes of My Guide to Becoming a Rock Star (WB, 2002), and even stepped into the world of superhero cinema with Ang Lee’s Hulk (2003).
As his resume expanded, so did his visibility. Kevin Rankin popped up in popular series such as The O.C. (Fox, 2003–07), Without a Trace (CBS, 2002–09), and the critically lauded Six Feet Under (HBO, 2001–05). One of his standout roles came between 2006 and 2008, when he portrayed Herc, a wheelchair-bound former football player, in the emotionally rich drama Friday Night Lights (NBC/101 Network, 2006–2011). The role showcased his depth and earned him recognition as a reliable and compelling presence on screen.
Following that, Kevin Rankin continued to book recurring roles, including a stint on the short-lived but ambitious reboot of Bionic Woman (NBC, 2007). His next major break came when he joined the cast of the medical drama Trauma (NBC, 2009–2010) as Tyler Briggs—a role that not only highlighted his dramatic skills but also led to a personal milestone: during filming, Kevin Rankin met and eventually married his co-star Jill Farley.
Proving his ability to embody complex, often dark characters, Kevin Rankin delivered chilling performances as a white supremacist in the gritty western-style police series Justified (FX, 2010–), earning praise for his intensity and authenticity. Not long after, he brought a similar sense of menace to another iconic series—Breaking Bad (AMC, 2008–2013)—further cementing his reputation as a go-to actor for morally ambiguous and formidable roles.
Throughout his journey, Kevin Rankin has remained a quietly powerful force in storytelling, consistently choosing roles that challenge him—and audiences—while steadily building a legacy defined by versatility, dedication, and quiet brilliance.
So, when it comes to Kevin Rankin’s filmography, one movie really stands out as his highest rated—Hell or High Water from 2016. It’s definitely a highlight in Kevin Rankin’s career and earned a lot of praise from both critics and audiences alike. On the flip side, if we look at the lower end of the spectrum, Kevin Rankin’s lowest rated film appears to be The Chaperone, which came out back in 2011. While not every project can be a blockbuster hit, it’s interesting to see the range in Kevin Rankin’s work over the years. Still, Kevin Rankin has managed to build a solid reputation through consistent performances, with Hell or High Water being a clear standout moment for him.
30
United States
