Michael Gladis is perhaps best known for his portrayal of the bohemian advertising copywriter Paul Kinsey in the critically acclaimed series Mad Men (AMC, 2007–2015). In addition to that iconic role, Gladis has built a diverse career with recurring appearances in a variety of television projects, such as the action parody Eagleheart (Adult Swim, 2011–2014), the legal drama Reckless (CBS, 2014), and the crime series Feed the Beast (AMC, 2016–), an English-language adaptation of the Danish show Bankerot.
Born in Houston, Texas, in 1977, Gladis got his start in acting somewhat unexpectedly—performing at a private all-girls school in need of male actors. From there, he pursued a more formal education in theater at the State University of New York at New Paltz. His screen debut came in 2002 with a role as senior seaman Yevgeny Borzenkov in the submarine thriller K-19: The Widowmaker.
Over the next decade, Gladis primarily focused on television work. In 2003, he landed his first regular role as rookie paramedic Eugene Rossi on Third Watch (NBC, 1999–2005). Around the same time, he began making guest appearances on a number of popular shows, including The Good Wife (CBS, 2009–2016), House (Fox, 2004–2012), and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (NBC, 1999–). His role as Paul Kinsey on Mad Men became a career highlight, with the character’s Orson Welles-inspired look and eventual spiritual transformation adding depth to Gladis’s performance.
After leaving Mad Men, Gladis continued to stay active in both film and television. He made a brief appearance in the biopic J. Edgar (2011) and played a paternal police chief in Eagleheart. He also appeared on shows such as How I Met Your Mother (CBS, 2005–2014), Justified (FX, 2010–2015), and The Mentalist (CBS, 2008–2015).
In 2013, Gladis expanded his career by executive producing and starring in the crime comedy Armed Response. That same year, he portrayed Dan Stidham, the defense attorney for West Memphis Three member Jessie Misskelley Jr., in Devil’s Knot, and played the eccentric LARPer King Diamond in the comedy horror film Knights of Badassdom.
Gladis later took on a six-episode arc as Deputy Chief Holland Knox in Reckless, followed by roles in Not Safe for Work (2014), the sci-fi series Extant (CBS, 2014–2015), and the blockbuster Terminator: Genysis (2015). Additional guest appearances came in shows like House of Lies (Showtime, 2012–2016), The Librarians (TNT, 2014–), and Elementary (CBS, 2012–).
Most recently, Gladis has taken on the role of Patrick Woichik in Feed the Beast, a quietly menacing mobster with a chilling penchant for dental intimidation. Through the years, Michael Gladis has consistently demonstrated his versatility across genres, delivering memorable performances that continue to captivate audiences.
When it comes to Michael Gladis’s filmography, one standout performance comes from Antiquities (2018), which happens to be his highest rated movie. Fans and critics alike have praised Michael Gladis’s role in this film, noting the depth and nuance he brought to the character. On the other hand, among the projects Michael Gladis has been a part of, Terminator Genisys (2015) received notably lower reviews, making it his lowest rated film to date. While the movie had a big budget and major studio backing, it didn’t quite resonate as strongly with audiences—especially when compared to Michael Gladis’s other works. Overall, Michael Gladis continues to build a diverse career, with Antiquities shining as a highlight and Terminator Genisys serving as a more forgettable entry in his portfolio.