Chris Messina

Biography

Chris Messina (born 1974) is an American actor and director celebrated for his versatility and ability to seamlessly transition between dramatic and comedic roles, often bringing a grounded realism and relatable charm to his characters. A familiar face in both independent and mainstream productions, Messina has built a robust career playing complex, often flawed, but always compelling individuals.

Born Christopher Messina on August 11, 1974, in Northport, New York, Messina harbored an early passion for acting. He studied theater in New York City, honing his craft on the stage before venturing into film and television. His early career saw him appear in numerous independent films and guest spots on television, gradually building a reputation for his subtle yet impactful performances.

Messina's career gained significant momentum in the late 2000s and 2010s. He became a go-to actor for independent cinema, appearing in acclaimed films that showcased his dramatic range:

• "Vicky Cristina Barcelona" (2008): Directed by Woody Allen.
• "Julie & Julia" (2009): Playing Eric Powell, Julia Child's husband.
• "Greenberg" (2010): A Noah Baumbach film in which he starred opposite Ben Stiller and Greta Gerwig.
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• "Devil" (2010): A supernatural thriller.
• "Arbitrage" (2012): Starring Richard Gere.
• "Argo" (2012): Ben Affleck's Oscar-winning thriller, in which Messina played a crucial role in the CIA operation.
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• "Like Crazy" (2011): A poignant romantic drama.
• "The Mindy Project" (2012-2017): He achieved widespread recognition for his role as Dr. Danny Castellano, Mindy Kaling's on-again, off-again love interest, in this popular Fox/Hulu sitcom. His performance earned him a Critics' Choice Television Award nomination and showcased his strong comedic timing and romantic lead potential.

Messina continued to balance his comedic and dramatic work, taking on roles in both film and television. His other notable film appearances include:

• "Cake" (2014): Starring Jennifer Aniston.
• "Live by Night" (2016): Directed by Ben Affleck.
• "Blame" (2017): A drama directed by Quinn Shephard.
• "Birds of Prey" (2020): Playing the villain Victor Zsasz in the DC Extended Universe film.
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• "I Care a Lot" (2020): Starring Rosamund Pike.
• "Call Jane" (2022): A period drama about abortion rights.
• "Air" (2023): Playing David Falk, Michael Jordan's agent.

Beyond acting, Messina has also ventured into directing. He made his feature directorial debut with "Alex of Venice" (2014), which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival. He also directed two episodes of "The Mindy Project."

Chris Messina's strength lies in his ability to embody relatable, flawed characters with authenticity and a compelling presence, whether he's playing a romantic lead, a calculating villain, or a sympathetic everyman. His consistent work ethic and diverse choices have solidified his position as a highly respected and sought-after talent in the entertainment industry.