Corey Stoll

Biography

Corey Stoll is an American actor widely recognized for his powerful screen presence and ability to portray intense, complex characters. With a career spanning theatre, film, and television, he has built a reputation for delivering grounded and compelling performances across genres, from political dramas to superhero films.

Early Life and Education

Corey Daniel Stoll was born on March 14, 1976, in New York City. He was raised in an intellectually inclined family—his father was a journalist and his mother a schoolteacher—which helped nurture his interest in storytelling and performance. Stoll studied acting at Oberlin College before going on to earn a Master of Fine Arts degree from the New York University Tisch School of the Arts, where he received formal training in theatre.

Early Career and Theatre Work

Stoll began his career in theatre, performing in numerous stage productions and gaining recognition for his classical training and strong dramatic instincts. His work on stage laid a solid foundation for his later success on screen, particularly in roles that required emotional depth and restraint.

Breakthrough in Film and Television

Stoll’s early screen appearances included supporting roles in films such as Midnight in Paris (2011), where he portrayed the writer Ernest Hemingway, earning praise for his commanding performance. He also appeared in several television series, steadily building visibility and credibility as a character actor.

His breakthrough came with the political drama series House of Cards, in which he played Congressman Peter Russo. His portrayal of a troubled and morally conflicted politician was widely acclaimed and established him as a standout performer on television.

Expanding Career and Notable Roles

Following his success on House of Cards, Stoll took on a range of prominent roles. He starred as Dr. Ephraim Goodweather in the horror-drama series The Strain, showcasing his ability to lead a long-running television project. In cinema, he appeared as the antagonist Darren Cross (Yellowjacket) in Ant-Man (2015), bringing intensity and menace to the role.

Stoll has continued to alternate between film and television, appearing in projects such as Billions, The Many Saints of Newark, and West Side Story (2021), demonstrating his versatility across genres and formats.