Richard Jenkins

Biography

Richard Jenkins is a highly respected American actor known for his subtle, nuanced performances across film, television, and stage. He was born in DeKalb, Illinois, and raised in a middle-class family. Jenkins studied drama at Illinois Wesleyan University and later moved to Rhode Island, where he became affiliated with the Trinity Repertory Company, sharpening his craft in live theater for over a decade before transitioning to film and television.

Career Highlights:

Jenkins began appearing in films in the late 1970s and 1980s, often in supporting roles that showcased his naturalistic style and versatility. His breakout role came much later in his career with The Visitor (2007), where he starred as a lonely professor who forms an unexpected bond with an immigrant couple. The role earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor and widespread critical acclaim.

Throughout his career, Jenkins has proven to be a scene-stealer in both comedies and dramas. Notable film credits include:

Flirting with Disaster (1996)

The Witches of Eastwick (1987)

Step Brothers (2008), where he played the exasperated father with deadpan brilliance

Let Me In (2010)

Jack Reacher (2012)

The Shape of Water (2017) – for which he earned his second Oscar nomination, this time for Best Supporting Actor

He’s also had memorable roles in TV, including a standout performance in HBO’s Six Feet Under (2001–2005) as Nathaniel Fisher, the deceased patriarch who continues to appear in his family's lives.

Legacy:

Richard Jenkins is often described as a "character actor’s character actor" — someone who elevates every film he’s in through authenticity, timing, and emotional depth. Though he spent years under the radar, his talent and consistency have earned him the admiration of audiences, critics, and peers alike. Whether in leading or supporting roles, Jenkins brings dignity, humor, and humanity to the screen, making him one of Hollywood’s most reliable and respected actors.