Richard Jenkins

Richard Jenkins is a film and television actor known for his extensive work in character roles across drama and comedy. Jenkins began his career in theater at Trinity Repertory Company and made his film debut in the 1970s. He developed a long career in regional theater, notably with Trinity Repertory Theater in Rhode Island, where he also served as artistic director. Jenkins earned a degree in drama from Illinois Wesleyan University before relocating to Rhode Island.

After years in regional theater and television movies, Jenkins gained recognition for his performances in a variety of feature films. He is known for portraying authoritative figures such as judges, government agents, detectives, and medical professionals, as well as characters with unpredictable traits. Jenkins's first major television role was as Nathaniel Fisher in the HBO series "Six Feet Under." He has also worked with the Coen Brothers in films including "The Man Who Wasn't There," "Intolerable Cruelty," and "Burn After Reading."

Jenkins took on a lead role in the film "The Visitor," earning nominations for the Independent Spirit Award and the Academy Award for Best Actor. He won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie for his work in the limited drama series "Olive Kitteridge." Jenkins co-starred in Guillermo del Toro's film "The Shape of Water," receiving nominations for the Academy Award, Golden Globe, and Screen Actors Guild Award for Best Supporting Actor. He portrayed Lionel Dahmer in the Netflix limited series "Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story," earning Golden Globe and Emmy nominations for Best Supporting Actor, as well as an Emmy nomination for producing the series. He also received an Emmy nomination for his performance in "DTF St. Louis."

Jenkins has received a Satellite Award for his performance in "The Visitor" and two AARP Movies for Grownups Awards for "The Shape of Water." He has been nominated for multiple Golden Globe Awards and Screen Actors Guild Awards. Jenkins and his wife, Sharon, received the Pell Award for Lifetime Achievement from Trinity Repertory Company for their contributions to theater and the arts community in Rhode Island. Jenkins's career spans film, television, and theater, with a body of work recognized for its depth and range in the entertainment industry.