BIO
Chris Bauer is an American actor best known for his work on stage, television, and film. Born on October 28, 1966, in Los Angeles, California, Bauer grew up in a family of five children. He attended Miramonte High School in Orinda, California, and later went on to study theatre at the University of San Diego.
Bauer began his acting career in the late 1980s, appearing in a number of small roles in television shows and films. He made his Broadway debut in 1990, playing the role of Happy Loman in a revival of Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman." Bauer's performance was critically acclaimed, and he went on to receive a Drama Desk Award nomination for Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play.
In the years that followed, Bauer continued to work steadily in both theatre and film. He appeared in a number of Off-Broadway productions, including "The Sum of Us" and "The Nest," and also landed roles in films such as "The Devil's Advocate" and "8MM." However, it was his work on television that truly put Bauer on the map.
From 2002 to 2008, Bauer played the role of Frank Sobotka on the critically acclaimed HBO series "The Wire." The show, which explored the drug trade and political corruption in Baltimore, Maryland, was praised for its realistic portrayal of urban life and its complex characters. Bauer's performance as Sobotka, a union leader who becomes embroiled in a smuggling ring, was widely praised and helped to establish him as a talented character actor.
Bauer continued to work in television throughout the 2000s and 2010s, appearing in a number of popular series such as "Third Watch," "Numb3rs," and "True Blood." He also landed recurring roles on "Hawaii Five-0" and "Survivor's Remorse." In 2016, Bauer joined the cast of the Showtime series "Survivor's Remorse," playing the role of Jimmy Flaherty, a sports agent and mentor to the show's main character.
Despite his success on television, Bauer has continued to work in theatre throughout his career. In 2011, he appeared in the Broadway production of "A Streetcar Named Desire," playing the role of Mitch opposite Blair Underwood and Nicole Ari Parker. The production was well-received by critics and audiences alike, and Bauer's performance was singled out for its emotional depth and complexity.
In addition to his work in theatre and television, Bauer has also appeared in a number of films over the years. In 2014, he played the role of Detective Frazier in the crime drama "Wild Card," starring Jason Statham. He also appeared in the independent film "The Phenom" in 2016, playing the role of Coach Bledsoe.
Most recently, Bauer has been seen on the small screen in the Showtime series "The Deuce," which explores the rise of the porn industry in New York City during the 1970s and 1980s. Bauer plays the role of Bobby Dwyer, a bar owner and father figure to the show's main character, played by James Franco. The series has been praised for its attention to detail and its complex characters, and Bauer's performance has been singled out as one of its strengths.
With a career spanning over three decades, Chris Bauer has established himself as a versatile and talented actor. Whether on stage, television, or film, he has consistently delivered nuanced and compelling performances that have earned him critical acclaim and a devoted following of fans.