BIO
John C. Vennema is an American actor with an impressive career in theater, film, and television. He was born on June 24, 1948, in Houston, Texas, and grew up in New York City. Vennema attended the University of Texas at Austin, where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in drama. He later received a Master of Fine Arts degree in acting from the Yale School of Drama.
Vennema began his acting career in the theater, performing in numerous productions on and off Broadway. He made his Broadway debut in 1976 in the play "The Shadow Box," which won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. He has also appeared in productions of "The Elephant Man," "The Sisters Rosensweig," "The Heiress," and "A Man for All Seasons," among others.
In addition to his stage work, Vennema has also appeared in several films and television shows. He made his film debut in 1981 in the movie "Eyewitness," and has since appeared in films such as "The Ice Storm," "The Siege," and "The Adjustment Bureau." On television, Vennema has had recurring roles on shows such as "Law & Order," "Damages," and "The Blacklist."
Despite his success in film and television, Vennema has remained committed to the theater throughout his career. He has continued to appear in productions on and off Broadway, including the 2016 revival of "The Front Page" and the 2019 production of "The Inheritance."
Vennema is also a respected acting teacher and has taught at several prestigious institutions, including the Yale School of Drama, the Juilliard School, and the New York University Tisch School of the Arts. He has also served as the artistic director of the Shakespeare Theatre Company in Washington, D.C.