Bryan Greenberg (born May 24, 1978) is an American actor. He is known for his starring role as Ben Epstein in the HBO original series How to Make It in America as well as a recurring role in The Mindy Project. He also had a recurring role as Jake Jagielski in the WB series One Tree Hill and as Nick Garrett on the ABC drama October Road. His film work includes The Perfect Score, Prime, Bride Wars, and Friends with Benefits. He made his directorial debut with his film Junction.
Bryan Greenberg | |
|---|---|
 Greenberg at the 2007 Tribeca Film Festival | |
| Born | May 24, 1978 Omaha, Nebraska, U.S. |
| Alma mater | Tisch School of the Arts |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1997–present |
| Spouse | |
| Children | 2 |
| Website | bryangreenberg |
Early life
editGreenberg was born May 24, 1978,[1] in Omaha, Nebraska, U.S. the son of psychologists Denise "Denny" (b.1951) and Carl Greenberg (b.1950).[2][3] He is Jewish and was raised in Conservative Judaism.[3] Growing up, he attended Beth El Synagogue in Omaha. He had a Bar Mitzvah ceremony, belonged to Jewish youth groups, went to Jewish summer camps where he acted in theater productions, and traveled to Israel.[4]
At seven years old, Greenberg appeared in the lead role in the Omaha Ballet production of The Nutcracker. He toured with the show for two months and later joined a children's theater company in Omaha. At age 12, Greenberg and his family moved to St. Louis, Missouri, where he got his first major role in a nationally-broadcast Cookie Crisp cereal commercial.[2]
He graduated from Parkway Central High School in Chesterfield, Missouri in 1996 and moved to New York City after high school.[3]
Greenberg earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre at New York University in 2000.[citation needed]
Acting career
editWhile at NYU, Greenberg auditioned and worked as a waiter, bartender, caterer and assistant to a mortgage broker.[3] He was cast as Romeo in NYU's performance of Romeo and Juliet and performed with the Experimental Theater Workshop, the Atlantic Theater Company and the Amsterdam Experimental Workshop.[5]
In 1997, he got a small role on the television series Law & Order. Soon after this appearance, Greenberg got an agent and one year later made his big screen debut in A Civil Action.
After landing small roles on several TV series (Boston Public, The Sopranos, and Third Watch among others), Greenberg was cast as Matty Matthews, a high school student trying to pass the SAT exam, in the film The Perfect Score. After graduating from NYU, Bryan moved to California.[2] While he was still appearing in One Tree Hill, he began shooting another television show produced by George Clooney for HBO called Unscripted.[6]
Greenberg's first starring role was in the Ben Younger film Prime (2005). He played David Bloomberg, a young artist who falls in love with one of his mother Meryl Streep's therapy patients, played by Uma Thurman.[7][8] Greenberg then starred in October Road on ABC and appeared with Alan Rickman in the film Nobel Son in 2008.[9] In 2009, Greenberg appeared in the film Bride Wars with Kate Hudson and Anne Hathaway and starred opposite Alexis Bledel and Scott Porter in the indie film The Good Guy, which was released in February 2010.[10]
His series How to Make It in America premiered on HBO on February 14, 2010.[11] The Washington Post called it "The New Yorkiest thing you could find on television, which is saying something," and praised its "portrayal of a dirty, scrappy, multi-ethnic New York culture."[12] The New York Times said the "series has great music (the theme song is Aloe Blacc’s 'I Need a Dollar') and there are some snarky asides about hipster New York."[13] Season 2 premiered on October 2, 2011.[14] On December 20, 2011, HBO announced the cancellation of the show.
In 2012, Greenberg co-starred with Laura Prepon in the independent comedy film The Kitchen. That same year, Greenberg starred in the dark comedy film The Normals, which follows a young man who enters a two-week clinical trial of an anti-psychotic treatment at a drug-testing center in Queens.[15]
In 2013, Greenberg began shooting the untitled Lance Armstrong biopic alongside Ben Foster, who will play Armstrong.[16]
In 2015, Greenberg and his wife Jamie Chung co-starred together in the romantic drama Already Tomorrow in Hong Kong.
In 2024, Greenberg joined the cast of Suits: L.A. opposite Stephen Amell.[17]
Music
editIn 2007, Greenberg released his debut album, Waiting for Now. He has toured with Gavin DeGraw, Michael Tolcher, Ari Hest, and Graham Colton. At his New York City Show at the High Line Ballroom, Greenberg was joined by How to Make it in America co-star Kid Cudi. Greenberg's songs have been featured in many of his film and television work, including One Tree Hill, October Road, and Nobel Son.
In 2011, Greenberg released his second album, We Don't Have Forever, produced by Thom Monahan (Vetiver, Devendra Banhart, Gary Louris), which included the single "Walk Away". The album also included "You Can Run", a collaboration with How to Make It in America co-star and rapper Kid Cudi.[18][19] Greenberg said he wrote the record over a period of two years when he was experiencing many changes in his life and decided to title the record We Don't Have Forever to reflect that.[20]
Personal life
editIn 2012, Greenberg began dating actress Jamie Chung. They became engaged in December 2013[21][22] and were married on October 31, 2015 in Santa Barbara, California.[21][23] Their twin sons were born via surrogacy in October 2021.[24][25]
Filmography
editFilm
edit| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | A Civil Action | Firecracker kid | Uncredited |
| 2004 | The Perfect Score | Matty Matthews | |
| 2005 | Prime | David Bloomberg | |
| 2006 | Escape | Bryan | Short film |
| 2006 | Love & Debate | Chris | |
| 2007 | Nobel Son | Barkley Michaelson | |
| 2009 | Bride Wars | Nathan "Nate" Lerner | |
| 2009 | The Good Guy | Daniel Seaver | |
| 2011 | Friends with Benefits | Parker | |
| 2012 | The Kitchen | Paul | |
| 2012 | The Normals | Billy Schine | |
| 2014 | A Short History of Decay | Nathan Fisher | |
| 2015 | Vice | Evan | |
| 2015 | A Year and Change | Owen | |
| 2015 | Already Tomorrow in Hong Kong | Josh | |
| 2015 | The Program | Floyd's buddy | Uncredited |
| 2016 | Flock of Dudes | Barrett | |
| 2017 | Random Tropical Paradise | Harry Fluder | |
| 2018 | Fourplay | Tom | |
| 2022 | The Mental State | Dylan Cady | |
| 2023 | You People | Issac | |
| 2024 | Junction[26] | Michael | also writer and director |
Television
edit| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | Law & Order | Matt Wheeler | Episode: "Thrill" |
| 2000 | The Sopranos | Peter McClure | Episode: "Guy Walks into a Psychiatrist's Office..." |
| 2000 | Third Watch | Francis DeSilva | Episode: "Journey to the Himalayas" |
| 2000, 2003 | Boston Public | Mr. Freeman | 2 episodes |
| 2001 | Three Sisters | Roy | Episode: "A Date with Destiny" |
| 2002 | Strong Medicine | Kent | Episode: "Rape Kit" |
| 2002 | The Chronicle | Damon Furberg | Episode: "The Stepford Cheerleaders" |
| 2002 | Providence | Neal | Episode: "Great Expectations" |
| 2003–2006 | One Tree Hill | Jake Jagielski | 26 episodes |
| 2004 | Life with Bonnie | Timmy | Episode: "Nip, Tuck and Role" |
| 2005–2006 | Unscripted | Himself | Main role; 10 episodes |
| 2007–2008 | October Road | Nicholson "Nick" Garrett | Main role; 19 episodes |
| 2010–2011 | How to Make It in America | Ben Epstein | Main cast; 16 episodes |
| 2013 | The Arrangement | Billy Whitley | Television film |
| 2015 | Bessie | John Hammond | Television film |
| 2016–2017 | The Mindy Project | Ben | 13 episodes |
| 2017–2018 | The Tick | Derek | 4 episodes |
| 2018 | Sideswiped | Ryan | Episode: "The Ex" |
| 2019 | God Friended Me | Teddy Preston | Episode: "The Lady" |
| 2019 | Same Time, Next Christmas | Gregg Harris | Television film |
| 2023 | Round and Round | Zach | Television film |
| 2024 | The Vince Staples Show | Officer | Episode: "Pink House" |
| 2024 | The Emperor of Ocean Park | Howard Denton | |
| TBA | Suits: L.A. | Rick Dodsen |
Discography
editAlbums
edit- Waiting for Now (2007)
- We Don't Have Forever (2011)
- Everything Changes (2015)
- The 36 Hour - EP (2019)
Other activities
edit- In 2008, Greenberg appeared in will.i.am's song "Yes We Can."
- In 2010, Greenberg made a public service announcement about the Gulf Oil Spill for Natural Resources Defense Council calling for Clean Energy Legislation. It was released July 20, 2010.[27]
References
edit- ^ Mike Rose, cleveland com (May 24, 2024). "Famous birthdays list for today, May 24, 2024 includes celebrities Bob Dylan, John C. Reilly". cleveland. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
- ^ a b c Kaufman, Carly (October 28, 2005). "Get Ready for 'Prime'...It's Timely!". Jewish in St. Louis. The Jewish Federation of St. Louis. Archived from the original on October 17, 2007. Retrieved January 3, 2014.
- ^ a b c d Pfefferman, Naomi (March 23, 2010). "His Hustling Pays Off in Fashionista Role". Jewish Journal (Los Angeles). Tribe Media Corp. Archived from the original on May 29, 2016. Retrieved January 3, 2014.
- ^ Schleier, Curt (May 15, 2008). "The freshman: With a clever new show on HBO, Bryan Greenberg is joining the illustrious ranks of Tony Soprano and Larry David. Meet the next big breakout star of 2005". Jews Week. Blue Star Media. Archived from the original on May 15, 2008. Retrieved January 3, 2014.
- ^ "Bryan Greenberg – Actor Bio". HBO. Archived from the original on January 4, 2014. Retrieved January 4, 2014.
- ^ Arthur, Kate (February 13, 2005). "The Character: Playing Himself at His Own Expense". The New York Times. Archived from the original on April 19, 2015. Retrieved January 4, 2014.
- ^ Scheib, Ronnie (October 12, 2005). "Review: 'Prime'". Variety. Retrieved January 4, 2014.
- ^ Scott, A. O. (October 28, 2005). "Movie Review – 'Prime': Guess Who's the Older Woman?". The New York Times. Retrieved January 4, 2014.
- ^ Dargis, Manohla (December 4, 2008). "Movie Review – 'Nobel Son': Kidnapping, Suicide and Other Family Matters". The New York Times. Archived from the original on February 10, 2018. Retrieved January 4, 2014.
- ^ Holden, Stephen (February 18, 2010). "Movie Review – 'The Good Guy': Sex and Money and High Rollers (Memories Were Made of This)". The New York Times. Archived from the original on April 19, 2015. Retrieved January 4, 2014.
- ^ Heyman, Stephen (March 3, 2010). "Culture: More Like, 'How to Fake It'". The New York Times. T-Magazine. Archived from the original on January 6, 2014. Retrieved January 4, 2014.
- ^ Stuever, Hank (February 14, 2010). "TV Preview: Hank Stuever on HBO's 'How to Make It in America'". The Washington Post. Retrieved January 4, 2014.
- ^ Stanley, Alessandra (February 11, 2010). "Television Review 'How to Make it in America': The Dream, Without the Drive". The New York Times. Archived from the original on June 11, 2015. Retrieved January 4, 2014.
- ^ Williams, Alex (September 28, 2011). "Costumes for a Kid-Cool World". The New York Times. Archived from the original on June 11, 2015. Retrieved January 4, 2014.
- ^ Gold, Daniel M. (November 15, 2012). "Movie Review: Being a Guinea Pig for Pay May Not Be Worth It: 'The Normals,' Starring Bryan Greenberg". The New York Times. Retrieved January 4, 2014.
- ^ "Fall Season 2013: Episode 5". In The Mix. Archived from the original on September 30, 2014. Retrieved March 24, 2014.
- ^ Petski, Denise (March 14, 2024). "'Suits: L.A.': Bryan Greenberg Joins Stephen Amell In NBC Pilot". Archived from the original on June 30, 2024. Retrieved June 30, 2024.
- ^ Fernandes, Matt (December 17, 2010). "Bryan Greenberg returns home to play Rock House benefit". St. Louis Post Dispatch. Retrieved January 4, 2014.
- ^ Johnson, Kevin C. (December 17, 2010). "Chesterfield native Bryan Greenberg is making it in America". St. Louis Post Dispatch. Retrieved January 4, 2014.
- ^ "'How to Make It in America' Star Bryan Greenberg Talks Music, Kid Cudi". Hollywood Reporter. February 7, 2011. Archived from the original on March 12, 2014. Retrieved January 4, 2014.
- ^ a b Burton, Isabel (Spring 2016). "C is for Camp". Martha Stewart Weddings, pp 250 - 260.
- ^ Ehrich Dowd, Kathy (January 3, 2014). "Jamie Chung Engaged to Bryan Greenberg". People. Archived from the original on January 4, 2014. Retrieved January 3, 2014.
- ^ "Jamie Chung and Bryan Greenberg Get Married in Glamour on Halloween – See the Photos". People. November 1, 2015. Archived from the original on August 21, 2017. Retrieved November 1, 2015.
- ^ "Jamie Chung and Bryan Greenberg Welcome Twins: 'We Got Double the Trouble Now'". People. October 24, 2021. Archived from the original on October 25, 2021. Retrieved October 25, 2021.
- ^ "Jamie Chung on Decision to Welcome Sons via Surrogate: 'I Was Terrified of Putting My Life on Hold'". Peoplemag. Archived from the original on January 19, 2024. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
- ^ Vlessing, Etan (April 18, 2022). "Sophia Bush, Jamie Chung Join Bryan Greenberg's 'Junction' Opioid Drama (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on January 23, 2024. Retrieved May 4, 2022.
- ^ d'Estries, Michael (July 20, 2010). "HBO star Bryan Greenberg urges support for clean energy reform: Actor records PSA for Natural Resources Defense Council". MNN (Mother Nature Network). MNN Holdings, LLC. Archived from the original on January 4, 2014. Retrieved January 4, 2014.