Josh Charles

Josh Charles is an American actor best known for his roles in both film and television. He gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of attorney Will Gardner on the critically acclaimed CBS legal drama The Good Wife, a performance that earned him a Primetime Emmy Award nomination. His career spans notable early work in the film ''Dead Poets Society'' and a consistent presence in independent cinema and prestigious television projects.

Early life and education

Joshua Aaron Charles was born in Baltimore, Maryland, to a family with a background in the arts; his mother was a former theater publicist. He developed an interest in acting during his youth and attended the Baltimore School for the Arts, a prestigious public arts high school whose alumni include Jada Pinkett Smith and Tupac Shakur. To further his training, he studied at the Professional Performing Arts School in New York City and also took classes at the renowned Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute. His early education provided a strong foundation in both classical and contemporary performance techniques.

Career

Charles made his feature film debut in 1988's Hairspray, directed by John Waters. His breakthrough came the following year when he was cast as Knox Overstreet in Peter Weir's beloved drama Dead Poets Society, starring opposite Robin Williams. Throughout the 1990s, he appeared in films such as Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead, Crossing the Bridge, and ''Threesome'', while also taking roles in Broadway and Off-Broadway productions. A significant television role came with the ABC sitcom Sports Night, created by Aaron Sorkin, where he played anchor Dan Rydell for two seasons. His career reached new heights with his acclaimed performance on The Good Wife from 2009 to 2014, a role that brought him an Emmy Award nomination and a Screen Actors Guild Award. Subsequent notable television work includes roles in Netflix's Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Hulu's The Good Fight, and Apple TV+'s The Morning Show. His film work continued with projects like The Discoverers and I Smile Back, and he has also directed episodes of television series such as We Own This City.

Personal life

Charles has been married to former New York City Ballet dancer Sophie Flack since 2013; the couple has two children. He maintains a residence in Brooklyn, New York City, and is known to be an avid fan of the Baltimore Ravens and the Baltimore Orioles, reflecting his enduring connection to his hometown. He has been involved in various political and social causes, including supporting Democratic candidates and participating in fundraising events for organizations like the Robin Hood Foundation.

Filmography

A selected list of his acting credits includes: * 1988 – Hairspray (Film) * 1989 – Dead Poets Society (Film) * 1991 – Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead (Film) * 1998–2000 – Sports Night (TV Series) * 2009–2014 – The Good Wife (TV Series) * 2012 – The Discoverers (Film) * 2015 – I Smile Back (Film) * 2018 – Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (TV Series) * 2021 – The Good Fight (TV Series) * 2023 – The Morning Show (TV Series)

Awards and nominations

Charles has received several accolades for his work, most notably for his performance on The Good Wife. He was nominated for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series in 2011. He won the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series as part of the cast of The Good Wife in 2010 and 2012. His work on Sports Night was also recognized with a Viewers for Quality Television Award. Additionally, he and his castmates from Dead Poets Society were nominated for a MTV Movie Award for Best On-Screen Duo.

Category:American male television actors Category:American film actors Category:1971 births Category:Living people Category:Actors from Baltimore