Biography
Who is Richard Jenkins?
Early life and education
Richard Dale Jenkins was born on May 4, 1947, in DeKalb, Illinois. His mother, Mary Elizabeth, worked as a housewife, and his father, Dale Stevens Jenkins, was a dentist. He attended DeKalb High School before pursuing higher education.
Before finding success as an actor, he held various jobs, including working as a linen truck driver. His boss at the time was the father of actor John C. Reilly. He eventually attended Illinois Wesleyan University, where he earned a degree in drama.
Starting a career in theater
After finishing his education, Richard relocated to Rhode Island to join the Trinity Repertory Company in Providence. He spent many years as a member of this resident acting company, honing his craft on stage. He later served as the company's artistic director between 1990 and 1994.
His transition into film began in 1974 with a small role in the television production Feasting with Panthers. Once he received the opportunity to join the Screen Actors Guild, he accepted the membership immediately to further his professional acting career.
Major film and television roles
Richard Jenkins has maintained a steady career in film and television since the 1980s. He gained significant recognition for his role as Nathaniel Fisher in the HBO series Six Feet Under, portraying the deceased patriarch of the Fisher family. He later won a Primetime Emmy Award for his lead performance in the miniseries Olive Kitteridge.
His filmography includes a wide variety of supporting and lead roles. Well-known films include The Witches of Eastwick, Step Brothers, and Burn After Reading. He earned an Academy Award nomination for his lead role in the drama The Visitor. He also received critical acclaim for his performance in Guillermo del Toro's The Shape of Water, which earned him nominations for an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, and a Screen Actors Guild Award.
Family and personal life
Richard Jenkins is married to Sharon R. Friedrick, a choreographer. The couple has two children together. In 2014, he and his wife were jointly honored with the Pell Award for Lifetime Achievement by the Trinity Repertory Company in recognition of their contributions to the arts.
Birthday and age
Richard Jenkins was born on May 4, 1947, which makes Richard 79 years old today. That birthday falls under the Taurus sign. Richard shares the date with 24 other famous people.
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