Jesse Plemons is an acclaimed American actor known for his compelling portrayals of complex, often unsettling characters. Born on April 2, 1988, he began his career as a child actor and gained widespread recognition for his role as Landry Clarke in the NBC drama Friday Night Lights (2006–2011). Plemons cemented his status as a formidable performer with his chilling portrayal of Todd Alquist in the final season of Breaking Bad (2012–2013) and its sequel film El Camino (2019). His nuanced work in television continued with his Emmy-nominated role as Ed Blumquist in Fargo (Season 2) and the acclaimed Black Mirror episode “USS Callister,” which earned him a second Emmy nomination and a 2025 reprise.
In film, Plemons has demonstrated impressive range, appearing in standout supporting roles in The Master, Bridge of Spies, The Irishman, and Killers of the Flower Moon. He received an Academy Award nomination for The Power of the Dog (2021) and won Best Actor at Cannes for his multifaceted performance in Kinds of Kindness (2024). Frequently typecast as quiet, eerie figures, Plemons is known for his distinctive Texan drawl, stoic demeanor, and carefully measured delivery, making him a unique and captivating presence in both television and film.