Chris Messina

Chris Messina (born August 11, 1974) is an American actor. He is best known for his starring role as obstetrician Danny Castellano in the Fox/Hulu sitcom ''The Mindy Project'' (2012–2017), which earned him two nominations for the Critics' Choice Television Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series.^[1][2] Messina began his career in off-Broadway theater before transitioning to television and film, with notable supporting roles in ''Argo'' (2012)—for which he won an ensemble cast award at the Palm Springs International Film Festival—and ''Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn)'' (2020).^[3] He has also appeared in series such as ''Six Feet Under'' and ''The Newsroom'', and directed episodes of ''The Mindy Project''.

Early life and education

Upbringing and family

Chris Messina was born on January 7, 1981, in Bedford, New Hampshire. He grew up in the state, in a suburban environment that fostered his early interest in technology.^[4] Limited public information is available about Messina's family, but he has mentioned maintaining connections with relatives in New Hampshire.^[5] During his youth, he participated in the FIRST Robotics program, which sparked his passion for engineering and innovation.^[4] He graduated from St. Paul's School, a preparatory school in Concord, New Hampshire, around 1999.^[5]

Early interests and influences

Messina's early influences were rooted in technology rather than the arts. Growing up near inventor Dean Kamen in New Hampshire, he was exposed to innovative environments from a young age.^[4] His involvement in FIRST Robotics during high school at St. Paul's School honed his skills in collaborative problem-solving and design thinking.^[4] After high school, Messina attended Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he studied Communication Design in the School of Design. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2003.^{[5] [6]} At CMU, he engaged in cross-disciplinary projects that bridged design and technology, laying the groundwork for his future career in product design and open-source advocacy.^[6]

Professional career

Stage and early roles

Messina began his professional acting career on the New York stage in the late 1990s, focusing on off-Broadway productions that showcased his versatility in ensemble roles. In 1997, he made his debut in Arthur Miller's The American Clock at the Harold Clurman Theatre, portraying multiple characters including Sidney Margolies, Charley, Ralph, and Walter in the Steppenwolf Theatre Company's revival.^[7] He followed this with leading roles in other off-Broadway works, such as The American Plan by Richard Greenberg and Grace by Craig Wright, which highlighted his ability to embody complex, emotionally layered young men navigating personal and societal turmoil. Transitioning to screen work, Messina secured his first television appearance in 1995 on Law & Order, guest-starring as Tommy Bell, a troubled youth, in the episode "Rebels."^[8] He returned to the series the following year in "Homesick," playing Kevin Turner, a character involved in a custody dispute.^[8] His film debut came earlier that same year in the educational short When Dating Turns Dangerous, where he portrayed Zach, a high school student entangled in an abusive relationship.^[9] By 1998, he landed small but noticeable parts in major features, including Higgins, a poker player, in Rounders; a corporal in the action thriller The Siege; and a Fox Books salesperson in the romantic comedy You've Got Mail.^[2] Early in his career, Messina grappled with typecasting as abrasive or redeemable antagonists, such as Republican-leaning figures, which limited his opportunities in New York theater and minor screen gigs.^[10] After nearly quitting the industry following a role cut from a Meryl Streep film, he relocated to Los Angeles around 2001, crashing on a friend's couch while auditioning relentlessly to break into more substantial work.^[11] These struggles, rooted in his high school theater experiences, underscored the perseverance required to transition from regional stages to Hollywood.^[11] In 2025, Messina returned to the stage in the Tennessee Williams play Not About Nightingales at the Williamstown Theatre Festival (July 17–August 3), directed by Robert O'Hara.^[12]

Television breakthrough

Messina's television career gained significant traction with his recurring role as Ted Fairwell, the love interest of Claire Chenoweth, in the final season of HBO's acclaimed drama Six Feet Under in 2005.^[2] This appearance marked one of his earliest substantial parts on a major series, showcasing his ability to blend charm and emotional depth in a narrative centered on family and mortality.^[2] He further demonstrated his dramatic versatility in the FX legal thriller Damages, where he portrayed Chris Sanchez, a former soldier grappling with post-traumatic stress disorder and entangled in corporate intrigue, across 16 episodes from 2011 to 2012.^[13] As an old high school acquaintance of the protagonist Ellen Parsons, Sanchez's arc explored themes of loyalty and moral ambiguity, earning praise for Messina's nuanced performance in a ensemble heavy with stars like Glenn Close and Rose Byrne.^[13] Messina achieved widespread recognition as the co-lead Danny Castellano in the Fox (later Hulu) medical comedy The Mindy Project from 2012 to 2017, appearing in all 117 episodes.^[14] Castellano, a initially brusque and rule-bound obstetrician-gynecologist, evolved from a reluctant romantic foil to Mindy Lahiri into her devoted partner and husband, with their will-they-won't-they dynamic culminating in marriage and parenthood by the series finale. This role highlighted Messina's comedic timing and emotional range, transforming him into a fan-favorite and solidifying his status as a versatile leading man in ensemble television.^[14] The series' success, bolstered by Messina's chemistry with creator-star Mindy Kaling, propelled his career into higher-profile opportunities across comedy and drama.^[15] In 2018, Messina delivered a compelling dramatic turn as Detective Richard Willis in HBO's limited series Sharp Objects, investigating a series of murders in a Missouri town.^[16] His portrayal of the empathetic yet increasingly unhinged investigator added layers of psychological tension to the adaptation of Gillian Flynn's novel, allowing Messina to subvert his "nice guy" persona from prior roles and explore darker character territory.^[17]

Film roles and recognition

Messina's film career gained momentum in the late 2000s with supporting roles in independent and mid-budget features that showcased his versatility in dramatic and comedic contexts. In Woody Allen's Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2008), he portrayed Doug, the stable fiancé of Rebecca Hall's character Vicky, a role that highlighted his ability to embody grounded, everyman figures amid more eccentric ensembles.^[18] This appearance marked an early high-profile credit, contributing to his growing visibility in cinema following stage and television work. Similarly, in Sam Mendes' indie dramedy Away We Go (2009), Messina played Tom Garnett, a supportive friend to the protagonists, earning praise for his warm, relatable performance in a film lauded for its intimate exploration of impending parenthood.^[19] These roles established Messina in the indie circuit, where his naturalistic acting style complemented character-driven narratives. Transitioning to larger-scale productions, Messina's involvement in Ben Affleck's Argo (2012) as CIA officer Malinov represented a significant step into mainstream acclaim. As part of the ensemble depicting the 1979 Iran hostage crisis rescue, his portrayal added tension and authenticity to the thriller's high-stakes operation, contributing to the film's widespread critical success and box office earnings of over $232 million worldwide.^[20] The movie's recognition, including Oscars for Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay, underscored the impact of Messina's supporting work in elevating historical dramas. His television prominence, such as in The Mindy Project, facilitated this shift by broadening his appeal to film audiences. Building on this, Messina took on more antagonistic turns, notably as the sadistic serial killer Victor Zsasz in Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) (2020), where his unhinged, tattooed henchman to Ewan McGregor's Black Mask was celebrated for its gleeful villainy and physical transformation, including a distinctive blond look. Critics highlighted how the role allowed Messina to unleash a rare chaotic energy, contrasting his typical affable characters and aiding the film's $205 million global gross.^[21] In 2023, Messina appeared in Air, directed by Ben Affleck, as Andy Cato, a Nike executive involved in the company's pursuit of Michael Jordan endorsement, contributing to the film's ensemble-driven sports drama. That year, he also starred in Dreamin' Wild as Don Franzon, a musician supporting the protagonists in this biographical tale of the Wilson brothers' music career revival. In 2024, Messina played Gordon Barrett, a U.S. commander, in the sci-fi thriller I.S.S., depicting escalating tensions aboard the International Space Station amid a global conflict. He appeared as Eric Resnick, the overworked public defender in Clint Eastwood's legal thriller Juror #2 (2024), a role that emphasized moral ambiguity in a high-profile murder trial, with the film receiving positive notices for its tense courtroom dynamics despite mixed overall reception.^[22] These performances exemplified his evolution from peripheral indie supports to integral parts in prestige projects. As of November 2025, Messina starred in the World War II drama Pressure (2025), directed by Anthony Maras, where he plays American meteorologist Irving P. Krick, central to the decision-making ahead of D-Day landings; the ensemble cast, including Damian Lewis and Brendan Fraser, positions it as a potential awards contender.^[23] Through these roles, Messina has demonstrated a trajectory from intimate character studies to high-profile action and historical epics, consistently earning recognition for his chameleon-like adaptability.

Directing and production work

Messina made his directorial debut with the 2014 independent drama Alex of Venice, in which he also starred as the estranged husband of the protagonist, a young environmental lawyer navigating personal upheaval after her partner's departure.^[24] The film, written by Jessica Goldberg, Katie Nehra, and Justin Rice, was produced by Jamie Patricof and Lynette Howell Taylor, with executive producers including Samantha Housman and Louise Runge.^[25] Filming the project proved challenging for Messina, as he balanced directing duties with his concurrent role on the Fox series The Mindy Project, describing the schedule as "grueling" in interviews.^[26] Upon release, Alex of Venice received mixed reviews, praised for its strong ensemble performances including Mary Elizabeth Winstead in the lead but critiqued for its predictable narrative and lack of emotional depth, earning a 70% approval rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes. Prior to directing, Messina ventured into production as an executive producer and co-writer on the 2012 comedy Fairhaven, a film about three friends reuniting in their coastal Massachusetts hometown, in which he also acted.^[27] Directed by Tom O'Brien, the project was produced by Massoumeh Emami, with additional executive producers Darren Goldberg and Chris Marsh, and it premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival to modest reception, holding a 50% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes for its character-driven but uneven storytelling.^[28] These early producing efforts allowed Messina to collaborate closely with emerging filmmakers and shape stories tied to his acting interests, such as explorations of relationships and personal reinvention.^[29] As of 2025, Messina has not announced additional feature directing credits beyond Alex of Venice, though he has expressed interest in returning to the role to maintain creative control over projects.^[30] His experiences in directing and producing have informed his approach to acting, emphasizing collaborative storytelling and the value of multiple perspectives in ensemble-driven narratives.^[10]

Personal life

Marriages

Chris Messina's first marriage was to fellow actress Rosemarie DeWitt, whom he wed in 1995 after meeting in New York City's theater scene during their early acting careers.^[31] The couple, both navigating the competitive world of stage and screen, attended industry events together, such as the 2006 Los Angeles Film Festival premiere of Ira and Abby, though no major on-screen collaborations occurred during their union.^[32] Their marriage ended in divorce in 2006 after 11 years.^[33] Following the divorce, Messina began a relationship with film producer Jennifer Todd, marrying her sometime after 2006; by 2014, he publicly referred to her as his wife.^[34] Todd, known for producing acclaimed films like Memento (2000) and Boiler Room (2000), serves as president of Pearl Street Films, the production company founded by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, intersecting Messina's acting career through professional networks in Hollywood.^[35] Their paths notably crossed on the set of Celeste and Jesse Forever (2012), which Todd produced and for which the screenplay was tailored to include a role for Messina, then her partner.^[36] Messina has spoken sparingly but positively about their partnership. A 2017 profile described Todd as one of the most powerful women in Hollywood, noting her influence on his industry navigation.^[35]

Children and family life

Chris Messina and his wife, film producer Jennifer Todd, have two sons: Milo Montgomery Messina, born on May 31, 2008, and Giovanni Messina, born on October 15, 2009.^[37][38] The family resides in Santa Monica, California, where Messina has emphasized maintaining a low profile to shield his children from public scrutiny.^[39][40] He has described his sons as "super smart" and actively involved in his professional life, such as providing honest feedback on script lines during rehearsals for his role in the 2023 film Air, where they critiqued his delivery of intense, profanity-laced dialogue, turning preparation into a family activity that occasionally raised eyebrows if overheard.^[39] Messina's commitment to fatherhood has shaped his career decisions, particularly in selecting projects that allow him to stay close to home and balance demanding schedules with family time; for instance, filming Air in a repurposed Santa Monica building enabled him to commute easily and integrate work with daily life alongside his wife and sons.^[39]

Filmography

Feature films

Chris Messina has appeared in numerous feature films since his debut in the late 1990s, often in supporting roles that highlight his versatility as a character actor.^[2][41] The following table lists his feature film acting credits in chronological order by release year, including the character's name and director(s). This excludes television films, short subjects, and non-acting contributions.

Television series

Messina made his television debut with a recurring role as Ted Fairwell, a love interest for Claire Fisher, in the HBO drama series Six Feet Under, appearing in 9 episodes across seasons 3 and 4 from 2003 to 2005. His character navigates complex family dynamics and personal vulnerabilities amid the Fisher family's funeral home life.^[42] In 2011 and 2012, Messina portrayed Chris Sanchez, a U.S. Army sergeant entangled in a military scandal, in a recurring capacity across 13 episodes of the legal thriller Damages during its fourth and fifth seasons on Audience Network (previously FX). Sanchez's arc involves testimony in a high-stakes lawsuit against a private security firm, highlighting themes of corporate accountability and personal sacrifice.^[43] Messina achieved greater prominence with multiple concurrent series roles starting in 2012. He played the intense media executive Reese Lansing in 25 episodes of HBO's The Newsroom from 2012 to 2014, serving as a key antagonist to the news team while dealing with ownership pressures and ethical dilemmas. Simultaneously, from 2012 to 2017, Messina starred as Dr. Danny Castellano, a sharp-witted obstetrician and eventual romantic lead opposite Mindy Kaling's character, in all 117 episodes of the Fox (later Hulu) sitcom The Mindy Project. Castellano's arc evolves from a brusque colleague to a devoted husband and father, spanning professional rivalries, a will-they-won't-they romance, and family milestones across six seasons. In the 2018 HBO miniseries Sharp Objects, Messina appeared as Detective Richard Willis in all 8 episodes, investigating a series of murders in a small Missouri town while forming a complicated connection with the protagonist, Camille Preaker. His role adds layers of suspicion and emotional depth to the psychological thriller's exploration of trauma and family secrets. Messina took the lead as Nick Haas, a philosophy professor grappling with moral ambiguity and temptation, in 8 episodes of The Sinner season 3 on USA Network in 2020.^[44] Haas's storyline delves into toxic masculinity and impulsive violence, culminating in a tense confrontation with detective Harry Ambrose. Since 2023, Messina has starred as Nathan Bartlett, a former tennis pro turned stay-at-home dad navigating family life and true-crime obsessions, in the Peacock dark comedy Based on a True Story. He appeared in all 8 episodes of season 1 and all 8 episodes of season 2 (2024–2025). The series follows the Bartletts' descent into vigilantism, with Nathan's arc balancing comedic domesticity against escalating ethical quandaries.

Theater credits

Messina began his professional acting career in theater, primarily in off-Broadway productions in New York City during the early 2000s, before transitioning to supporting roles in film and television while occasionally returning to the stage as an understudy and ensemble member in Broadway musicals.^[45] His stage work often featured ensemble or character roles in contemporary and classic plays, showcasing his versatility in dramatic and ensemble settings.

Key Theater Credits

• The Hologram Theory (2000, 2nd Stage Theatre, New York City): Ensemble member in this Ensemble Studio Theatre production directed by Michael Mayer.^[45]
• The Oldest Confederate Widow Tells All (2001, Long Wharf Theatre, New Haven, Connecticut): Supporting role in Arthur Kopit's play, directed by Jack O'Brien.^[45]
• Refuge (2001, 2nd Stage Theatre, New York City): Featured performer in the Ensemble Studio Theatre production directed by Gordon Edelstein.^[45]
• Far Away (2002, New York Theatre Workshop, Off-Broadway): Played Todd in Caryl Churchill's play, directed by Stephen Daldry, alongside Frances McDormand and Marin Ireland.^[45][46]
• Salome (2003, Ethel Barrymore Theatre, Broadway): The Young Syrian (Captain of the Guard) in Oscar Wilde's play, marking his Broadway debut in a production directed by David Leveaux.^[47][45]
• This Thing of Darkness (2003, Atlantic Theater Company, Off-Broadway): Supporting role in Craig Lucas' play, directed by Nicholas Martin, with Anna Paquin and Marin Ireland.^[45]
• Good Thing (2004, Playwrights Horizons, Off-Broadway): Ensemble performer in the production directed by Michael Mayer.^[45]
• Faster (2005, Rattlestick Playwrights Theater, Off-Broadway): Lead ensemble role in the play directed by Will Frears.^[48][45]
• The Cherry Orchard (2005, Williamstown Theatre Festival): Supporting role in Anton Chekhov's classic, directed by Joe Mantello.^[48][45]
• Road (2005, Signature Theatre Company, Off-Broadway): Played Larry in Jim Cartwright's play.^[45]
• Blur (2006, Biltmore Theatre, Broadway via Manhattan Theatre Club): Ensemble member in Joe DiPietro's play, directed by Nicholas Martin.^[48][45]
• The Light Outside (2007, Flea Theatre, Off-Broadway): Featured role in the production directed by Jack Ferver.^[48][45]
• Jersey Boys (2005–2017, August Wilson Theatre, Broadway; various replacements starting 2016): Swing, Dance Captain, understudy for Frankie Valli, and replacement performer as Joey, Frankie Valli (at certain performances), and Recording Studio Engineer.^[49][50]
• A Bronx Tale: The Musical (2016–2018, Longacre Theatre, Broadway; replacements 2017): Swing, Dance Captain, and replacement ensemble member as Handsome Nick and Doo-Wop Guy.^[49][50]
• Jersey Boys (Off-Broadway Revival, 2021): Swing performer.^[51]
• A Bronx Tale: The Musical (National Tour, 2018–2019): Swing and Dance Captain.^[49]
• Not About Nightingales (2025, Williamstown Theatre Festival): Warden Whalen in Tennessee Williams' play.^[52]

These credits highlight Messina's foundational work in intimate off-Broadway venues and his later contributions to long-running Broadway musicals in supporting capacities.^[48]

Awards and nominations

Wins

In 2006, Messina received the Richard Burton Award for Best Actor at the Vallarta Film Festival for his lead performance as Ira in the romantic comedy Ira and Abby, directed by Robert Cary.^[37] This solo accolade highlighted his early breakout role as a neurotic New Yorker impulsively marrying a free-spirited woman, marking a pivotal recognition in his indie film career.^[53] Messina earned the CinEuphoria Award for Best Supporting Actor in the International Competition category in 2011 for his portrayal of Tom in Sam Mendes' Away We Go, where he played a supportive brother-in-law to a pregnant couple navigating family dynamics.^[3] The Portuguese-based award celebrated international talent, with Messina sharing the spotlight alongside co-winner Melanie Lynskey for her role in the same film.^[54] At the 2013 Palm Springs International Film Festival Awards Gala on January 6, Messina was part of the ensemble honored with the Ensemble Performance Award for Argo, directed by Ben Affleck.^[55] The award, presented by former CIA agent Tony Mendez (the real-life inspiration for Affleck's character), went to the cast including Affleck, Alan Arkin, Bryan Cranston, Kerry Bishé, Kyle Chandler, Rory Cochrane, John Goodman, Scoot McNairy, and others, recognizing their collective portrayal of the 1979 Iran hostage crisis rescue operation.^[56] Later that month, on January 27 at the 19th Screen Actors Guild Awards held at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, Messina and the Argo cast won Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture.^[57] Ben Affleck accepted on behalf of the ensemble, which included Arkin, Bishé, Chandler, Cochrane, Cranston, DuVall, Garber, Goodman, McNairy, and additional cast members, expressing gratitude in his speech: "Wow, thank you all so much. I can't believe I'm standing in the place where Daniel Day-Lewis just was."^[58] This peer-voted honor underscored the film's collaborative tension and authenticity in depicting the Hollywood-assisted CIA mission.^[59]

Nominations

Messina earned nominations for his portrayal of Dr. Danny Castellano in the comedy series The Mindy Project. In 2014, he was nominated for the Critics' Choice Television Award for Best Actor in a Comedy Series.^[60] He received a second nomination in the same category in 2015.^[61] For the final season of The Mindy Project, Messina was nominated in 2016 for the Satellite Award for Best Actor in a Series, Comedy or Musical.^[62] In addition to his television work, Messina received a festival nomination for his feature directorial debut. At the 2014 Seattle International Film Festival, Alex of Venice—which he directed and starred in—was nominated for the New American Cinema Award.^[3]