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Josh Stewart
Josh Stewart
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Joshua Regnall Stewart (born February 6, 1977) is an American actor. He had his breakout with a main role as Officer Brendan Finney on the sixth and final season of the NBC crime drama television series Third Watch (2004–2005).[1] Following Third Watch, Stewart had a main role as Holt McLaren on the FX series Dirt (2007–2008) and a recurring role as Detective William LaMontagne Jr. on the CBS and Paramount+ police procedural series Criminal Minds (2007–2020; 2022–2023; 2025).

Key Information

In the late 2000s and early 2010s, Stewart had supporting roles in the films The Haunting of Molly Hartley (2008), The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008), and Law Abiding Citizen (2009), along with the lead role in the horror films The Collector (2009) and The Collection (2012) and a main role as the Watcher on the ABC series No Ordinary Family (2010–2011). He made his directorial debut with the film The Hunted (2013), which he also starred in.

Later in the 2010s, Stewart had supporting roles in the films Transcendence (2014), The Finest Hours (2016), War Machine (2017), Insidious: The Last Key (2018), and The Mustang (2019). He had main roles as Solotov on season 2 of the USA Network series Shooter (2017–2018) and John Pilgrim on the Netflix series The Punisher (2019). In the 2020s, Stewart had a recurring role as Wallace on the Apple TV+ miniseries Manhunt (2024).

Stewart has frequently collaborated with director Christopher Nolan, appearing in supporting roles in his films The Dark Knight Rises (2012), Interstellar (2014), and Tenet (2020), as well as Nolan's upcoming film The Odyssey (2026).

Early life

[edit]

Stewart was born in Diana, West Virginia,[2] the son of Margie and Charles Regnall Stewart. His father was a high school physical education teacher as well as a former pastor of the First Baptist Church in Webster Springs and Holly River Baptist Church, and is now pastor at the Redeeming Grace Baptist Church in Webster Springs. His mother is a sixth grade teacher at Webster Springs Elementary.[3] Stewart first attended West Virginia Wesleyan College, then transferred to West Virginia University, where he studied business.[4] After graduating from WVU, he moved to New York City to pursue acting.[5]

Acting career

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Early career

[edit]

Stewart got his start doing local theater at the Landmark Theatre in Sutton, West Virginia, and eventually moved to New York City to study at the T. Schreiber studios.[2] He was a company member of the 13th Street Repertory Theatre. He continued his theater in Los Angeles, performing in Light Bulb and Beacon alongside Robert Forster and Brooke Shields.[2]

Stewart appeared as an extra in The WB series Dawson's Creek episode "To Green, With Love". In 2003 he filmed a pilot for a Western for ABC entitled Then Came Jones.[6] In the pilot he played the character of Bill Jenkins.

Stewart later appeared as Sean Cleary in the CSI episode "Bad to the Bone", which aired on April 1, 2004. That same year, he also appeared in a commercial for Levi's 501 Original jeans.[7] Stewart also had a recurring role in Criminal Minds as Detective William LaMontagne Jr, as the boyfriend, and later husband, of main character SSA Jennifer "JJ" Jareau (A. J. Cook). His first appearance was in the episode "Jones" (Season 2, Episode 18), which aired in 2007. His character was killed off in 2025 in the third season of the revived show Criminal Minds: Evolution.

Starring television roles

[edit]

Stewart got his break when he was cast as Brendan Finney in the final season of the NBC series Third Watch.[8] As Finney, he played the son of IAB captain Cathal "CT" Finney.

After Third Watch was cancelled, Stewart started filming a movie entitled Lenexa, 1 Mile (released on DVD as Full Count), alongside William Baldwin, Michael Beach, Jennifer Hall, Timothy Ryan Hensel, Chris Klein, Austin Nichols, Jason Ritter, Michael Rooker, and Paul Wesley.[9] This was also the directing debut of Jason Wiles.[10] After filming wrapped, Stewart began filming a new television series starring Courteney Cox Arquette entitled Dirt, for the FX Network, where he played the character of Holt McLaren.[2] On June 8, 2008, Cox Arquette announced that Dirt had been cancelled.[11] During the 2010–2011 season, he appeared as Joshua in ABC's No Ordinary Family.

In 2017, Stewart starred as Solotov on the second season of the USA Network thriller drama Shooter.[12]

On February 26, 2018, it was announced that Stewart would join as a series regular in the second season of Netflix's The Punisher.[13] Stewart joined alongside cast member Alexa Davalos, who is Stewart's wife in real life.

Feature films

[edit]

Stewart made his mainstream feature film debut in 2008's Curious Case of Benjamin Button playing the character of Benjamin's crewmate, Pleasant Curtis. Also that year, he appeared in The Haunting of Molly Hartley in the role of Mary Hartley's teacher, Mr. Draper. In 2009, he had his first feature film starring role, in the horror movie The Collector, playing the part of Arkin, a man attempting to rob a house to make enough money to pay off his wife's debts to loan sharks. In 2010, he starred, alongside Jamie-Lynn Sigler in the movie Beneath the Dark, (originally titled Wake)[14] inspired by the novel The Shining.[15] He appeared in Christopher Nolan's final film in his Batman Saga, The Dark Knight Rises as Bane's right-hand man, Barsad.[16][17][18] He appeared as the main protagonist in the 2012 webisodes, The Walking Dead: Cold Storage, which are based on the popular television show The Walking Dead. In 2013, Josh finished filming his directorial debut, The Hunted, in which he also stars. Stewart reunited in 2014 with director Christopher Nolan as the voice of CASE in the sci-fi epic Interstellar. The same year Stewart was cast in the Disney film The Finest Hours.[18]

Directorial debut

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Stewart's directorial and writing debut was the 2013 film The Hunted. He co-produced the film along with The Collector producers Brett Forbes and Patrick Rizzotti. The found footage film revolves around Jake (Stewart) and Stevie (Ronnie Gene Blevins) who want their own TV show. In an attempt to grab the media's attention, both Jake and Stevie head to the dense, secluded woods in West Virginia, armed with only their bows and a camera, to find the biggest deer they can. However, as the sun sets over the mountains, they soon realise they are not alone in the woods and something supernatural is hunting them instead. The film screened at TIFF[19] and eOne Films have since picked up the North American distribution rights.[citation needed]

Personal life

[edit]

In 2007, Stewart married Deanna Brigidi. They have two children: daughter Ryan Justine (b. 2008) and son River Jacob (b. 2010). They separated in 2014 and divorced in 2016.

On February 27, 2012, Stewart went into cardiac arrest after contracting salmonella. His wife performed CPR for several minutes. Stewart now has an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator in his chest.[20][21]

Stewart married actress Alexa Davalos on May 19, 2019.[22][23] They starred together on the second season of the Netflix series The Punisher.[citation needed]

Filmography

[edit]

Movie

[edit]
Year Film Role Notes
2006 Lenexa, 1 Mile T.J. Ketting
2007 The Death and Life of Bobby Z Monk
Jekyll Tommy
2008 The Haunting of Molly Hartley Mr. Draper
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button Pleasant Curtis
2009 The Collector Arkin O'Brien
Law Abiding Citizen Rupert Ames
2010 Beneath the Dark Paul
2011 Rehab Aaron McCreary / Carl
2012 The Dark Knight Rises Barsad
The Collection Arkin O'Brien
2013 Event 15 Sgt. Oldsman
The Hunted Jake Also Director
2014 Transcendence Paul
Interstellar CASE Voice
2016 The Finest Hours Tchuda Southerland
Cold Moon Nathan Redfield
The Neighbor John
2017 War Machine Capt. Dick North
2018 Insidious: The Last Key Gerald Rainier
Malicious Adam Pierce
Discarnate Casey Blackburn
2019 The Mustang Dan
Back Fork Waylon Also Director
2020 Tenet Male Voice Voice
2025 Lifeline Steven Thomas
2026 The Odyssey TBA Post-production
TBA The Collected Arkin O'Brien In development

Television

[edit]
Year Film Role Notes
2000 Dawson's Creek Extra Episode: "To Green, With Love"
2003 Then Came Jones Bill Jenkins Pilot
CSI Sean Cleary Episode: "Bad to the Bone
2004–2005 Third Watch Officer Brendan Finney Main role
2007–2008 Dirt Holt McLaren
2007–2020, 2022–2023, & 2025 Criminal Minds Det. William LaMontagne Jr. Recurring role
2008 Raising the Bar Dan Denton Episode: "Hang Time"
ER Daniel Episode: "Under Pressure"
2009 CSI: Miami Colin Astor Episode: "Smoke Gets in Your CSI's"
Southland Vid Holmes Episode: "Unknown Trouble"
The Mentalist Harlan McAdoo Episode: "The Scarlett Letter"
2010 Ghost Whisperer Robert Wharton Episode: "Living Nightmare"
2010–2011 No Ordinary Family Joshua Recurring role
2012 Grimm Bill Episode: "The Bottle Imp"
The Walking Dead: Cold Storage Chase Main role
2017–2018 Shooter Solotov
2019 The Punisher John Pilgrim
2021 The Rookie Graham Porter Episode: "Lockdown"
2024 Manhunt Wallace Miniseries

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Joshua Regnall Stewart (born February 6, 1977) is an American actor best known for his portrayals of complex characters in television and film, including officers, journalists, and antagonists in thrillers and sci-fi epics. Born in Diana, , to a teacher mother and Baptist pastor father, Stewart grew up in a rural setting before pursuing acting in , where he trained at the T. Schreiber Studio and became a company member of the 13th Street Repertory Theatre. His early career included theater work in and competitive pursuits in and , reflecting his athletic background. Stewart broke into television in the early but gained prominence in as Officer Brendan Finney in the final season of NBC's , a role that showcased his ability to handle intense dramatic scenarios. He further established himself in 2007 as Holt McLaren, a paparazzo entangled in , in the FX series , earning praise for his nuanced performance opposite . From 2007 onward, Stewart portrayed Detective William LaMontagne Jr., the husband of Jennifer Jareau, in a recurring capacity on CBS's , appearing in 28 episodes through 2025, when his character was killed off, becoming a fan-favorite for his grounded, supportive presence amid the show's procedural intensity. In film, Stewart's breakthrough came with the 2009 horror-thriller , where he starred as the resourceful thief Arkin, a role he reprised in the 2012 sequel The Collection, solidifying his reputation in the genre for gritty, survival-driven characters. He expanded into blockbuster territory with supporting parts in Christopher Nolan's (2012) as the mercenary Barsad and Interstellar (2014), voicing the robot companion CASE. Other notable film credits include Transcendence (2014) alongside , Insidious: The Last Key (2018), and Tenet (2020), where he played a key operative. More recently, Stewart has taken on antagonistic roles, such as the white supremacist John Pilgrim in Netflix's Marvel's The Punisher (2019) and appearances in The Rookie and Manhunt (2024). Beyond acting, Stewart has ventured into directing and producing; he wrote, directed, and starred in the 2019 drama Back Fork, a project inspired by his roots, and is set to reprise his role as Arkin in the upcoming third installment of series, The Collected (in development as of 2025). Personally, he was married to actress Deanna Brigidi from 2007 to 2016, with whom he has a daughter and a son, and married actress in 2019. His diverse career spans over two decades, blending high-stakes action, psychological depth, and independent storytelling, with upcoming projects including Lifeline (2025).

Early life

Birth and family background

Joshua Regnall Stewart was born on February 6, 1977, in Diana, a small unincorporated community in . He is the son of Margie (Skidmore) Stewart, a sixth-grade at Webster Springs Elementary School, and Charles Regnall Stewart, who served as a high school and Baptist pastor at churches including the Redeeming Grace Baptist Church in Webster Springs. Stewart grew up in a rural environment in Webster County, where his family emphasized education and community involvement, shaping his early experiences in a tight-knit, small-town setting. His upbringing included frequent exposure to the outdoors, such as hiking and camping in Holly River State Park and learning to hunt and fish along the Back Fork of the Elk River, activities that connected him to West Virginia's natural landscape and fostered a sense of independence.

Education and early interests

Stewart grew up in the rural town of Diana, , where he initially focused on sports before developing an interest in during his teenage years. He participated in local plays around his hometown throughout his teens, including early involvement in community theater introduced by a high school speech teacher who encouraged him to audition for a production. These experiences at venues like the Landmark Theatre in nearby Sutton sparked his passion for acting, marking his initial forays into stage performance. After high school, Stewart first attended before transferring to , where he pursued a degree in as part of the program. During his college years, around age 21 or 22, he deepened his engagement with theater, performing in productions that solidified his shift toward as a potential path despite his academic focus on . He graduated with a in , but the "acting bug" from his earlier experiences persisted, influencing his decision to forgo a traditional . Following graduation, Stewart briefly considered opportunities in before relocating to to pursue acting professionally. There, he trained at the T. Schreiber Studio, honing his craft through intensive acting classes, and joined the 13th Street Repertory Theatre as a company member, performing in various stage productions. These early theater endeavors, combined with his exposure to films and local performances, shaped his foundational influences and commitment to the .

Acting career

Early roles and breakthrough

After earning a business degree from , Stewart relocated to around 1999 to launch his acting career, training at the T. Schreiber Studio and joining the 13th Street Repertory Theatre as a company member. He later moved to , where he honed his skills through stage productions including Light Bulb and Beacon, sharing the stage with established performers like and . These early theater experiences, building on local performances at West Virginia's Landmark Theatre, provided foundational training before transitioning to screen work. Stewart's earliest on-screen credit was an uncredited extra role in the Dawson's Creek episode "To Green, With Love" (season 3, 2000). His first substantial role arrived in 2003 with the Lifetime television movie Then Came Jones, in which he portrayed Bill Jenkins. He followed this with a supporting turn as Sean Cleary in the CSI: Crime Scene Investigation episode "Bad to the Bone" in 2004. These initial credits marked his entry into television during the 1999–2005 period, though his career gained momentum through independent and episodic gigs rather than immediate leads. Stewart's breakthrough came in 2004 when he was cast as Probationary Officer Brendan Finney, a main character, in the sixth and final season of NBC's . Appearing in all 20 episodes from 2004 to 2005, the role of the rookie firefighter-paramedic offered his first significant exposure on a primetime , showcasing his ability to handle intense action sequences and emotional depth amid the series' . This opportunity, which aired until the show's conclusion in May 2005, established Stewart as a rising talent in television and paved the way for subsequent opportunities.

Television roles

Stewart's television career gained prominence with his starring role as Holt McLaren, a celebrity photographer for the tabloid magazine Now, in the series Dirt (2007–2008). Portrayed as a morally conflicted figure often drawn into the scandals he documents, McLaren's arc explored the blurred lines between personal ethics and professional ambition in the cutthroat world of gossip , contributing to the show's commentary on media sensationalism. One of Stewart's most enduring television roles was as Detective William "Will" LaMontagne Jr. in Criminal Minds (2007–2025), beginning as a guest appearance in the episode "Jones" and evolving into a recurring character. LaMontagne, a New Orleans police detective, integrated into the Behavioral Analysis Unit's narrative through his relationship with agent Jennifer "JJ" Jareau, whom he marries in season seven, providing emotional depth to the procedural's high-stakes investigations and family dynamics. His storyline culminated tragically in Criminal Minds: Evolution season three, episode two (2025), where LaMontagne dies from a rare thyroid aneurysm during a hostage situation, marking a pivotal shift in the series' character ensemble and eliciting significant fan response. Stewart took on antagonistic roles in later series, including Solotov, a ruthless Chechen and , in Shooter (2017–2018), where his performance as the season two and three villain heightened the thriller's tension around and plots. In season two of Netflix's The Punisher (2019), he portrayed John Pilgrim, a devout, ultra-conservative with a traumatic past, whose ideological fervor and brutal methods served as a foil to the Frank Castle, enriching the series' exploration of vigilante justice and moral ambiguity. Among his guest appearances, Stewart played William Granger, a desperate father entangled in a Wesen-related crisis, in the Grimm episode "The Bottle Imp" (2012), adding to the supernatural drama's procedural elements. More recently, he appeared as Detective Burnwood in season 5 of ABC's The Rookie (2023) and portrayed in the Apple TV+ miniseries Manhunt (2024). Over his career, Stewart has amassed approximately 18 television credits from 2000 to 2025, with a focus on starring and recurring parts in , thriller, and genres.

Film roles

Stewart began his feature film career in the mid-2000s, accumulating approximately 22 credits in films spanning 2006 to 2026, often portraying intense, supporting characters in thrillers, dramas, and blockbusters. His early film appearance came in the 2008 drama The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, directed by David Fincher, where he played Pleasant Curtis, a fellow tugboat crewmate to the titular character during World War II sequences. In this role, Stewart depicted a young sailor navigating the perils of wartime service, contributing to the film's ensemble of peripheral figures that underscored Benjamin's unique aging reversal. Stewart gained prominence in the horror-thriller genre with his lead performance as Arkin in (2009), a burglar who unwittingly enters a booby-trapped home occupied by a sadistic killer, showcasing his ability to convey desperation and resourcefulness amid graphic violence. He reprised the character in the 2012 sequel The Collection, where Arkin, now scarred and vengeful, pursues the killer while entangled in a museum-like abduction plot, earning praise for his physical commitment and emotional depth in the franchise's escalating cat-and-mouse dynamic. In major blockbusters, Stewart portrayed Barsad, a loyal mercenary and right-hand operative to the villain Bane, in Christopher Nolan's (2012), appearing in key action sequences including the film's tense opening plane hijacking. He later provided the voice for CASE, the stoic and efficient robotic companion on the interstellar mission, in Nolan's Interstellar (2014), delivering a measured performance that complemented the film's themes of exploration and human resilience. More recently, Stewart contributed a voice role as a male Tenet agent in the espionage thriller Tenet (2020), facilitating pivotal communications in the story's temporal inversion narrative. Looking ahead, he is cast in an undisclosed supporting role in Christopher Nolan's upcoming epic (2026), an adaptation of Homer's ancient tale centered on Odysseus's perilous journey home.

Directing and writing work

Stewart transitioned from acting to directing and writing with his debut feature, The Hunted (2013), a found-footage horror thriller that he wrote, directed, produced, and starred in. Filmed on a low budget with a crew of 15 in the secluded mountains of , the film follows two hunters encountering supernatural terror while pursuing a show dream, inspired by Stewart's real-life childhood encounter . It premiered at Screamfest in in October 2013, receiving praise for its atmospheric scares and authentic tension despite found-footage conventions. Following a limited theatrical run, The Hunted was released on DVD and video-on-demand by Entertainment One in September 2014, though it did not achieve wide theatrical distribution. Building on this experience, Stewart directed and wrote his second feature, Back Fork (2019), a exploring , , and family dynamics in rural , in which he also starred as the protagonist Waylon. Shot on location to capture the region's cinematic landscapes, the film features local talent including and emphasizes character-driven narratives over spectacle, drawing from universal themes of toxic masculinity and breaking cycles of silence. Released on digital and on-demand platforms, Back Fork marked Stewart's evolution as an , with improved preparation and delegation informed by his acting collaborations on high-profile projects. No additional directing credits, such as shorts or television episodes, appear in his through 2025. Stewart's writing extends to the scripts for The Hunted and Back Fork, where his personal ties to shaped authentic, grounded stories rooted in regional and lived experiences. In 2024, he published his first , OKE, HE WAS CALLED, a novella-length tale set in rural about a 13-year-old boy and his dog amid torturous days of hardship, released as a Kindle edition on October 5. His acting background significantly informed his behind-the-camera work, as experiences on films like (2012) taught him structured storytelling and efficient collaboration under directors like . This foundation allowed Stewart to balance multiple roles in his projects, transitioning from performer to creator by prioritizing emotional authenticity over budgetary constraints. A notable bridge to these interests was his on-screen collaboration with wife in season two of The Punisher (2019), where their real-life partnership since their 2019 marriage overlapped with his growing focus on personal, narrative-driven filmmaking.

Personal life

Marriages and children

Stewart married casting director Deanna Brigidi in 2007 after meeting during his early acting career. The couple welcomed daughter Ryan Justine in 2008 and son River Jacob in 2010. They separated in 2014 and finalized their divorce in 2016, maintaining an amicable co-parenting arrangement for their children. In 2019, Stewart married actress , whom he met while co-starring with her in the second season of the series The Punisher. The couple has no children together. Stewart and Davalos prioritize privacy in their family life, rarely sharing details publicly.

Health challenges

In February 2012, Josh Stewart experienced a life-threatening at his home in , triggered by a severe infection. His then-wife, Deanna Brigidi, called 911 around 11 p.m. on February 27 and, guided by dispatcher Al Camacho, administered CPR and for several minutes until paramedics arrived and used a defibrillator to revive him. Stewart was rushed to , where he was treated in intensive care during his initial recovery period. Following the episode, he underwent to implant a cardioverter-defibrillator in his chest to monitor and correct potential heart rhythm irregularities. The device necessitates regular medical follow-ups and ongoing management to ensure Stewart's cardiac health. Brigidi's prompt actions were instrumental in his , underscoring the critical role of family support in medical emergencies. Stewart and Brigidi publicly acknowledged the 911 dispatcher's assistance through media coverage, highlighting the value of emergency response training and CPR.

Filmography

Films

The following table lists Josh Stewart's feature film credits in chronological order by release year, including roles and notes where applicable (e.g., voice work, uncredited appearances, or upcoming projects).
YearTitleRole
2006Lenexa, 1 MileT.J. Ketting
2007JekyllTommy
2008The Curious Case of Benjamin ButtonPleasant Curtis
2008Mr. Draper
2009Rupert Ames
2009Arkin
2010Simon
2010WakePaul
2012The CollectionArkin
2012Dan
2012Barsad
2013The HuntedJake
2014InterstellarCASE (voice)
2014TranscendencePaul
2016The Finest HoursTchuda Southerland
2016Cold MoonNathan Redfield
2016The NeighborJohn
2018Insidious: The Last KeyGerald Rainier
2018MaliciousAdam
2018DiscarnateCasey Blackburn
2019Back ForkWaylon
2019Dan
2020Charlie
2020TenetSator's Right-Hand Man
2021The UnholyFather Hagan
2025LifelineSteven Thomas
2026The OdysseyTBD (upcoming)

Television

Stewart's television career spans over two decades, featuring a mix of recurring roles in long-running series and guest appearances across various genres. His breakthrough in television came with a recurring role on , after which he became known for his portrayal of Detective William LaMontagne Jr. on and its revival.
Year(s)TitleRoleNotes
2003Then Came JonesBill JenkinsTV movie; 1 episode
2004CSI: Crime Scene InvestigationSean ClearyGuest role, 1 episode ("")
2004–2005Brendan FinneyRecurring role, 20 episodes
2007–2008Holt McLarenMain role, 20 episodes
2007–2025 / Criminal Minds: EvolutionWilliam LaMontagne Jr.Recurring role, 28 episodes; character deceased in 2025 series finale
2008ERDanielGuest role, 1 episode ("Under Pressure")
2008Raising the BarDan DentonGuest role, 1 episode ("Hang Time")
2009Colin AstorGuest role, 1 episode ("Smoke Gets in Your CSIs")
2009SouthlandVid HolmesGuest role, 1 episode ("Unknown Trouble")
2009Harlan McAdooGuest role, 1 episode ("")
2009LeverageVictor DubenichRecurring role, 2 episodes
2010Robert WhartonGuest role, 1 episode ("Living Nightmare: Part 1")
2010–2011Blake SterlingRecurring role, 10 episodes
2010–2011JoshuaRecurring role, 6 episodes
2018The RookieGraham PorterGuest role, 1 episode
2018ShooterT. SolotovRecurring role, 8 episodes (Season 3)
2019Marvel's The PunisherJohn PilgrimRecurring role, 13 episodes (Season 2)
2024ManhuntWallace; recurring role, 7 episodes

References

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