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Wes Chatham
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Wes Chatham (born October 11, 1978) is an American actor. He has appeared in films such as In the Valley of Elah, W., The Help, and The Philly Kid, and played Castor in The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1 and Part 2.[1] Between 2015 and 2022, he starred as Amos Burton in The Expanse.
Key Information
Early life
[edit]Chatham was born on October 11, 1978 in Atlanta.[2][3] At the age of 7, he got his first acting job in Tide commercials.[3]
After graduating from high school, Chatham joined the U.S. Navy in the rating of Aviation Boatswain's Mate. He worked as an aviation firefighter on the flight deck of the USS Essex, working in crash and salvage for four years, reaching the rank of Petty Officer Third Class.[4]
Acting career
[edit]Chatham's break into acting came just three months before his tour was finished when Denzel Washington chose his ship to shoot the movie Antwone Fisher. Chatham was amongst those selected by casting director Robi Reed while Reed was searching for authentic-looking military personnel for the movie. This was Chatham's first movie-making experience, which led to further pursuit of his lifelong dream of acting. Following Antwone Fisher, Reed convinced Chatham to move to Hollywood and shortly thereafter cast him in his first series regular role on Showtime's Barbershop.
Chatham gained further attention when Paul Haggis cast him alongside Tommy Lee Jones as Corporal Steve Penning in In the Valley of Elah. In 2009, Chatham went on to work with Oliver Stone in W. as Frank Benedict, George W's fraternity brother. The following year, Chatham landed another series regular role on the hit CBS TV show The Unit. Chatham was cast as new unit team member Sergeant Sam McBride (aka Whiplash), working with David Mamet and Shawn Ryan. Chatham also starred as Brian Danielson in Brett Simmons’ Husk (2011).
Chatham portrayed Carlton Phelan, the brother of Emma Stone's character, in the 2011 film The Help. The cast won a 2012 Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture.[5] In 2012, Chatham landed his first title role in Joel Silver's The Philly Kid. A fan of mixed martial arts, Chatham dove into the character of Dillion McGwire, performing all of his own stunts.[2] The film debuted in theaters May 2012. Following The Philly Kid, Chatham starred in This Thing With Sarah, which was accepted to the San Diego Film Festival in October 2013.[6] In 2013 Chatham wrapped two studio films, Broken Horses (2013) and The Town That Dreaded Sundown (2014).
Between 2015 and 2022, Chatham starred as Amos Burton in the Amazon Prime Video TV series The Expanse.[7] In 2021, he started co-hosting Ty & That Guy Podcast with Ty Franck, discussing episodes of The Expanse, inspirations from genre culture, and occasionally inviting guests, including Thomas Jane, Daniel Abraham and Brett Simmons [tr].[8][9]
Personal life
[edit]Chatham is married to TV personality Jenn Brown.[10] Together they have two sons, John Nash, born in 2014, and Rhett Jameson, born in 2016.[11][12] Chatham missed the birth of Nash, as he was filming episode 2 of The Expanse and his son was born while Chatham was in the air, flying back from Toronto, where they filmed.[13]
Filmography
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | The Fighting Temptations | Cashier | |
| 2007 | In the Valley of Elah | Corporal Steve Penning | |
| 2008 | W. | Fraternity Enforcer | |
| 2011 | Husk | Brian | |
| 2011 | The Help | Carlton Phelan | |
| 2012 | The Philly Kid | Dillon "The Philly Kid" McGuire | |
| 2013 | Baby Bleed | Daddy | Short film |
| 2014 | This Thing with Sarah | Ethan | |
| 2014 | The Town That Dreaded Sundown | Corporal Danny Torrens | |
| 2014 | The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1 | Castor | |
| 2015 | Broken Horses | "Ace" | |
| 2015 | The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2 | Castor | |
| 2016 | All I See is You | Daniel | |
| 2018 | Escape Plan 2: Hades | Jaspar Kimbral | |
| 2020 | Tenet | SWAT 3 | |
| 2023 | Squealer | Jack |
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005–2006 | Barbershop | Isaac | 10 Episodes, as John Wesley Chatham[14] |
| 2005 | Sleeper Cell | Frat Boy | Episode: "Al-Faitha", as John Wesley Chatham |
| 2009 | The Unit | Staff Sergeant Sam McBride | 8 Episodes |
| 2012 | Political Animals | Gunner Cox | Episode: "Lost Boys" |
| 2012 | The Mentalist | Vince | Episode: "Cherry Picked" |
| 2014–2017 | Hand of God | Shane Caldwell | 2 Episodes |
| 2015–2022 | The Expanse | Amos Burton | Series Regular |
| 2017 | The Night Shift | Clark | Episode: "Keep the Faith" |
| 2023 | NCIS: Hawaiʻi | Brother Ellis Kane | Episode: "Shields Up" |
| 2023 | Ahsoka | Captain Enoch | 3 episodes |
| 2025 | Sheriff Country | Dawson Raines | Episodes: "The Sixth Man", “Out of Office” |
| 2026 | Cross | Donnie | Season 2 |
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Armed Response | Blake Morgan | 4 episodes |
References
[edit]- ^ Ford, Rebecca (September 23, 2013). "'Hunger Games: Mockingjay' Adds Wes Chatham". The Hollywood Reporter.
- ^ a b "Wes Chatham - Bio". officialweschatham.com.
- ^ a b DeYoung, Bill (2009-04-12). "Savannah actor Wes Chatham at home with 'The Unit'". Savannah Morning News. Archived from the original on 2024-04-18. Retrieved 2024-04-18.
- ^ "'The Expanse' Star Wes Chatham Dishes On How He Got Into Acting". www.cheatsheet.com. February 16, 2021.
- ^ THR Staff (29 January 2012). "SAG Awards 2012: The Winners List". The Hollywood Reporter.
- ^ "This Thing With Sarah". thisthingwithsarah.com.
- ^ Petski, Denise (October 29, 2014). "Dominique Tipper, Wes Chatham, More, Round Out The Expanse". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved January 5, 2015.
- ^ "Ty & That Guy". Archived from the original on January 28, 2021. Retrieved January 31, 2021 – via YouTube.
- ^ "Wes Chatham & Ty Franck of 'The Expanse' Discuss the Show's Finale and Future". Rolling Stone. January 11, 2022. Event occurs at 2:37. Retrieved January 23, 2022 – via YouTube.
- ^ McIntyre, Jason (September 28, 2011). "ESPN's Jenn Brown is Engaged to Actor Wes Chatham". The Big Lead.
- ^ "Wes Chatham and Jenn Brown Introduce Son John Nash". People. February 2, 2015. Retrieved April 17, 2018.
- ^ "Wes Chatham and Jenn Brown Welcome Son Rhett Jameson". People. July 1, 2016. Retrieved April 17, 2018.
- ^ Franck, Ty; Chatham, Wes (February 24, 2021). "Ep 003 - Space Will Kill You & The Expanse S1E2". Ty & That Guy. 14:18 minutes in. Retrieved February 27, 2021 – via YouTube.
- ^ Gates, Anita (2005-08-13). "They Cut Heads (Those Wacky Barbers of Showtime)". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 2015-05-29. Retrieved 2024-04-18.
External links
[edit]
Wes Chatham
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Early life
Childhood and family
Wes Chatham was born John Wesley Chatham on October 11, 1978, in Atlanta, Georgia.[14][15] His parents divorced when he was two years old, after which he was primarily raised by his mother in northern Georgia alongside his sister and brother.[16][15] At the age of five, Chatham had his first on-screen experience when his mother took him along to a casting call for a Tide detergent commercial intended for his sister; he was unexpectedly selected for the role.[16][15] This early exposure to acting occurred amid a challenging family dynamic shaped by the divorce, though details of his parents' identities and professions remain private.[16] Chatham faced difficulties during his teenage years, culminating in his expulsion from high school due to behavioral issues, which set him on a non-traditional path forward.[16][17] This event marked a significant turning point in his youth, leading him toward military enlistment as a means of structure and discipline.[16]Military service and early career entry
Following his high school graduation, Wes Chatham enlisted in the United States Navy in 1997, serving for four years until his honorable discharge in 2001. Assigned as an Aviation Boatswain’s Mate, he worked on the flight deck of the USS Essex (LHD-2, specializing as an aviation firefighter responsible for crash and salvage operations during aircraft carrier deployments.[18] During his enlistment, Chatham advanced to the rank of Petty Officer Third Class (E-4), gaining discipline and resilience that later informed his portrayals of military characters. His service was stationed primarily out of San Diego, California, where the demanding environment of naval aviation honed his focus and physical endurance.[19][20] Upon discharge in 2001, Chatham relocated to Los Angeles to pursue acting professionally, drawing on a childhood interest in performance that had sparked through early theater experiences. He immediately immersed himself in the industry by attending auditions and pursuing on-the-job training opportunities to build his skills. His military background provided an authentic edge, particularly in roles involving service members.[18][6] Chatham's entry into acting was catalyzed by his first professional credit in the 2002 film Antwone Fisher, directed by and starring Denzel Washington, where he played a sailor. The production filmed aboard the USS Essex just three months before his discharge, allowing Chatham to secure the role through an open casting call on his ship; the casting director, Robi Reed, recognized his potential and urged him to relocate to Hollywood afterward. This debut directly leveraged his naval experience, marking a seamless transition from service to screen.[14][18][6]Acting career
Breakthrough and film roles
Chatham's breakthrough in film came with his role as Corporal Steve Penning in Paul Haggis's 2007 war drama In the Valley of Elah, where he portrayed a soldier entangled in a military cover-up alongside Tommy Lee Jones and Charlize Theron.[2] This performance marked a significant step forward from his earlier minor appearance in Antwone Fisher (2002), earning him attention for his authentic depiction of military life, which drew on his own U.S. Navy service as an aviation firefighter.[17] The film's exploration of post-Iraq War trauma highlighted Chatham's ability to convey quiet intensity in ensemble-driven narratives. Building on this momentum, Chatham took on supporting roles that diversified his portfolio. In Oliver Stone's 2008 biopic W., he played fraternity enforcer Frank Benedict, a college acquaintance of George W. Bush, contributing to the film's satirical take on political ambition amid a star-studded cast including Josh Brolin and Elizabeth Banks. Three years later, in Tate Taylor's 2011 adaptation The Help, Chatham portrayed Carlton Phelan, the affable brother of protagonist Skeeter Phelan (Emma Stone), in a role that showcased his warmer, more relatable side within the film's acclaimed ensemble addressing racial tensions in 1960s Mississippi.[2] The cast collectively received a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture, underscoring the project's industry impact.[14] Chatham's transition to action-oriented cinema was evident in his lead role as Dillon "The Philly Kid" McGuire in the 2012 direct-to-video thriller The Philly Kid, where he played a former wrestler turned MMA fighter navigating underground fights to rescue a friend.[21] As his first starring turn, produced by Joel Silver, the film allowed Chatham to perform his own stunts, emphasizing his physical prowess honed from Navy training and personal interest in mixed martial arts.[14] This role expanded his range into high-stakes, gritty action, contrasting his prior dramatic work. His visibility surged with the portrayal of Castor, a loyal rebel soldier and cameraman in District 13, across The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1 (2014) and Part 2 (2015), directed by Francis Lawrence.[2] Playing the brother of Pollux (Elden Henson) in the blockbuster franchise's finale, Chatham's character supported Jennifer Lawrence's Katniss Everdeen in revolutionary efforts, blending tactical action with ensemble dynamics in a global hit that grossed over $1.4 billion combined. These films amplified his presence in mainstream Hollywood, leveraging his imposing 6'4" frame for authoritative yet supportive figures.[17] Throughout these mid-2000s to early 2010s roles, Chatham demonstrated versatility by shifting from introspective military figures—often informed by his authentic background—to charismatic supporting players in historical dramas and intense action leads, establishing him as a reliable presence in both intimate ensembles and large-scale productions.[1]Television roles
Chatham began his television career with guest and recurring roles that often cast him as military or rugged characters. In 2006, he joined the cast of the CBS action-drama The Unit as Staff Sergeant Sam McBride, also known as "Whiplash," a new recruit to the elite Delta Force team, appearing in multiple episodes across seasons three and four.[22] His performance drew on his real-life military background to portray the intense demands of covert operations.[6] In 2012, Chatham guest-starred as Vince, a tough enforcer involved in a criminal investigation, in the episode "Cherry Picked" of CBS's procedural The Mentalist.[23] Chatham's breakthrough in television came with his portrayal of Amos Burton in the Syfy/Amazon Prime science fiction series [The Expanse (TV series)](/page/The Expanse), where he starred from 2015 to 2022 across all six seasons.[24] As the Rocinante's stoic, psychologically complex mechanic and former Baltimore enforcer, Burton navigates moral ambiguities in a solar system on the brink of war, blending brute physicality with unexpected philosophical depth.[25] Critics acclaimed Chatham's nuanced performance for elevating the character into a fan favorite, highlighting how Amos's unflinching loyalty and hidden vulnerabilities added emotional layers to the space opera's ensemble. The role spanned 62 episodes and contributed to the series' reputation for grounded, character-driven storytelling. In 2023, Chatham expanded into the Star Wars universe as Captain Enoch in the Disney+ live-action series Ahsoka, serving as Grand Admiral Thrawn's steadfast second-in-command and leader of the Night Trooper forces. Voiced and motion-captured by Chatham, Enoch embodies unwavering loyalty in the shadowy remnants of the Empire, appearing in key episodes that explore Thrawn's return.[3] The character's masked presence and tactical demeanor have positioned him as a compelling antagonist in the franchise's expanding narrative. Chatham has also taken on recurring tough archetypes in other series, such as Shane Caldwell, a troubled police officer grappling with personal demons, in Amazon's Hand of God from 2014 to 2017.[26] In 2017, he appeared as Clark, a resilient medic, in the NBC medical drama The Night Shift. More recently, in 2023, he guest-starred as Brother Ellis Kane, a formidable ex-Marine, in an episode of CBS's NCIS: Hawai'i. These roles consistently showcase Chatham's ability to infuse intensity and authenticity into physically demanding, blue-collar figures.[1]Recent projects
In 2023, Chatham took on the lead role of Jack, a determined police officer investigating a series of gruesome murders, in the crime thriller Squealer, directed by Andy Armstrong.[27] This performance marked a notable shift toward action-hero archetypes, showcasing his physicality in intense confrontation scenes amid the film's horror elements.[28] Chatham expanded his television presence in 2025 with supporting roles in two genre-spanning series. He portrays Dawson Raines, an undercover DEA agent entangled in small-town investigations, in the crime drama Sheriff Country, a spin-off from Fire Country starring Morena Baccarin as the titular sheriff.[29] In the sci-fi adventure The Wayfinders, he plays Mitch, a key ally to a group of teens transported to a medieval-like world, contributing to the show's blend of portal fantasy and civil war intrigue.[30] His reprisal of Captain Enoch in Ahsoka Season 2, with filming wrapped in October 2025 and release expected in 2026, delves deeper into the character's backstory and tactical role within Grand Admiral Thrawn's forces, building on the Night Trooper commander's enigmatic debut in Season 1.[31][32] Filming updates indicate expanded action sequences for Enoch, highlighting Chatham's ability to convey menace through the character's distinctive gold-masked armor.[33] Venturing into writing, Chatham co-authored the 2025 comic series The Expanse: A Little Death with Andy Diggle, expanding the universe of the series where he previously portrayed Amos Burton.[34] The noir revenge thriller, focusing on Amos's post-series adventures, launched via a BOOM! Studios Kickstarter campaign that raised over $400,000 in its first day, surpassing funding goals rapidly and enabling exclusive editions.[34] This project underscores Chatham's evolving career, bridging his acting roots with narrative creation in science fiction.[35]Personal life
Marriage and family
Wes Chatham married television personality and former ESPN reporter Jenn Brown on April 7, 2012, in a ceremony at Barnsley Gardens Resort in Adairsville, Georgia. The couple met through mutual friends shortly before their engagement; Brown had recently ended a long-term relationship and was introduced to Chatham, who was initially supposed to set her up with others but instead pursued a romantic connection with her after their first date. Their shared backgrounds in the entertainment industry—Chatham as an actor and Brown as a sports broadcaster—helped foster a strong partnership amid demanding schedules.[36] The couple welcomed their first son, John Nash Chatham (known as Nash), on November 24, 2014, in Los Angeles; he arrived five and a half weeks premature, weighing 5 pounds 3 ounces. Their second son, Rhett Jameson Chatham, was born on June 1, 2016, also in Los Angeles, weighing 7 pounds 13 ounces. In interviews, Brown and Chatham have described the joys and difficulties of early parenthood, including sleep deprivation and breastfeeding struggles with Nash due to his prematurity, which required a brief NICU stay and persistent latching issues. Chatham's frequent filming locations, such as extended shoots in Canada shortly after Nash's birth, added to the challenges of balancing family life with their careers in Hollywood.[37][38][39] While the family maintains a degree of privacy away from the public eye, Brown and Chatham have occasionally shared glimpses of their parenting experiences through media outlets, highlighting routines like morning walks and reading sessions with their sons to emphasize bonding amid professional demands.[39]Interests and activism
Chatham maintains a strong interest in engaging with fans through conventions, where he discusses his roles in popular science fiction series. In March 2024, he attended WonderCon to participate in a panel on the first line of action figures for The Expanse, highlighting his appreciation for the show's dedicated audience.[40] This event allowed him to connect directly with viewers of The Expanse and related projects like Ahsoka, fostering community around his portrayals of characters such as Amos Burton and Captain Enoch. His Navy service as an aviation firefighter has informed a personal commitment to veterans' issues, though specific advocacy efforts remain private. In 2005, Chatham attended the Environmental Media Awards, signaling early interest in environmental causes, but he has not publicly detailed ongoing activism in this area.[41] Overall, Chatham balances his professional life with these pursuits to stay grounded amid acting demands.Other work
Podcast hosting
In 2021, Wes Chatham began co-hosting the podcast Ty & That Guy alongside Ty Franck, the co-author of The Expanse book series under the pseudonym James S.A. Corey.[42][43] The show originated from their shared experiences on The Expanse, where Chatham portrayed Amos Burton.[44] Episodes typically feature casual, freeform conversations on science fiction media, acting techniques, and behind-the-scenes anecdotes from The Expanse production, often with guest appearances from industry figures. Released weekly on platforms including YouTube, the podcast maintains an engaging, conversational format that appeals to fans of genre fiction.[42][45] By mid-2025, Ty & That Guy had surpassed 200 episodes, amassing over 27,000 YouTube subscribers and fostering a dedicated community around its blend of entertainment analysis and personal storytelling.[46][47] Chatham's role as co-host emphasizes his skills as an interviewer and storyteller, where he infuses discussions with humor while providing authentic insights into the acting profession and sci-fi influences. This dynamic, paired with Franck's writing perspective, has helped the podcast build a loyal following among The Expanse enthusiasts and broader genre audiences.[43][48]Writing and production
Chatham ventured into writing with his debut in comics, co-authoring the four-issue limited series The Expanse: A Little Death alongside writer Andy Diggle for BOOM! Studios.[49] The story serves as a direct sequel to the 2023 miniseries The Expanse: Dragon Tooth, centering on a noir-style revenge thriller that further explores the backstory and psyche of Amos Burton, the character Chatham portrayed in the television adaptation.[50] Released starting September 3, 2025, the series expands the Expanse universe by delving into Amos's formative experiences on Earth, blending gritty action with character-driven narrative.[51] The project originated through a Kickstarter campaign launched on April 2, 2025, in collaboration with James S.A. Corey and Alcon Television Group, which quickly surpassed its funding goals.[52] Within the first day, pledges exceeded $394,000, enabling additional print runs and exclusive rewards that broadened the comic's reach and deepened fan engagement with the franchise.[34] This success marked Chatham's transition from acting to scripted content creation, building on his prior podcast collaborations as an initial creative outlet.[53]Filmography
Film
- In the Valley of Elah (2007) as Corporal Steve Penning[54]
- W. (2008) as Frank Benedict; directed by Oliver Stone
- Husk (2011) as Brian Danielson
- The Help (2011) as Carlton Phelan; directed by Tate Taylor
- The Philly Kid (2012) as Dillon McGwire
- The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1 (2014) as Castor; directed by Francis Lawrence
- The Town That Dreaded Sundown (2014) as Corporal Danny Torrens
- The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2 (2015) as Castor; directed by Francis Lawrence
- Broken Horses (2015) as Ace
- All I See Is You (2016) as Daniel[55]
- Escape Plan 2: Hades (2018) as Jaspar Kimbral
- Tenet (2020) as SWAT 3; directed by Christopher Nolan[56]
- Squealer (2023) as Jack[27]
- The Ice at the Bottom of the World (TBD)[57]
Television
Chatham began his television career with recurring roles in military-themed series before transitioning to science fiction and guest spots in procedural dramas.| Year(s) | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Sleeper Cell | Frat Boy | Guest appearance; 1 episode ("Al-Faitha")[58] |
| 2005–2006 | Barbershop | Isaac | Series regular; 10 episodes[59] |
| 2009 | The Unit | Staff Sergeant Sam McBride | Recurring role; 8 episodes (season 4)[60] |
| 2012 | Political Animals | Gunner Cox | Guest appearance; 1 episode ("Lost Boys")[61] |
| 2012 | The Mentalist | Vince | Guest appearance; 1 episode ("Cherry Picked") |
| 2014–2017 | Hand of God | Shane Caldwell / Officer Caldwell | Recurring role; 2 episodes ("Pilot"; "What a Man Can Be")[62] |
| 2015–2022 | The Expanse | Amos Burton | Series regular; 62 episodes[63] |
| 2017 | The Night Shift | Clark Doss | Guest appearance; 1 episode ("Keep the Faith")[64] |
| 2023 | NCIS: Hawai'i | Brother Ellis Kane | Guest appearance; 1 episode ("Shields Up") |
| 2023–present | Ahsoka | Captain Enoch | Recurring role; 3 episodes (season 1)[65] |
| 2025–present | Sheriff Country | Dawson Raines | Series regular |