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Xander Berkeley
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Alexander Harper Berkeley (born December 16, 1955)[1] is an American actor. Since beginning his career in the early 1980s, he has appeared in over 200 film and television projects. His films include Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991), Candyman (1992), Barb Wire (1996), Air Force One (1997), Gattaca (1997), and Shanghai Noon (2000). He also appeared in the crime dramas L.A. Takedown (1989) and its remake Heat (1995), although he played a different character in each film. On television, he headlined the Citytv psychological thriller The Booth at the End (2010–2012) and was a series regular on the Fox action drama 24 (2001–2003) and The CW action thriller Nikita (2010–2012). As a guest star, Berkeley portrayed Sheriff Thomas McAllister on the CBS drama The Mentalist (2008–2013) and Gregory on the AMC post-apocalyptic horror The Walking Dead (2016–2018).
Key Information
Early life and education
[edit]Berkeley was born in Brooklyn and raised in New Jersey. He is of English and Scottish descent.[2] He attended Hampshire College,[3] and worked in theaters at the Five Colleges, including Smith, Mount Holyoke, Amherst and the University of Massachusetts. He worked in regional and repertory theaters in addition to Off-Broadway in New York City. A casting agent spotted Berkeley in a play written by Reynolds Price called Early Dark and encouraged him to move to Hollywood.[4]
Career
[edit]
Berkeley began playing roles in 1981, with early appearances in M*A*S*H, Cagney & Lacey, Remington Steele, Miami Vice, Moonlighting, and The A-Team.[5] His later television roles included The X-Files,[5] CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, ER and Law & Order.
On screen, his first film role was as the adult version of Christopher Crawford, Christina Crawford's brother, in Mommie Dearest.[6] He has appeared in North Country,[6] Terminator 2: Judgment Day, Phoenix, Kick-Ass,[6] A Few Good Men, The Rookie, Candyman, Apollo 13, Leaving Las Vegas, Gattaca, The Rock, Air Force One, Sid and Nancy,[6] Amistad, Shanghai Noon,[6] Barb Wire[6] and Timecode. He appeared in the television film L.A. Takedown[6] in 1989 and its 1995 acclaimed theatrical remake Heat,[6] directed by Michael Mann. Several of his earlier roles were in films directed by Alex Cox.
In 2001, Berkeley became a recurring guest star (and later a series regular) on 24 in the role of George Mason, the head of the counter-terrorist unit.[7] He portrayed the mysterious John Smith on the CBS drama Jericho.
In 2010, he received one of his best-known roles, Percy Rose on The CW action-thriller series Nikita.[8] He portrayed the character as a series regular and de facto main antagonist of its first two seasons. He also played Sheriff Thomas McAllister on The Mentalist.[9]
Berkeley portrayed Gregory on AMC's The Walking Dead as a guest star in season six and a series regular in seasons seven and eight, with one additional appearance in the season nine premiere.[10]
In 2018, he portrayed Peter Lockwood, the father of Sam Lockwood on the fourth season of Supergirl.[11]
In 2023, he made a guest appearance as Captain Pellaeon in the third season of The Mandalorian, a role he reprised a year later for the animated Tales of the Empire.
Voice acting
[edit]Berkeley provides voice-work and voice-over for several animated series, such as Aaahh!!! Real Monsters, Gargoyles and Teen Titans. He also voiced Quentin Beck / Mysterio on The Spectacular Spider-Man, Captain Atom in Superman/Batman: Public Enemies and Dr. Kirk Langstrom in Son of Batman.[12]
Awards
[edit]In 2013, Berkeley won the Streamy Award "Best Male Performance, Drama"[13] for his starring role in the acclaimed web series The Booth at the End.[14]
Personal life
[edit]An accomplished make-up artist, painter,[15] and sculptor,[3] Berkeley met actress Sarah Clarke on the set of 24 in 2001 and married her the following year.[3]
Filmography
[edit]Film
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 | Mommie Dearest | Christopher Crawford (Adult) | |
| 1982 | Tag: The Assassination Game | Connally | |
| 1985 | Volunteers | Kent Sutcliffe | |
| 1986 | Sid and Nancy | "Bowery Snax" | |
| 1987 | Straight to Hell | Preacher McMahon | |
| Walker | Byron Cole | ||
| 1988 | Tapeheads | Ricky Fell | |
| Deadly Dreams | Jack Thorne | ||
| 1989 | The Fabulous Baker Boys | Lloyd | |
| 1990 | Internal Affairs | Rudy Mohr | |
| The Last of the Finest | Eddie "Fast Eddie" | ||
| The Guardian | Detective | ||
| Short Time | Carl Stark | ||
| The Grifters | Lieutenant Pierson | ||
| The Rookie | Ken Blackwell | ||
| 1991 | Terminator 2: Judgment Day | Todd Voight | |
| Billy Bathgate | Harvey Preston | ||
| For the Boys | Roberts | ||
| 1992 | The Gun in Betty Lou's Handbag | Mr. Marchat | |
| Candyman | Trevor Lyle | ||
| A Few Good Men | Captain Whitaker | ||
| 1994 | Caroline at Midnight | Joey Szabo | |
| 1995 | Safe | Greg White | |
| Apollo 13 | Henry Hurt | ||
| Leaving Las Vegas | Cynical Cabbie | ||
| Heat | Ralph | ||
| 1996 | Poison Ivy II: Lily | Donald Falk | |
| A Family Thing | Sunburned Man | ||
| Barb Wire | Chief Alexander Willis | ||
| The Rock | Dr. Lonner | Uncredited | |
| Driven | J.D. Johnson | ||
| Bulletproof | FBI Agent Darryl Gentry | ||
| 1997 | The Killing Jar | Danny "Figaretto" Evans | |
| Air Force One | Secret Service Agent Gibbs | ||
| One Night Stand | Charlie's Friend | ||
| Gattaca | Dr. Lamar | ||
| Amistad | Hammond | ||
| The Truth About Juliet | George | ||
| 1998 | Phoenix | Lieutenant Clyde Webber | |
| 1999 | Universal Soldier: The Return | Dr. Dylan Cotner | |
| The Cherry Orchard | Epihodov | ||
| 2000 | Timecode | Evan Wantz | |
| Shanghai Noon | Marshal Van Cleef | ||
| 2001 | Storytelling | Mr. DeMarco | Segment: "Non-Fiction" |
| China: The Panda Adventure | Dakar Johnston | ||
| The Man from Elysian Fields | Virgil Koster | ||
| 2003 | Quicksand | Joey Patterson | |
| 2004 | Human Error | Hanrahan | |
| In Enemy Hands | Admiral Kentz | ||
| 2005 | Drop Dead Sexy | Harkness | |
| Deepwater | Gus | ||
| Standing Still | Jonathan | ||
| North Country | Arlen Pavich | ||
| 2006 | The Garage | "Doc" Ruppert | |
| Seraphim Falls | Railcrew Foreman | ||
| 2007 | Fracture | Judge Moran | |
| 2008 | Taken | Stuart St. John | |
| Cook County | "Sonny" | ||
| 2009 | Women in Trouble | Mr. Frost | |
| Year One | The King | ||
| Repo Chick | Aldrich De La Chasse | ||
| Superman/Batman: Public Enemies | Captain Atom | Voice, direct-to-video[16] | |
| 2010 | Kick-Ass | Detective Vic Gigante | |
| Bedrooms | Harry | ||
| Faster | Sergeant Mallory | ||
| The Death of Socrates | Socrates | ||
| Luster | Detective Carter | ||
| 2011 | Girl Walks into a Bar | Moe | |
| Seeking Justice | Lieutenant Durgan | ||
| 2012 | That Guy... Who Was in That Thing | Himself | Documentary film |
| 2013 | Louder Than Words | Dr. Lansen | |
| Live at the Foxes Den | Kenneth Whitman | ||
| 2014 | Transcendence | Dr. Thomas Casey | |
| Small Time | Chick | ||
| Son of Batman | Dr. Kirk Langstrom | Voice, direct-to-video[16] | |
| Pony | Uncle Jeff | Short film | |
| 2015 | Solace | Mr. Ellis | |
| 2016 | Allegiant | Phillip | |
| Moments of Clarity | Artemis | ||
| 2017 | Shot | Dr. Roberts | |
| 2018 | Proud Mary | Uncle | |
| The Maestro | Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco | ||
| City of Lies | Edwards | ||
| 2019 | The Wall of Mexico | Michael Rand | |
| Dark Harbor | Priest James | ||
| 2020 | The Dark and the Wicked | Father Thorne | |
| 2021 | Lockdown | Joel | |
| 2022 | Butcher's Crossing | Charlie Hoge | |
| 2024 | Reagan | George Shultz | [17] |
| 2025 | No Address | Harris |
Television
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 | M*A*S*H | Marine | Episode: "Give 'Em Hell, Hawkeye" |
| Open All Night | Medfold | Episode: "Centerfold" | |
| 1982 | The Incredible Hulk | Tom | Episode: "A Minor Problem" |
| McClain's Law | Peter | Episode: "To Save the Queen" | |
| Hart to Hart | Christopher Hawks | Episode: "Harts on Their Toes" | |
| Tales of the Gold Monkey | Eric Fromby | Episode: "Escape from Death Island" | |
| 1983 | Remington Steele | Dan Kowalski | Episode: "Steele Crazy After All These Years" |
| The Renegades | Gillette | Episode: "The Big Time" | |
| Cagney & Lacey | Maurice | Episode: "The Gang's All Here" | |
| 1983, 1984 | The A-Team | Baker, Sergeant Wilson | 2 episodes |
| 1984 | Riptide | Taxi Driver | Episode: "The Hardcase" |
| Falcon Crest | "Buzz" Whitehead | Episode: "Strangers" | |
| 1985 | V | Isaac Henley | Episode: "Breakout" |
| 1986 | The Twilight Zone | Dave | Episode: "Take My Life... Please!/Devil's Alphabet/The Library" |
| Moonlighting | Scalper | Episode: "Symphony in Knocked Flat" | |
| 1987, 1989 | Miami Vice | Bailey, Tommy Lowell | 2 episodes |
| 1988 | J.J. Starbuck | Bobby Tinch | Episode: "Rag Doll" |
| CBS Summer Playhouse | Dr. Noah Fredericks | Episode: "Dr. Paradise" | |
| 1989 | L.A. Takedown | Waingro | TV movie |
| 1990 | Father Dowling Mysteries | Carl Maxwell | Episode: "The Exotic Dancer Mystery" |
| Wiseguy | Ray Spiotta | Episode: "Romp" | |
| Grand | Jeffrey | Episode: "The Chickens Come Home to Roost" | |
| 1991 | Dillinger | Copeland | TV movie |
| Not of This World | Bruce MacNamara | TV movie | |
| Super Force | Dr. Landru | 3 episodes | |
| Murder in High Places | Wayne | TV movie | |
| 1992 | A Private Matter | Peter Zenner | TV movie |
| 1993 | It's Nothing Personal | James Blakemore | TV movie |
| Donato and Daughter | Russ Loring | TV movie | |
| The Adventures of Brisco County, Jr. | Brett Bones | Episode: "Riverboat" | |
| The X-Files | Dr. Hodge | Episode: "Ice" | |
| Attack of the 50 Ft. Woman | Second Man | TV movie | |
| 1994 | Roswell | Sherman Carson | TV movie |
| Good Advice | Bernard | Episode: "A Chance of Showers" | |
| New York Undercover | Dr. Carl Weschler | Episode: "Blondes Have More Fun" | |
| 1995 | Partners | Christopher Nnngaarzh | Episode: "Why Are the Blumenthals Living in My House?" |
| Pointman | J.W. Mainwaring | Episode: "'bout Money" | |
| 1995, 1996 | Gargoyles | Iago, Coldsteel | Voice roles, 2 episodes[16] |
| 1995–1997 | Aaahh!!! Real Monsters | Snav, Urbab, Abraham Lincoln, Manager #4 | Voice roles, 12 episodes[16] |
| 1996 | Nash Bridges | Neil Wojack | Episode: "Genesis" |
| Within the Rock | Ryan | TV movie | |
| The Outer Limits | Terry McCammon | Episode: "Falling Star" | |
| If These Walls Could Talk | John Barrows | TV movie, segment: "1974" | |
| Mighty Ducks: The Animated Series | Phineas T. Viper | Voice, episode: "Beak to the Future"[16] | |
| The Tick | Octopagnini | Voice, episode: "Tick vs. Europe"[16] | |
| For Hope | Date #4 | TV movie (uncredited) | |
| Apollo 11 | Buzz Aldrin | TV movie | |
| 1996, 1997 | Life with Louie | Pro Shop Cashier, Store Manager | Voice roles, 2 episodes |
| 1997 | High Incident | Sergeant Hackworth | Episode: "No Money Down" |
| Duckman | Hans | Voice, episode: "Duckman and Cornfed in 'Haunted Society Plumbers'" | |
| Johnny Bravo | Melvin, Maitre D', Movie Star | Voice roles, episode: "Substitute Teacher/A Wolf in Chick's Clothing/Intensive Care" | |
| Women: Stories of Passion | Jim "Jimbo" | Episode: "Reading for Pleasure" | |
| Superman: The Animated Series | Sergeant Corey Mills | Voice, episode: "Prototype"[16] | |
| Players | Marcus Flint | Episode: "Con Law" | |
| Extreme Ghostbusters | Additional voices | 2 episodes | |
| Breast Men | Male Interviewer | TV movie | |
| 1998 | Jumanji | Mr. Schreem | Voice, episode: "Return of Squint" |
| Winchell | Gavreau | TV movie | |
| ER | Detective Wilson | Episode: "Good Luck, Ruth Johnson" | |
| 1999 | NetForce | Bo Tyler | TV movie |
| The Wild Thornberrys | Stoat, Barking Deer #2 | Voice roles, 2 episodes[16] | |
| Rocket Power | MacKenzie's Father | Voice, episode: "Hawaii Blues/Lost and Find" | |
| 2000 | Three | Warden | Episode: "Break Out" |
| 2001 | Batman Beyond | Dr. Childes | Voice, episode: "Curse of the Kobra"[16] |
| Going to California | Clay Shelton | Episode: "Lily of the Field" | |
| Justice League | General Brak | Voice, episode: "The Enemy Below"[16] | |
| Wolf Lake | Carl | Episode: "Unaired Pilot" (uncredited) | |
| 2001–2003 | 24 | George Mason | Recurring role (season 1), main cast (season 2) |
| 2002 | The Court | Keith Nolan | 3 episodes |
| 2003 | The Twilight Zone | Harry Kellogg | Episode: "The Pharaoh's Curse" |
| Spider-Man: The New Animated Series | Mayor | Voice, episode: "Spider-Man Dis-Abled" | |
| Karen Sisco | Alvin Simmons | Episode: "The One That Got Away" | |
| 2003–2004 | CSI: Crime Scene Investigation | Sheriff Rory Atwater | 5 episodes |
| 2004, 2005 | Teen Titans | Mento, Warp, General Immortus | Voice roles, 3 episodes[16] |
| 2005 | Law & Order | Clay Pollack | Episode: "Fluency" |
| 2006 | Magma: Volcanic Disaster | Peter Shepherd | TV movie |
| The West Wing | Frank Hollis | Episode: "Institutional Memory" | |
| 2007 | Law & Order: Criminal Intent | George Pagolis | Episode: "Albatross" |
| The Batman | Paul Karon | Voice, episode: "Rumors"[16] | |
| Standoff | Paul Fisk | Episode: "No Strings" | |
| Bones | Dr. Bancroft | Episode: "Intern in the Incinerator" | |
| 2008 | Boston Legal | Assistant District Attorney Rex Swarthmore | Episode: "Mad About You" |
| Jericho | John Smith | 3 episodes (uncredited) | |
| Wainy Days | Cornelius | Episode: "Rebecca" | |
| Criminal Minds | Detective Hyde | Episode: "Memoriam" | |
| 2008–2009 | The Spectacular Spider-Man | Quentin Beck / Mysterio | Voice, 4 episodes[16] |
| 2008, 2013 | The Mentalist | Sheriff Thomas McAllister | Guest cast (episode 2), recurring role (season 6) |
| 2009 | Batman: The Brave and the Bold | Sinestro | Voice, episode: "The Eyes of Despero!"[16] |
| Medium | Mitchell Slocombe | Episode: "A Person of Interest" | |
| The Closer | Detective Curt Landry | Episode: "Waivers of Extradition" | |
| 2010 | Three Rivers | Sergeant Harold Estes | Episode: "Status 1A" |
| Ben 10: Ultimate Alien | Warden Morgg, Trukk | Voice roles, episode: "...Nor Iron Bars a Cage" | |
| 2010–2012 | Nikita | Percy Rose | Main cast (seasons 1–2) |
| The Booth at the End | The Man | Lead character | |
| 2011 | Five | Peter | TV movie |
| 2012 | Entanglement | Peter Keller | TV movie |
| 2013 | Being Human | Liam McLean | Recurring role (season 3) |
| NTSF:SD:SUV | Theodore Dent | Episode: "The Great Train Stoppery" | |
| 2013, 2015 | Longmire | Jeremiah Rains | 2 episodes |
| 2014 | Justified | Charles Monroe | 2 episodes |
| Beware the Batman | Manhunter / Paul Kirk | Voice, episode: "Unique"[16] | |
| 2014–2015 | Salem | Magistrate Hale | Main cast (season 1), guest (season 2) |
| 2015 | Zoo | Ronnie "Dogstick" Brannigan | 4 episodes |
| 2015–2016 | 12 Monkeys | Colonel Jonathan Foster | 3 episodes |
| Aquarius | Police Commissioner | 3 episodes | |
| 2016–2018 | The Walking Dead | Gregory | Guest (seasons 6, 9), recurring role (seasons 7–8) |
| 2018 | Supergirl | Peter Lockwood | Episode: "Man of Steel" |
| 2020 | MacGyver | General John Acosta | Episode: "Red Cell + Quantum + Cold + Committed" |
| Bull | Judge Hollingsworth | Episode: "The Sovereigns" | |
| FBI: Most Wanted | Maurice Hewitt | Episode: "Deconflict" | |
| 2022 | The Republic of Sarah | Paul Cooper | Recurring role |
| 2023 | The Mandalorian | Captain Gilad Pellaeon | Episode: "Chapter 23: The Spies" |
| 2024 | Star Wars: Tales of the Empire | Captain Gilad Pellaeon | Voice, episode: "The Path of Anger"[18] |
Video games
[edit]| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | Freelancer | Dexter Hovis |
| 2010 | Batman: The Brave and the Bold – The Videogame | Sinestro |
| 2023 | Guild Wars 2 | Isgarren |
References
[edit]- ^ "Xander Berkeley". BookMyShow.com. Retrieved January 16, 2025.
- ^ "I'm Primarily Scottish (my Pagan side) and English (the Puritan)…". mobile.twitter.com. Retrieved January 3, 2022.[self-published]
- ^ a b c "Home Front – Vol. 59 No. 5". PEOPLE.com. February 10, 2003. Retrieved October 7, 2016.
- ^ "Xander Berkeley – Just Do It". xanderberkeley.net. Retrieved January 3, 2022.
- ^ a b "Xander Berkeley: One Man's Journey Through Pop Culture Television - Page 2". TV Fanatic. September 3, 2015. Retrieved October 7, 2016.
- ^ a b c d e f g h "Xander Berkeley talks Puritans, punks, and setting his sword on Ginger Lynn". avclub.com. May 12, 2014. Retrieved October 7, 2016.
- ^ "Xander Berkeley - Interview". www.reviewgraveyard.com. Retrieved October 7, 2016.
- ^ Frederick, Brittany (February 10, 2011). "Interview: Xander Berkeley Is 'Nikita's' Bad Guy (But I Still Like Him)". Starpulse. Archived from the original on October 9, 2016. Retrieved October 7, 2016.
- ^ "Spoiler Alert! The Mentalist's Red John Speaks". TVGuide.com. November 24, 2013. Retrieved October 7, 2016.
- ^ Goldberg, Lesley (July 7, 2016). "'Walking Dead' Promotes 4 to Series Regular for Season 7 (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved July 7, 2016.
- ^ Anderson, Jenna (September 13, 2018). "'Supergirl' Season 4 Adds 'The Walking Dead's Xander Berkeley". Comicbook. Retrieved October 28, 2018.
- ^ "Xander Berkeley Talks SON OF BATMAN and 24". Collider. April 26, 2014. Retrieved October 7, 2016.
- ^ "YouTube's 'MyMusic' Leads Streamy Awards Pack". Backstage.com. Retrieved October 7, 2016.
- ^ Goldman, Eric (July 10, 2011). "Nikita's Xander Berkeley Talks The Booth at the End". IGN. Retrieved October 7, 2016.
- ^ Realm of the X-Man, The Internet Archive, July 9, 2023, retrieved March 19, 2024
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o "Xander Berkeley (visual voices guide)". Behind The Voice Actors. Retrieved August 2, 2023. A green check mark indicates that a role has been confirmed using a screenshot (or collage of screenshots) of a title's list of voice actors and their respective characters found in its credits or other reliable sources of information.
- ^ Bond, Paul (February 7, 2021). "Xander Berkeley to Play George Shultz as Cold War Hero in 'Reagan' Movie". Newsweek.com. Retrieved February 9, 2021.
- ^ Erdmann, Kevin (May 4, 2024). "Star Wars: Tales Of The Empire Episode Guide". Screen Rant. Archived from the original on May 5, 2024. Retrieved May 5, 2024.
External links
[edit]- Xander Berkeley at IMDb
- Xander Berkeley Interview at reviewgraveyard.com
Xander Berkeley
View on GrokipediaEarly life and education
Upbringing and family
Xander Berkeley, born Alexander Harper Berkeley on December 16, 1955, in Brooklyn, New York City, was raised primarily in New Jersey following his family's relocation from the city.[7] His ancestry is English and Scottish, with a smaller German component traced through genealogical records of his forebears, including paternal lines from New York and maternal roots in Arkansas and Texas.[8][9] Berkeley grew up in a middle-class household that nurtured artistic inclinations, with his father working as a painter and his mother serving as a schoolteacher and skilled seamstress who crafted costumes for him.[7][10] This environment, centered in the greater New York area, encouraged creative pursuits from a young age, though specific details about his parents' names or any siblings remain limited in public records.[7] As a child and adolescent in New Jersey, Berkeley developed an early interest in experimental theater, participating in local improvisational groups such as the Black River Playhouse, where he acted out stories and skits often inspired by books.[10][11] His mother's custom costumes fueled this passion, preferring them over conventional toys and fostering a foundation in performance that shaped his later endeavors.[7]Education and training
Berkeley attended Hampshire College in Amherst, Massachusetts, where he pursued studies in theater and the arts as part of the Five College Consortium, which included institutions such as Smith College, Mount Holyoke College, Amherst College, and the University of Massachusetts. During his time there, he actively participated in theater productions across these campuses, gaining early practical experience in performance and stagecraft.[4][12] Following his graduation, Berkeley honed his skills through extensive work in regional and repertory theaters throughout the United States, including experimental and off-Broadway productions in New York City. This period allowed him to build a strong foundation in classical and contemporary theater techniques, performing in diverse roles that emphasized ensemble work and innovative staging.[1][13] In New York, Berkeley underwent intensive acting training at the HB Studio and directly studied under renowned instructors Uta Hagen and Lee Strasberg, whose methods focused on emotional realism and psychological depth in character development. These sessions, drawing from the Meisner and Method acting traditions, were pivotal in refining his approach to improvisation and truthful performance.[12][14] By the early 1980s, after being spotted by a casting agent during an off-Broadway play, Berkeley relocated to Hollywood to transition into screen acting, marking the end of his formal preparatory phase.[4][13]Career
Early roles
Berkeley began his acting career in 1981 with his film debut as Christopher Crawford in the biographical drama Mommie Dearest, portraying the adult son of Joan Crawford in a supporting role that marked his entry into Hollywood cinema.[15] That same year, he made his television debut with a minor appearance as a Marine in the MAS*H episode "Give 'Em Hell, Hawkeye," followed by a guest spot as Tom in The Incredible Hulk episode "A Minor Problem" in 1982.[16] These early small-screen roles, often uncredited or brief, showcased his ability to handle ensemble dynamics in established series.[3] Throughout the mid-1980s, Berkeley continued to build his resume with supporting parts in both film and television, including the role of Kent Sutcliffe, Tom Hanks' college roommate, in the comedy Volunteers (1985), and Bowery Snax, a quirky punk figure, in Alex Cox's Sid and Nancy (1986).[14] On television, he appeared in guest spots such as on The A-Team (1984) and Miami Vice (1987, as record producer Tommy Lowell in the episode "Like a Hurricane").[17] These roles frequently cast him in eccentric or antagonistic supporting characters across genres, from action to drama, helping him gain visibility in episodic television.[18] By the early 1990s, Berkeley had accumulated dozens of credits, including a notable guest appearance as Dr. Hodge in the The X-Files episode "Ice" (1993), further demonstrating his versatility in science fiction and mystery formats.[19] However, he faced challenges with typecasting, often auditioning for and landing villainous or quirky supporting parts in episodic TV, a pattern that persisted from his intensive early audition process in Los Angeles, where he handled up to three tryouts per day amid personal and professional stresses.[18] This accumulation of minor roles across approximately 30 credits by 1991 established his reputation as a reliable character actor adept at genre work, laying the groundwork for more prominent opportunities.[20]Television work
Berkeley's breakthrough television role came in 2001 as George Mason, the director of the Counter Terrorist Unit (CTU) in the Fox thriller series 24, where he appeared across the first two seasons until his character's sacrificial death in a nuclear threat scenario. Initially cast as a one-episode guest, Berkeley's nuanced portrayal of a flawed authority figure—marked by moral ambiguity, personal sacrifice, and unexpected vulnerability—earned him expanded screen time and widespread acclaim for elevating the show's high-stakes drama, significantly boosting his profile as a versatile character actor. This performance marked a pivotal shift in his career, transitioning him from supporting film parts to prominent serialized television antagonists. Building on this momentum, Berkeley embodied manipulative authority figures in subsequent series. In Nikita (2010–2012), he played Percival "Percy" Rose, the ruthless founding director of the black-ops organization Division, across all 44 episodes of the first two seasons, delivering a chilling depiction of calculated ambition and ideological zeal that drove much of the show's early conflict. His ability to infuse Percy with layers of charisma and menace underscored Berkeley's knack for complex villains, further solidifying his reputation in action-thriller genres. Berkeley's television arc continued with a standout guest arc in The Mentalist (2008–2013), where he portrayed Sheriff Thomas McAllister, unmasked in season 6 as the elusive serial killer Red John, the series' central antagonist responsible for dozens of murders.[21] Appearing in key episodes spanning seasons 1 and 6, Berkeley's subtle buildup of the character's affable facade concealing sociopathic cunning provided a shocking payoff, praised for its psychological depth and impact on the procedural's narrative resolution.[22] From 2016 to 2018, Berkeley took on a series regular role as Gregory, the opportunistic and cowardly leader of the Hilltop community in The Walking Dead during seasons 7 through 9, appearing in 37 episodes and earning promotion to regular status ahead of season 7 for his portrayal of a survivor whose self-preservation instincts clashed with communal ethics.[23] This role highlighted his range in post-apocalyptic ensemble dynamics, contrasting moral ambiguity with outright villainy in prior parts. Other notable contributions include his recurring role as Charles Monroe, a Detroit mobster, in Justified season 5 (2 episodes), where he captured the character's sly criminal demeanor amid Kentucky's underworld. More recently, in 2023, Berkeley made a memorable guest appearance as Captain Gilad Pellaeon in The Mandalorian's season 3 episode "Chapter 23: The Spies," introducing the Imperial officer's strategic poise in the Star Wars universe. Throughout his career, Berkeley evolved from frequent guest spots in the 1980s and 1990s to series regulars in major network and cable shows, amassing over 100 television credits by 2025 and establishing himself as a go-to performer for morally gray leaders whose depth propels ensemble narratives.[20]Film work
Xander Berkeley began his film career in the early 1980s with small roles in independent and studio productions, gradually building a reputation for versatile supporting performances across genres.[20] His breakthrough in major cinema came with James Cameron's Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991), where he portrayed Todd Voight, John Connor's abusive foster father, a brief but memorable role that highlighted his ability to convey quiet menace in high-stakes action sequences.[24] This appearance marked the start of Berkeley's frequent casting in antagonistic or authoritative figures, often as corrupt officials, agents, or everyday threats in thrillers and dramas. In the horror genre, Berkeley delivered a nuanced supporting turn as Trevor Lyle, the skeptical academic husband to the protagonist in Bernard Rose's Candyman (1992), contributing to the film's exploration of urban legends and racial tensions through his character's intellectual detachment.[25] He continued this pattern in action blockbusters, playing Secret Service Agent Gibbs, a treacherous insider aiding the hijackers, in Wolfgang Petersen's Air Force One (1997), a role that underscored his knack for portraying betrayers within positions of trust. Berkeley's work extended to indie dramas, such as his cameo as the Cynical Cabbie in Mike Figgis's Leaving Las Vegas (1995), where he interacted with Nicolas Cage's self-destructive protagonist, adding layers to the film's raw depiction of addiction and isolation. Berkeley's filmography diversified into ensemble superhero fare with his portrayal of Detective Vic Gigante, a corrupt NYPD officer on a mobster's payroll, in Matthew Vaughn's Kick-Ass (2010), blending dark humor with moral ambiguity in the satirical take on vigilantism. By 2025, he had amassed over 100 film credits, consistently excelling in roles that embodied authority figures turned adversaries—ranging from military personnel and law enforcement to political insiders—across action, horror, and dramatic narratives.[20] Recent projects include his depiction of George Shultz, the influential Secretary of State, in Sean McNamara's biopic Reagan (2024), bringing gravitas to the historical figure's Cold War diplomacy. He also appeared in Julia Verdin's No Address (2025), playing Harris, a homeless veteran grappling with PTSD amid societal neglect, further showcasing his range in socially conscious dramas.Voice acting
Berkeley began incorporating voice acting into his career during the 2000s, leveraging his distinctive gravelly timbre to portray a range of antagonists and complex characters in animated series and video games, extending his reputation as a versatile character actor.[26] In animation, Berkeley voiced the villainous Quentin Beck / Mysterio in the acclaimed series The Spectacular Spider-Man across its 2008–2009 run, bringing a menacing, theatrical flair to the special effects expert turned supervillain who deceives Spider-Man with illusions.[27] He also lent his voice to Dr. Kirk Langstrom, who transforms into the bat-like Man-Bat, in the 2014 DC animated film Son of Batman, emphasizing the scientist's tormented duality in a story centered on Batman's son Damian Wayne.[28] Earlier, in the Cartoon Network series Teen Titans (2003–2006), Berkeley provided voices for multiple foes, including the time-traveling dictator Warp, the authoritarian leader Mento of the Doom Patrol, and the militaristic General Immortus, showcasing his ability to convey authority and menace in ensemble superhero narratives.[29] More recently, he voiced the Imperial officer Captain Gilad Pellaeon in the Star Wars animated anthology Tales of the Empire (2024), contributing to stories exploring moral ambiguity in the galaxy far, far away.[30] Berkeley's video game work highlights his vocal range in interactive media, most notably as the prophetic, fan-favorite antagonist Zachary Hale Comstock in BioShock Infinite (2013), where he delivered a chilling performance as the self-proclaimed prophet ruling the floating city of Columbia, blending zealotry and vulnerability to enhance the game's narrative depth.[26] This role, in particular, garnered praise for amplifying the character's ideological fervor and tragic undertones in one of the decade's most critically acclaimed titles.Awards and nominations
Berkeley's most notable award win came in 2013 when he received the Streamy Award for Best Male Performance in a Drama for his lead role in the web series The Booth at the End (2011–2012), recognizing his nuanced portrayal of a mysterious counselor in a psychological thriller format that pioneered streaming content.[31][32] In television, he earned a nomination for the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series in 2003, shared with the cast of 24 for their work in the high-stakes counterterrorism drama, highlighting his contribution as the complex antagonist George Mason.[33] Despite this recognition, Berkeley has not received major Emmy or Golden Globe nominations, often attributed to his frequent casting in supporting roles that amplify ensemble dynamics rather than lead billing.[33] For his contributions to independent and genre films, Berkeley has garnered several honors at film festivals, including the Art Carney Award for excellence in acting and a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Garden State Film Festival, affirming his impact on character-driven cinema outside mainstream blockbusters.[3][34] By 2025, Berkeley's career accolades total approximately 20 wins and 10 nominations across various platforms, with these selections underscoring his acclaim in niche and emerging media. These recognitions have notably boosted his visibility in the streaming era, facilitating transitions to web series and festival circuits that parallel his genre television work.[35]| Year | Award | Category | Project | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Streamy Awards | Best Male Performance: Drama | The Booth at the End | Won |
| 2003 | Screen Actors Guild Awards | Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series | 24 | Nominated |
| Various | Garden State Film Festival | Lifetime Achievement | Career body of work | Won |
| Various | Art Carney Award | Excellence in Acting | Career body of work | Won |
Personal life
Marriage and family
Berkeley met actress Sarah Clarke on the set of the television series 24 in 2001, where they portrayed characters Nina Myers and George Mason, respectively.[5] The couple began dating shortly after and married on September 7, 2002, in a private ceremony at a 19th-century church in Millbrook, New York, attended by about 100 guests.[36] Berkeley and Clarke have two daughters: Olwyn Harper, born on September 23, 2006, and Rowan Harper, born in March 2010.[4] The family has maintained a low public profile regarding their children, sharing limited details to protect their privacy.[37] The family resides in Maine.[3] Despite the demands of their acting careers in Hollywood, Berkeley and Clarke have balanced family life by making occasional joint appearances at events, such as the PS Arts Express Yourself 10th Anniversary in 2007 with their infant daughter Olwyn and the 3rd Annual Streamy Awards in 2013.[5][38] They emphasize privacy in family matters, focusing on nurturing their immediate family unit away from the spotlight.[4]Artistic interests
Berkeley has demonstrated proficiency as a make-up artist, drawing from his early training in theater and visual arts, where he honed high-level skills that extended into professional credits. In addition to designing his own character makeup for the role of George Mason on the television series 24, where the character endured physical trauma, he contributed as a make-up artist on the short film The Consultants.[20][39] Further, Berkeley offered his expertise in prop making and artistry for make-up and prop artifacts on the series Salem, showcasing his technical abilities in early film and television work.[40] These skills, rooted in classical and experimental theater education in New York, including private classes in movement and voice from institutions like the Moscow Arts Theater and Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, influenced his transition to on-screen roles while maintaining a hands-on approach to visual creation.[41][42] Beyond make-up, Berkeley is an active painter and sculptor whose works explore personal and abstract themes, often blending organic forms with layered textures. His pieces have been exhibited in galleries, such as the 2019 solo show "X-cavations" at The Dime in Chicago's Wicker Park neighborhood, where paintings and sculptures reflected his multifaceted creative process.[7] Online, his original artworks are showcased and available through xanderoriginal.com, allowing direct access to his evolving portfolio of paintings and carved sculptures.[43] These pursuits stem from early exposures to diverse art forms during his formative years, which shaped his artistic style and provided a counterbalance to the demands of acting by fostering personal expression and creative autonomy.[44][45] Berkeley integrates his art into everyday life and professional environments, creating custom pieces that enhance personal spaces and contribute to film productions. For instance, in 2025, his paintings and carved head sculptures served as set dressing for the film Recluse, directed by Henry Chaisson, merging his hobbies with collaborative storytelling.[46] This practice, influenced by his theater background, offers a grounding outlet amid an acting career spanning over 240 credits, allowing him to channel creativity into tangible, non-performative forms that sustain emotional balance.[41] Recent activities in 2025, including Instagram documentation of his sculpting process—such as painting and sanding techniques shared in September—highlight ongoing experimentation, while he has expressed aspirations for gallery openings to support his artistic endeavors alongside acting.[47][48]Filmography
Film
Xander Berkeley's film career spans over four decades, encompassing a wide range of genres from major studio blockbusters to independent productions. The following is a comprehensive chronological list of his film roles, organized by decade for clarity, drawn from verified film databases. Notable films are bolded.[20][17]1980s
- Mommie Dearest (1981) – Christopher Crawford
- Tag: The Assassination Game (1982) – Skip
- Some Kind of Hero (1982) – Cal
- Body Rock (1982) – Terrence
- The First Time (1983) – Eddie
- Heart Like a Wheel (1983) – Larry (uncredited)
- Leave 'Em Laughing (1984) – Dr. Larson
- The Times of Harvey Milk (1984) – Interviewee (documentary)
- Volunteers (1985) – Kent Sutcliffe
- Sid and Nancy (1986) – Bowery Snax
- The Last Precinct (1986) – Officer Boot
- Omega Syndrome (1986) – Jack
- Walker (1987) – Byron Cole
- Straight to Hell (1987) – Preacher
- The Lawless Land (1988) – Nester
- Above the Law (1988) – Salvano
- Tapeheads (1988) – Ricky Fell
- Deadly Dreams (1988) – Daniel Wells
- The Verne Miller Story (1988) – Luciano Family Soldier (uncredited)
- The Fabulous Baker Boys (1989) – Lloyd
1990s
- The Grifters (1990) – Lt. Pierson
- The Rookie (1990) – Ken Blackwell
- Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991) – Todd Voight
- Billy Bathgate (1991) – Harvey Preston
- The Rocketeer (1991) – Eddie Valentine (uncredited)
- Not of This World (1991) – Bruce MacNamara
- A Few Good Men (1992) – Capt. Whitaker
- Candyman (1992) – Trevor Lyle
- The Gun in Betty Lou's Handbag (1992) – Mr. March
- The Pickle (1993) – Video Executive #1
- Don't Do It (1993) – Charles
- Safe (1994) – Greg White
- Naked Gun 33 1/3: The Final Insult (1994) – Police Officer (uncredited)
- Roswell (1994) – Sherman Carson
- Caroline at Midnight (1994) – Joey
- Apollo 13 (1995) – Henry Hurt
- Barb Wire (1995) – Alexander Willis
- Poison Ivy II: Lily (1995) – Donald Falk
- Leaving Las Vegas (1995) – Cynical Cabbie
- Heat (1995) – Ralph
- The Fifteen Minute Hamlet (1995) – Hamlet / Ghost / Player King / etc.
- Bulletproof (1996) – Gentry
- The Rock (1996) – Lonnie
- A Family Thing (1996) – Sunburned Man
- Persons Unknown (1996) – Tosh
- If These Walls Could Talk (1996) – John Barrows
- The Truth About Cats & Dogs (1996) – Man with Dog
- Dead Girl (1996) – Dr. Dark
- One Tough Bastard (1996) – Agent Ward
- Within the Rock (1996) – Ryan Sparks
- The Killing Jar (1996) – Steven
- Sticks & Stones (1996) – Doc
- Gattaca (1997) – Dr. Lamar
- Air Force One (1997) – Agent Gibbs
- Amistad (1997) – Hammond
- The Locusts (1997) – Clay
- One Night Stand (1997) – Charlie
- The Man Who Knew Too Little (1997) – CIA Agent #1
- Murder in Mind (1997) – Agent
- Phoenix (1998) – Lt. Clyde Webber
- The Negotiator (1998) – Agent Nicholson
- Enemy of the State (1998) – Agent Hammonds
- The Cherry Orchard (1999) – Yepikhodov
- Netherworld (1999) – Harry
- Time Served (1999) – Mr. McNeil
2000s
- Shanghai Noon (2000) – Nathan Van Cleef
- Women of the Night (2001) – Mark
- The Man from Elysian Fields (2001) – Virgil
- China: The Panda Adventure (2001) – Dakar Johnston
- The Breed (2001) – Phil
- Quicksand (2002) – FBI Agent Grant
- The Third Wheel (2002) – Michael
- The Cooler (2003) – Mikey
- National Treasure (2004) – Agent Colfax
- In Enemy Hands (2004) – Admiral Kent
- Deepwater (2005) – Gus
- North Country (2005) – Arlen Pavich
- Serenity (2005) – Dr. Carl Mathias
- Seraphim Falls (2006) – Railroad Foreman
- Out There (2006) – Uncle Doug
- The Black Dahlia (2006) – Sgt. Fred Otash
- Fracture (2007) – Judge Gardner
- Kickin' It Old Skool (2007) – Marty
- Gone Baby Gone (2007) – Sgt. Doyle
- Taken (2008) – Stuart
- Repo! The Genetic Opera (2008) – Rotti Largo
- Cook County (2008) – Sonny
- Felon (2008) – Gordon
- Year One (2009) – King of Sodom
- The Unborn (2009) – Mr. McNamara
- Superman/Batman: Public Enemies (2009) – Nick and Noah (voice)
2010s
- Faster (2010) – Sergeant Mallory
- Kick-Ass (2010) – Giant
- Small Town Saturday Night (2010) – Sheriff
- Live Feed (2011) – Alan
- Pony (2011) – George
- This Last Lonely Place (2014) – Frank Devore
- Son of Batman (2014) – Kirk Langstrom / Man-Bat (voice)
- Transcendence (2014) – Dr. Thomas Casey
- The Equalizer (2014) – Master
- The Gift (2015) – Forrest Bobo
- Solace (2015) – Mr. Ellis
- Moments of Clarity (2015) – Artemis
- We Are What They Say (2016) – Father
- The Divergent Series: Allegiant (2016) – Phillip
- Shot (2017) – Dr. Roberts
- Born Guilty (2017) – Mr. Milk
- Mom and Dad (2017) – Brett
- Proud Mary (2018) – Uncle
- The Maestro (2018) – Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco
- City of Lies (2018) – Edwards
- The Wall of Mexico (2019) – Michael Rand
- Dark Harbor (2019) – Father James
2020s
- The Dark and the Wicked (2020) – Priest
- The Audition (2021) – Joel
- Americans with No Address (2024) – Self (documentary)
- Butcher's Crossing (2022) – Miller
- Alchemy of the Spirit (2022) – Oliver Black[49]
- Heightened (2023) – Gordon[49]
- Reagan (2024) – George Schultz[49]
- Rust (2025) – Blackburn[50]
- The Ghost Trap (2024) – Maynard[51]
- Schindler Space Architect (2024) – Frank Lloyd Wright (voice)
- No Address (2025) – Harris[52]
- Oddities (2026) – Role TBD[6]
Television
Berkeley began his television career with guest appearances in the early 1980s and has since amassed over 100 credits across various series, often portraying authoritative or antagonistic figures in both guest and recurring capacities.[53]Recurring Roles
-
24 (2001–2002; Fox)
- Role: George Mason, Division Director (25 episodes across Seasons 1–2)
-
The West Wing (2003–2006; NBC)
- Role: Bruno Gianelli, Senior Campaign Strategist (17 episodes across Seasons 4–7)
-
Sons of Anarchy (2008–2011; FX)
- Role: Elliot Oswald, Attorney and Businessman (15 episodes across Seasons 1–4)
-
Nikita (2010–2012; The CW)
- Role: Percy (Percival Rose), Head of Division (24 episodes across Seasons 1–2)
-
The Mentalist (2008–2015; CBS)
- Role: Sheriff Thomas McAllister / Red John, Serial Killer (multiple episodes across Seasons 1–6, revealed as main antagonist)
-
Salem (2014–2017; WGN America)
- Role: Magistrate Samuel Hale (24 episodes across Seasons 1–3)
-
The Walking Dead (2016–2020; AMC)
- Role: Gregory, Hilltop Leader (23 episodes across Seasons 7–10)
-
The Last Ship (2017; TNT)
- Role: Admiral Joseph Merriweather (5 episodes in Season 4)
Guest Roles (Chronological)
-
MAS*H (1981; CBS)
- Role: Marine (1 episode: "Give 'Em Hell, Hawkeye")
[16]
- Role: Marine (1 episode: "Give 'Em Hell, Hawkeye")
-
Cagney & Lacey (1982; CBS)
- Role: Policeman (1 episode: "Who Says It's Fair?")
-
Remington Steele (1983; NBC)
- Role: Martin (1 episode: "Steele Away with That One")
-
The A-Team (1983; NBC)
- Role: Drake (1 episode: "The Battle of Bel Air")
-
Riptide (1984; NBC)
- Role: Bell (1 episode: "The Twisted Cross")
-
Miami Vice (1985; NBC)
- Role: Victor Quintano (1 episode: "The Prodigal Son")
-
The Twilight Zone (1985; CBS)
- Role: Tim (1 episode: "Chameleon")
-
Moonlighting (1986; ABC)
- Role: Willie (1 episode: "Witness for the Prosecution")
-
L.A. Law (1987; NBC)
- Role: Klaw (1 episode: "Becker on the Rox")
-
Crime Story (1987; NBC)
- Role: Buck Ingersoll (1 episode: "The Survivor")
-
Beauty and the Beast (1988; CBS)
- Role: Bruno (1 episode: "No Way Down")
-
The Commish (1991; ABC)
- Role: David Taubler (1 episode: "The Return")
-
Civil Wars (1992; ABC)
- Role: D.A. Eric Hayden (1 episode: "Das Boat")
-
The X-Files (1993; Fox)
- Role: Dr. Carpenter (1 episode: "Blood")
-
Picket Fences (1993; CBS)
- Role: Officer #1 (1 episode: "The Dancing Bandit")
-
Diagnosis Murder (1994; CBS)
- Role: Det. Paul Doss (1 episode: "Shaker")
-
JAG (1995; NBC/CBS)
- Role: Lt. Paul Bauer (1 episode: "We the People")
-
The Pretender (1996; NBC)
- Role: Major Cooper (1 episode: "Prison Story")
-
NYPD Blue (1997; ABC)
- Role: Sgt. Stan Grubbs (1 episode: "Yes, We Have No Mirandas")
-
ER (1998; NBC)
- Role: Dr. John Morgan (1 episode: "Freaks")
-
Buffy the Vampire Slayer (2000; The WB)
- Role: Dr. Gregory (2 episodes: "Teacher's Pet")
-
The X-Files (2001–2002; Fox)
- Role: Knowle Rohrer (3 episodes across Seasons 8–9)
-
Without a Trace (2004; CBS)
- Role: Dr. Greg Barton (1 episode: "Lost and Found")
-
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (2005; CBS)
- Role: Father Murphy (1 episode: "What's Eating Gilbert Grissom?")
-
Bones (2005; Fox)
- Role: Dr. Adam Copeland (1 episode: "The Man in the Fallout Shelter")
-
Boston Legal (2006; ABC)
- Role: Glenn (1 episode: "Shock and Awe")
-
24 (2009; Fox)
- Role: Frank Trammell (1 episode in Season 7)
[54]
- Role: Frank Trammell (1 episode in Season 7)
-
Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles (2008; Fox)
- Role: Henry (1 episode: "Allison from Palmdale")
-
Criminal Minds (2009; CBS)
- Role: Sheriff McCarty (1 episode: "Minimal Loss")
-
The Mentalist (2008; CBS)
- Role: Bret Stiles (recurring cult leader, multiple episodes Seasons 2–4)
Video games
Berkeley's involvement in video games primarily consists of voice acting roles, with contributions spanning space simulation, superhero action, and MMORPG genres.[55]- Freelancer (2003, PC): Voiced Dexter Hovis, a key character in the space trading and combat simulation game developed by Digital Anvil.[56]
- Batman: The Brave and the Bold - The Videogame (2010, Wii/PS3): Provided the voice for the villain Sinestro in this action-adventure game based on the animated series, published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment.[57]
- Guild Wars 2 (2012, PC; role added in 2023 Secrets of the Obscure expansion): Voiced the ancient wizard and Seer Isgarren, a prominent NPC in the MMORPG's storyline expansions, developed by ArenaNet.[58]