Jon DeVries

Also Credited As: Jonathan DeVries

Get Jon DeVries Email Alerts

Be the first to get news, photos, videos & more.

Jon DeVries BIO

Jon DeVries is an American actor with an extensive career on stage, screen, and television. Born in 1938 in East Orange, New Jersey, DeVries grew up in New York City and attended the University of Michigan before returning to the city to pursue a career in acting.
DeVries made his Broadway debut in 1961 in the play "The Hostage" and has since appeared in over 20 Broadway productions. Some of his notable stage credits include "The Price," "The Homecoming," "The Cherry Orchard," and "The Herd."
In addition to his work on stage, DeVries has also appeared in numerous television shows and films. He had a recurring role on the HBO series "The Leftovers" and has also appeared in "Law & Order," "The Sopranos," and "Boardwalk Empire." His film credits include "The King of Comedy," "The Devil's Advocate," and "The Rebound."
Despite his success in film and television, DeVries has always remained committed to the stage. He has worked with some of the most respected directors in the industry, including Harold Pinter, Sam Shepard, and Edward Albee.
One of DeVries' most memorable stage performances was in the 2012 production of "The Whale" at Playwrights Horizons. In the play, DeVries played Charlie, a morbidly obese man who is dying of heart failure and trying to reconnect with his estranged daughter. DeVries' performance was praised by critics for its sensitivity and nuance, and he was nominated for a Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Lead Actor.
DeVries has also been recognized for his work off-Broadway. In 2001, he won an Obie Award for his performance in "The Beauty Queen of Leenane" at the Atlantic Theater Company. He has also appeared in several productions at the Public Theater, including "The Tempest," "The Winter's Tale," and "The Seagull."
In addition to his work as an actor, DeVries has also taught acting at NYU's Tisch School of the Arts and the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute. He has also directed several productions, including "The Glass Menagerie" at the Berkshire Theatre Festival.
DeVries' most recent work includes the 2019 Broadway revival of "The Rose Tattoo," starring Marisa Tomei. In the play, DeVries played Assunta, a friend of Tomei's character Serafina. The production received mixed reviews, but DeVries' performance was singled out for its warmth and humor.

Jon DeVries Photos

Jon DeVries STAGE CREDITS

[Off-Broadway]
The New Group World Premiere, 2017
Mr Biacco

[Off-Broadway]
MCC Theater Original Off-Broadway Production, 2016
Johnny

Colonel

[Off-Broadway]
Signature Theatre Production, 2014
Frank

[Off-Broadway]
Public Theater Production, 2012
Benjamin Apple

[Off-Broadway]
Classic Stage Company, 2012
Performer

[US Tour]
National Tour, 2009
Beverly Weston

[Off-Broadway]
2007
FDR / Ben Hecht

[Off-Broadway]
2006
John of Gaunt/Earl of Salisbury/Gardener/Groom

[Off-Broadway]
2005
Ghost/Player King/Gravedigger/Fortinbras

[Off-Broadway]
2002
George Washington

[Off-Broadway]
2000
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
1999
MIke

[Off-Broadway]
1997
Driver

[Off-Broadway]
1997
Mr William Snelgrave

[Off-Broadway]
1994
Roger Chillingworth

[Off-Broadway]
1993
Lee

[Off-Broadway]
1992
Nick

[Off-Broadway]
1989
Marcus

[Broadway]
1986
Frank Falzon

Dr. Delman

Riot Policeman

[Off-Broadway]
1984
George Wilder

[Off-Broadway]
1981
Doc Bertram Shedman

[Broadway]
1980
Bill Walker

[Broadway]
1979
Lewis Keseberg

[Broadway]
1978
Waiter


(Understudy)

[Off-Broadway]
1977
Watchman

[Broadway]
1977
Chorus

[Broadway]
1977
Ensemble

A Vagrant

Trofimov (Understudy)

Petr Sergeyevich (Understudy)


Jon DeVries Awards and Nominations

Obie Awards - 2012 - Performance

Jon DevriesSweet and Sad

Jon DeVries Videos

Jon DeVries News


The Public Theater Now Streaming WHAT DO WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT? Through June

The Public Theater announced today the return of WHAT DO WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT? Conversations on Zoom, written and directed by Tony Award winner Richard Nelson.

Review Roundup: Richard Nelson's WHAT DO WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT? Conversations on Zoom

Just last night, The Public Theater presented the world premiere of WHAT DO WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT? Conversations on Zoom, a new play in the Rhinebeck Panorama, written and directed by Tony Award winner Richard Nelson. Commissioned by The Public Theater and written by Nelson from his home in Rhinebeck, New York, during the COVID-19 pandemic, this unique theatrical experience was performed as a benefit for The Public Theater.

BWW Review: Richard Nelson Zooms In On The Apples in WHAT DO WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT?

'The first cough in the audience and who's listening to the play?,' wonders a character when contemplating the return of live theatre.

The Public Theater to Live Stream WHAT DO WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT? Starring Jon DeVries, Stephen Kunken and More

The Public Theater announced the world premiere of WHAT DO WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT? Conversations on Zoom, a new play in the Rhinebeck Panorama, written and directed by Tony Award winner Richard Nelson, on Wednesday, April 29 at 7:30 p.m. ET.

Theater Close-Up Presents Broadcast Premieres of SCHOOL GIRLS, ON THE EXHALE, UNCLE VANYA

Theater Close-Up, a unique collaboration between THIRTEEN and New York City-area Off-Broadway and regional theaters, returns with three new episodes Fridays, August 16 and 23 at 9 p.m. on THIRTEEN and thirteen.org/theatercloseup, featuring a diverse selection of groundbreaking, entertaining plays recorded live on stage, including the broadcast premieres of Jocelyn Bioh's School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play (August 16 at 9 p.m.) from MCC Theater, Martín Zimmerman's On the Exhale(August 16 at 10:15 p.m.) from Roundabout Theatre Company, and Anton Chekhov'sUncle Vanya (August 23 at 9 p.m.) from Hunter Theater Project.

Paul Foster's BALLS Re-Opens At CultureHub

CultureHub in association with La MaMa and The Great Jones Repertory Company will present Paul Fosters' 1964 iconic and internationally heralded one-act play, BALLS.

Hunter Theater Project's Presents Anton Chekhov's UNCLE VANYA 

Hunter Theater Project's ecstatically reviewed debut production of Anton Chekhov's Uncle Vanya that left Ben Brantley, The New York Times, feeling "shivery, teary-eyed and stunned," with a "career-high performance" from Jay O. Sanders in the title role, has announced its final extension through Sunday, November 18. $37 single tickets and $15 student tickets are available at www.huntertheaterproject.org, or at the Hunter College Box Office at the Kaye Theater (East 68th Street between Lexington and Park Avenues).

Hunter Theatre Project's Critically Acclaimed UNCLE VANYA Extends

There are very few bargains left in New York City, but $37 buys you access to a production that left Ben Brantley, The New York Times, "shivery, teary-eyed and stunned." Hunter Theater Project's ecstatically reviewed debut production of Anton Chekhov's Uncle Vanya, featuring what Brantley called a "career-high performance" from Jay O. Sanders in the title role, has been extended due to popular demand through Sunday, October 28. Single tickets for $37, and $15 student tickets (with valid ID) are available now at www.huntertheaterproject.org, or at the Hunter College Box Office at the Kaye Theater (East 68th Street between Lexington and Park Avenues).

UNCLE VANYA Extends Through October 28th At Hunter Theater Project

The Hunter Theater Project at Hunter College (President, Jennifer J. Raab) announced a two-week extension today for the critically acclaimed New York premiere of Anton Chekhov's UNCLE VANYA, directed by Richard Nelson, at the Frederick Loewe Theater (E. 68th Street between Lexington and Park Ave). Translated by Richard Nelson, Richard Pevear, and Larissa Volokhonsky, and directed by Nelson, UNCLE VANYA began performances on Friday, September 7 and was originally scheduled to run through October 14.

Photo Flash: The Hunter Theater Project Celebrates Opening Night of UNCLE VANYA

The Hunter Theater Project at Hunter College (Hunter College President, Jennifer J. Raab) will officially open the New York premiere of Anton Chekhov's UNCLE VANYA, directed by Richard Nelson, on Sunday, September 16 at the Frederick Loewe Theater (E. 68th Street between Lexington and Park Ave). Translated by Richard Nelson, Richard Pevear, and Larissa Volokhonsky, this production marks the first time renowned Russian literature translators Pevear and Volokhonsky have had a work premiere in New York City, following its world premiere at The Old Globe in San Diego earlier this year. UNCLE VANYA began performances on Friday, September 7 and runs through Sunday, October 14.

BWW Review: Richard Nelson Gives UNCLE VANYA The Rhinebeck Treatment

For the better part of the present decade, playwright/director Richard Nelson has been going seriously Chekhovian, first with a quartet of plays set during the Obama years in the Rhinebeck, New York home of a family named Apple and then with a trio of visits during the 2016 presidential campaign with the nearby Gabriel family.

Photo Flash: The Hunter Theater Project Presents UNCLE VANYA

The Hunter Theater Project at Hunter College (Hunter College President, Jennifer J. Raab) will officially open the New York premiere of Anton Chekhov's UNCLE VANYA, directed by Richard Nelson, on Sunday, September 16 at the Frederick Loewe Theater (E. 68th Street between Lexington and Park Ave). Translated by Richard Nelson, Richard Pevear, and Larissa Volokhonsky, this production marks the first time renowned Russian literature translators Pevear and Volokhonsky have had a work premiere in New York City, following its world premiere at The Old Globe in San Diego earlier this year. UNCLE VANYA began performances on Friday, September 7 and runs through Sunday, October 14.

Hunter Theater Project Announces Richard Nelson's UNCLE VANYA

 Hunter College President Jennifer J. Raab announced today the inaugural production of the Hunter Theater Project, the New York premiere of Anton Chekhov's UNCLE VANYA at the Frederick Loewe Theater at Hunter College (E. 68th Street and Lexington Avenue), directed by Richard Nelson. Translated byRichard Nelson, Richard Pevear, and Larissa Volokhonsky. This production is the first time renowned Russian literature translators Pevear and Volokhonsky will have a work premiere in New York City, following the show's world premiere at The Old Globe in San Diego, California. Previews for UNCLE VANYA begin Friday, September 7. The production runs through Sunday, October 14, with an official press opening on Sunday, September 16. Tickets are on sale now.

The New Group Announces Full Cast & Creative Team For PEACE FOR MAY FRANCES

The New Group has announced full casting and creative team for Lily Thorne's Peace for Mary Frances, with Heather Burns, Johanna Day, Natalie Gold, Mia Katigbak, Paul Lazar, Brian Miskell, Melle Powers and J. Smith-Cameron joining, as previously announced, Lois Smith in this world premiere production directed by Lila Neugebauer.

Florid Studio Theatre Presents THE BOY WHO LIKED PULLING HAIR & OTHER PLAYS

Florida Studio Theatre concludes its second Children's Theatre season with The Boy Who Liked Pulling Hair & Other Winning Plays, a collection of authentic stories from the imaginations of children in sixth grade and below. Part of the WRITE A PLAY program, this production will be performed on the Keating Mainstage by FST Acting Apprentices. With 13 inspiring and invigorating pieces selected from over 3,500 submissions, The Boy Who Liked Pulling Hair & Other Winning Plays reveals children's unique voices.

The New Group Announces Final Extension of GOOD FOR OTTO

The New Group has announced a second extension for the New York premiere production of David Rabe's Good for Otto, which will now play its final performance on Sunday, April 15.  Due to demand, the company previously announced a one week extension through April 8.

JERRY SPRINGER - THE OPERA Extends Through April 1, Matt McGrath Takes Over Lead Role

Due to demand, The New Group has announced a three-week extension for Jerry Springer - The Opera, with Matt McGrath appearing as Jerry Springer beginning March 13.  Terrence Mann, currently appearing in the role of Jerry Springer, plays his final performance March 11 due to an existing commitment beyond that date.

BWW Review: UNCLE VANYA at The Old Globe

Classics are classics because they have a resonance that lasts long after their final word has been written.  The Old Globe's production of UNCLE VANYA, by Anton Chekhov, with a new translation by Richard Pevear and Larissa Volokhonsky with playwright and production director Richard Nelson, is nothing short of an excellent example of letting a classic have its vibrant say once again.

GOOD FOR OTTO Extends Through April 8

Due to demand, The New Group has announced a one-week extension for the New York premiere production of David Rabe's Good for Otto. Previews begin tonight, February 20, in advance of an Official Opening Night on Thursday, March 8. Originally set to play a limited Off-Broadway engagement through April 1, this production now plays through Sunday, April 8 at The Pershing Square Signature Center (The Alice Griffin Jewel Box Theatre, 480 West 42nd Street).

Photo Flash: The Old Globe presents UNCLE VANYA by Anton Chekhov

An exhilarating revival that pairs one of the greatest plays ever written with the world's most celebrated translators of Russian literature. Vanya and his niece Sonya struggle to care for the estate owned byVanya's brother-in-law, a wealthy and celebrated professor.

Jon DeVries FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Jon DeVries has appeared on Broadway in 6 shows.

Jon DeVries has not appeared in the West End.

Jon DeVries has been nominated for the following awards: Outstanding Lead Actor in a Play at The Lortels for Regular Singing, Outstanding Ensemble Performance at the Drama Desk Awards for Sweet and Sad, Ensemble Performance at the Obie Awards for Sweet and Sad, and Performance at the Obie Awards for Sweet and Sad.

Jon DeVries has won the Outstanding Ensemble Performance at the Drama Desk Awards for Sweet and Sad. He also won the Ensemble Performance at the Obie Awards for Sweet and Sad, as well as a Performance award at the Obie Awards for the same show.

Get Jon DeVries Email Alerts

Be the first to get news, photos, videos & more.

Videos