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Chris Bauer Headshot

BIO

Chris Bauer is an American actor best known for his work on stage, television, and film. Born on October 28, 1966, in Los Angeles, California, Bauer grew up in a family of five children. He attended Miramonte High School in Orinda, California, and later went on to study theatre at the University of San Diego.


Bauer began his acting career in the late 1980s, appearing in a number of small roles in television shows and films. He made his Broadway debut in 1990, playing the role of Happy Loman in a revival of Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman." Bauer's performance was critically acclaimed, and he went on to receive a Drama Desk Award nomination for Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play.

In the years that followed, Bauer continued to work steadily in both theatre and film. He appeared in a number of Off-Broadway productions, including "The Sum of Us" and "The Nest," and also landed roles in films such as "The Devil's Advocate" and "8MM." However, it was his work on television that truly put Bauer on the map.

From 2002 to 2008, Bauer played the role of Frank Sobotka on the critically acclaimed HBO series "The Wire." The show, which explored the drug trade and political corruption in Baltimore, Maryland, was praised for its realistic portrayal of urban life and its complex characters. Bauer's performance as Sobotka, a union leader who becomes embroiled in a smuggling ring, was widely praised and helped to establish him as a talented character actor.

Bauer continued to work in television throughout the 2000s and 2010s, appearing in a number of popular series such as "Third Watch," "Numb3rs," and "True Blood." He also landed recurring roles on "Hawaii Five-0" and "Survivor's Remorse." In 2016, Bauer joined the cast of the Showtime series "Survivor's Remorse," playing the role of Jimmy Flaherty, a sports agent and mentor to the show's main character.

Despite his success on television, Bauer has continued to work in theatre throughout his career. In 2011, he appeared in the Broadway production of "A Streetcar Named Desire," playing the role of Mitch opposite Blair Underwood and Nicole Ari Parker. The production was well-received by critics and audiences alike, and Bauer's performance was singled out for its emotional depth and complexity.

In addition to his work in theatre and television, Bauer has also appeared in a number of films over the years. In 2014, he played the role of Detective Frazier in the crime drama "Wild Card," starring Jason Statham. He also appeared in the independent film "The Phenom" in 2016, playing the role of Coach Bledsoe.

Most recently, Bauer has been seen on the small screen in the Showtime series "The Deuce," which explores the rise of the porn industry in New York City during the 1970s and 1980s. Bauer plays the role of Bobby Dwyer, a bar owner and father figure to the show's main character, played by James Franco. The series has been praised for its attention to detail and its complex characters, and Bauer's performance has been singled out as one of its strengths.

With a career spanning over three decades, Chris Bauer has established himself as a versatile and talented actor. Whether on stage, television, or film, he has consistently delivered nuanced and compelling performances that have earned him critical acclaim and a devoted following of fans.

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

[Off-Broadway]
Atlantic Theater Company Off-Broadway World Premiere, 2017
Charles
[Off-Broadway]
Atlantic Theater Company Production, 2012
Performer
[Broadway]
Roundabout Revival, 2005
Harold Mitchell

Six Degrees of Broadway Beta

See how many degrees separate Chris Bauer from another Broadway star or creative.

Chris Bauer

Chris Bauer

Awards and Nominations

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2005 - Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play

Chris Bauer, A Streetcar Named Desire

News

Brother Bird Shares "Landlord" Single, Sets September Tour With Manchester Orchestra
by Rachel Stone - Aug 19, 2026

Caroline Glaser, who performs as Brother Bird, released the single and video for "Landlord" ahead of her album THE LODGE IN MILLER COUNTY, due September 25 via Easy Does It Records, and announced a West Coast tour with Manchester Orchestra this September.
OUR HERO, BALTHAZAR Now Available to Stream at Home
by Rachel Stone - Aug 11, 2026

The coming-of-age comedy starring Jaeden Martell and Asa Butterfield is now available for digital rental and purchase from WG Pictures and Radial Entertainment.
MADDIE'S SECRET Film by John Early Available on Digital Now
by Joshua Wright - Jul 31, 2026

MADDIE'S SECRET, John Early's directorial debut starring Early and Kate Berlant, is now available to rent or buy on digital platforms.
OUR HERO, BALTHAZAR Returning to Theaters for One Day Only
by Josh Sharpe - Jul 9, 2026

Following its North American theatrical release in March, Our Hero, Balthazar will return to theaters for a special one-day-only event across North America on Thursday, July 23, 2026.
THE MURDER OF JONBENÉT RAMSEY Series Coming to Netflix
by Josh Sharpe - Jul 1, 2026

The new limited series, The Murder of JonBenét Ramsey, led by Melissa McCarthy and Clive Owen, is set to be released exclusively on Netflix this winter.
OUR HERO, BALTHAZAR Sets Spring Theatrical Release
by Josh Sharpe - Feb 18, 2026

Following its premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival, Our Hero, Balthazar will receive a North American theatrical release beginning March 27 in New York at Regal Union Square, followed by a Los Angeles opening on April 3 at Alamo Drafthouse Downtown LA, with additional cities to follow. 
Photos: Aubrey Plaza Shines at LET'S LOVE! Opening Night
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 20, 2025

Discover photos from the opening night of Ethan Coen's Let's Love! starring Aubrey Plaza and more at Atlantic Theater Company.
Review Roundup: Aubrey Plaza and More Star in LET'S LOVE! at Atlantic Theater Company
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 15, 2025

The world premiere of Let’s Love!, written by Academy Award winner Ethan Coen and directed by Tony Award nominee Neil Pepe, is now running at the Linda Gross Theater! Let’s Love! is a comedy, a trio of one acts, that explores love in all its miserable glory. Read the reviews!
Video: Aubrey Plaza Shines in LET'S LOVE! at Atlantic Theater
by Stephi Wild - Oct 15, 2025

Watch new footage featuring Aubrey Plaza in LET'S LOVE! at Atlantic Theater, a comedic exploration of love and confusion written by Ethan Coen and directed by Neil Pepe.
Video: Aubrey Plaza Shares How She Landed Her Role in Ethan Coen’s LET'S LOVE!
by Josh Sharpe - Oct 8, 2025

Aubrey Plaza joined TODAY, where she spoke about Atlantic Theater Company's Let’s Love!, now in previews at the Linda Gross Theater. She spoke about how Ethan Coen more-or-less wrote the part for her- even though he didn't know it. Watch the conversation now.
Photos: Aubrey Plaza Shines in LET'S LOVE! Extended Run
by Stephi Wild - Oct 3, 2025

Aubrey Plaza stars in LET'S LOVE!, now extended through November 22nd. Discover new photos from this world premiere at Atlantic Theater Company!
All the Off-Broadway Shows to See in Fall 2025 - A Complete Guide
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 17, 2025

BroadwayWorld is here with your fall 2025 guide to all the shows lighting up New York’s stages. From world premieres to long-awaited revivals, this season’s Off-Broadway lineup delivers something for every kind of theater fan!
Photos: Aubrey Plaza and More in LET'S LOVE Rehearsals
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 9, 2025

You can now get a first look inside rehearsals for Atlantic Theater Company’s world premiere production of Let's Love! at Atlantic's Linda Gross Theater. See photos here!
THUNDERBOLTS* Coming to Disney+ This Month
by Josh Sharpe - Aug 14, 2025

Thunderbolts*, the latest film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, will be available to stream on Disney+ beginning August 27. This follows the movie's digital debut in July and its theatrical release in May. 
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld August 8, 2025- HAMILTON Celebrates 10 Years on Broadway and More
by - Aug 8, 2025

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is August 8, 2025 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Aubrey Plaza, Chris Bauer and More to Star in LET’S LOVE! at Atlantic Theater Company
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 7, 2025

Atlantic Theater Company has revealed the cast for the world premiere of Let’s Love!, written by Academy Award winner Ethan Coen and directed by Tony Award nominee Neil Pepe. See who is starring, and learn more!
Listen: THUNDERBOLTS* Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Now Available
by Josh Sharpe - Apr 30, 2025

Hollywood Records has released Marvel Studios’ Thunderbolts* Original Motion Picture Soundtrack with music by Academy Award®-nominated composers Son Lux. Listen to it now!
Video: Shia LaBeouf Stars in First Trailer for David Mamet's HENRY JOHNSON Film
by Josh Sharpe - Apr 16, 2025

Henry Johnson, the film adaptation of the play from writer-director David Mamet, has released its first trailer. For the movie, the full cast reprises their stage roles on-screen, including Evan Jonigkeit, Chris Bauer, Dominic Hoffman, and Shia LaBeouf. Watch the trailer here.
Marvel's THUNDERBOLTS* Tickets Now On Sale
by Josh Sharpe - Apr 7, 2025

Tickets are now available for Thunderbolts*, the new Marvel film featuring an unconventional team of antiheroes — Yelena Belova, Bucky Barnes, Red Guardian, Ghost, Taskmaster, and John Walker.
David Mamet Sets Film Version of HENRY JOHNSON with Original Cast; See First-Look Photos
by Josh Sharpe - Apr 3, 2025

Writer-director David Mamet has announced the wrap of production and forthcoming release of his first film in over a decade, the drama Henry Johnson, an adaptation of his 2023 play of the same name. Check out first-look photos here!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Chris Bauer been in?

Chris Bauer has appeared on Broadway in 1 shows.

How many West End shows has Chris Bauer been in?

Chris Bauer has not appeared in the West End.

What awards has Chris Bauer been nominated for?

and Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for A Streetcar Named Desire .

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