Hamish Linklater Bio
Hamish Linklater (born July 7, 1976) is an American actor and playwright known for his roles in television shows such as The New Adventures of Old Christine and Legion. He garnered critical acclaim for his performance in the Netflix horror miniseries Midnight Mass and has a diverse background in the theater. He has also worked as a screenwriter and producer.
Early Life and Background
Hamish Linklater was born in New York City, New York. His mother, Kristin Linklater, was a Scottish-born Professor of Theatre and Chair of the Acting Division at Columbia University, as well as a teacher of vocal technique. His father, James Lincoln Cormeny, was an actor and stage builder. Raised by his single mother, Linklater spent part of his childhood in the Berkshires, where Kristin Linklater was a founder of the Shakespeare & Company drama troupe. He began performing small Shakespearean roles at the age of eight. Linklater’s maternal grandparents were Marjorie Linklater, an arts campaigner, and Eric Linklater, a Scottish novelist. His uncles include journalist Magnus Linklater and writer Andro Linklater. He graduated from Commonwealth School in Boston in 1994 and later attended Amherst College.
Path to Hollywood
Given his pedigree in the theater, Hamish Linklater first established himself on stage before making his big-screen debut in the 2000 film Groove. He followed this with a role as CNN correspondent Richard Roth in the HBO film Live from Baghdad. His early career included appearances in various films, including Fantastic Four in 2005, as well as recurring roles on television shows such as American Dreams and Gideon’s Crossing. He was considered for the role of Logan on Dark Angel, which ultimately went to Michael Weatherly.
Hamish Linklater Career
Early Career (1996–2005)
Hamish Linklater’s career began in earnest in 1996, and he made a significant impact with his role in the CBS sitcom The New Adventures of Old Christine from 2006 to 2010, where he played the brother of Christine Campbell, portrayed by Julia Louis-Dreyfus. During this period, he also appeared in Keith Bunin’s play The Busy World Is Hushed off-Broadway and played Hamlet in various theater productions.
Breakthrough (2016–2021)
Linklater’s breakthrough came with his role as Father Paul Hill in the Netflix horror miniseries Midnight Mass, which premiered in September 2021. His performance received high critical acclaim, leading to a Critic’s Choice nomination. He also starred in the Amazon Prime series Tell Me Your Secrets as John Tyler, a convicted rapist seeking redemption. In addition, he was cast in the FX series Legion, where he played a recurring role before being promoted to the main cast for its second season.
Notable Works and Milestones
Hamish Linklater is recognized for his signature roles in The New Adventures of Old Christine, Legion, and Midnight Mass. His work in theater and television has earned him a reputation as a versatile actor.
Hamish Linklater Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Hamish Linklater has received nominations for various awards, including a Critic’s Choice nomination for his role in Midnight Mass.
Hamish Linklater Awards Won
While specific awards won by Hamish Linklater are not detailed, his performances have been critically acclaimed, particularly in theater and television.
Hamish Linklater Family
Hamish Linklater was married to playwright Jessica Goldberg from January 2002 until their divorce in 2012. They have one daughter together. He is currently in a relationship with actress Lily Rabe, with whom he has three children: two daughters born in March 2017 and June 2020, and a son born in 2022.
Personal Life
Hamish Linklater’s personal life includes his relationships with Jessica Goldberg and Lily Rabe. He has a total of four children, reflecting his commitment to family alongside his professional pursuits.
