Justin Theroux Bio
Justin Paul Theroux (born August 10, 1971) is an American actor and filmmaker. He gained recognition for his partnership with David Lynch on the surrealist art films Mulholland Drive and Inland Empire. He also appeared in films such as Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion, American Psycho, and The Girl on the Train. Theroux starred as Kevin Garvey in the HBO series The Leftovers, for which he received critical acclaim.
Early Life and Background
Justin Paul Theroux was born on August 10, 1971, in Washington, D.C. His mother, Phyllis Grissim Theroux, is an essayist and author, while his father, Eugene Albert Theroux, is a lawyer. He has a notable literary family, being the nephew of travel writer Paul Theroux and the cousin of documentary filmmakers Louis and Marcel Theroux. Theroux’s father has French-Canadian and Italian roots, and through his mother, he is a great-great-grandson of financier H. B. Hollins and music critic Gustav Kobbé. Theroux attended several schools, including Lafayette Elementary School and the Field School, but he first started acting while in high school at the Buxton School in Williamstown, Massachusetts. He graduated from Bennington College in 1993 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in visual arts and drama.
Path to Hollywood
Justin Theroux made his film debut in 1996 in Mary Harron’s I Shot Andy Warhol. He quickly became known for his performances in both comedic and serious roles, appearing in films like Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion and American Psycho. His work in David Lynch’s films, particularly Mulholland Drive and Inland Empire, helped establish his reputation in the industry. Theroux also performed on Broadway and in numerous off-Broadway productions, showcasing his versatility as an actor. His breakthrough came when he was cast in HBO’s The Leftovers, which premiered in 2014 and received widespread acclaim for its storytelling and performances.
Justin Theroux Career
Early Career (1995–2005)
Theroux’s early career included a mix of film and television roles. He appeared in various productions, including the cult classic American Psycho and the comedy Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle. His performance in the HBO miniseries John Adams in 2008 further solidified his reputation as a talented actor. He also directed his first film, Dedication, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2007. During this time, he co-wrote the screenplay for the action comedy Tropic Thunder, which was released in 2008 and received critical acclaim.
Breakthrough (2014–2017)
Theroux’s major breakthrough came with his role as Kevin Garvey in HBO’s The Leftovers, which aired from 2014 to 2017. The series, based on Tom Perrotta’s novel, explored the lives of those left behind after a mysterious global event. Theroux’s performance garnered him critical acclaim and a nomination for the Critics’ Choice Television Award for Best Actor in a Drama Series. His work on The Leftovers marked a significant turning point in his career, leading to more prominent roles in both film and television.
Notable Works and Milestones
Justin Theroux is known for his signature roles in films like Mulholland Drive and The Leftovers, which have earned him critical acclaim and recognition in the industry. He has also been involved in various successful projects, including the Netflix miniseries Maniac and the Apple TV+ adaptation of The Mosquito Coast.
Justin Theroux Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Justin Theroux has received several nominations for his performances, particularly for his role in The Leftovers, which showcased his range and depth as an actor.
Justin Theroux Awards Won
Justin Theroux has been recognized for his contributions to the entertainment industry, including a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Variety Special (Live) for producing the ABC television event Live in Front of a Studio Audience.
Justin Theroux Family
Justin Theroux has been in several high-profile relationships. He was in a long-term relationship with stylist Heidi Bivens from 1997 until 2011. He then married actress Jennifer Aniston in 2015, but the couple announced their separation in 2018. As of 2024, Theroux is engaged to actress Nicole Brydon Bloom, with plans to marry in 2025.
Personal Life
Justin Theroux’s personal life has often been in the spotlight due to his relationships with well-known figures in the entertainment industry. His marriage to Jennifer Aniston was particularly public, drawing significant media attention. Following their separation, Theroux has continued to focus on his career while maintaining a relatively private personal life.
