Sebastian Stan Bio
Sebastian Stan (born August 13, 1982) is a Romanian-born American actor. He gained recognition for his role as Bucky Barnes / Winter Soldier in the Marvel Cinematic Universe media franchise, beginning with the film Captain America: The First Avenger (2011), and serving as a lead actor in the Disney+ miniseries The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (2021) and the film Thunderbolts (2025). On television, Stan played Carter Baizen in Gossip Girl (2007–2010) and the Mad Hatter in Once Upon a Time (2012), and starred in the miniseries Political Animals (2012). In 2022, he received critical acclaim for playing Tommy Lee in the Hulu miniseries Pam & Tommy earning nominations for a Primetime Emmy Award and a Golden Globe Award. On Broadway, Stan has appeared in the Eric Bogosian play Talk Radio (2007) and starred in the William Inge play Picnic (2013). On film, Stan had a supporting role in The Martian (2015), and starred in I, Tonya (2017) and Fresh (2022). For his performance in A Different Man (2024), he won a Silver Bear for Best Leading Performance and a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor. For his portrayal of a young Donald Trump in The Apprentice (2024), Stan earned a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Actor.
Early Life and Background
Sebastian Stan was born on August 13, 1982, in Constanța, Romania. He was named after the composer Johann Sebastian Bach by his mother, who was a pianist. His parents divorced when he was two years old. At the age of eight, he and his mother moved to Vienna, Austria, where she worked as a pianist following the Revolutions of 1989. Four years later, they relocated to Rockland County, New York, after his mother remarried. Stan was raised in the Romanian Orthodox Church. During his time at school in Rockland, he participated in various theatrical productions, which sparked his interest in acting. He attended Rutgers University’s Mason Gross School of the Arts, where he studied acting and spent a year abroad at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in London, graduating in 2005. Stan became a United States citizen in 2002.
Path to Hollywood
Sebastian Stan’s career began in earnest after appearing in the 1994 film 71 Fragments of a Chronology of Chance. His first notable television role was in 2003 on Law & Order, followed by several film appearances, including Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding and The Covenant (both in 2006). He gained further recognition with a recurring role as Carter Baizen in the popular series Gossip Girl, which began in 2007. In 2010, he appeared in Darren Aronofsky’s acclaimed film Black Swan and played a role in the comedy Hot Tub Time Machine. Stan’s breakout role came in 2011 when he portrayed Bucky Barnes in Captain America: The First Avenger, marking his entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Sebastian Stan Career
Early Career (1994–2013)
After his film debut in 1994, Sebastian Stan’s career progressed with various roles in television and film. He starred in the thriller Gone and the supernatural horror film The Apparition in 2012, while also appearing in the miniseries Political Animals. His role in Political Animals earned him a nomination for the Critics’ Choice Television Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Movie/Miniseries. In 2013, he showcased his talent on Broadway in the production of Picnic, further establishing his versatility as an actor.
Breakthrough (2014–2019)
Stan’s breakthrough in the Marvel Cinematic Universe continued with Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014), where he reprised his role as Bucky Barnes, now known as the Winter Soldier. This film marked the beginning of a nine-film contract with Marvel Studios. He appeared in several other MCU films, including Ant-Man (2015) and Captain America: Civil War (2016). In 2017, he starred in the biopic I, Tonya, portraying Jeff Gillooly alongside Margot Robbie. This role received critical acclaim and showcased his range as an actor.
Notable Works and Milestones
Stan’s signature work includes his portrayal of Bucky Barnes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which has become iconic among fans. He has received various nominations for his performances, including for his role in Pam & Tommy, where he played Tommy Lee. His recent film A Different Man has garnered him a Silver Bear for Best Leading Performance and a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor.
Sebastian Stan Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Sebastian Stan has received several nominations for prestigious awards, including a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie for his role in Pam & Tommy and nominations for the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Miniseries or Television Film.
Sebastian Stan Awards Won
Sebastian Stan has won notable awards, including the Silver Bear for Best Leading Performance for his role in A Different Man and a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor for the same film. His performances have consistently garnered critical acclaim, establishing him as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.
Sebastian Stan Family
Information about Sebastian Stan’s family is limited. He was raised by his mother, Georgeta Orlovschi, after his parents’ divorce. Details about his family life remain private.
Personal Life
Sebastian Stan has maintained a relatively private personal life. He became a United States citizen in 2002 and has focused primarily on his acting career. Stan has not publicly disclosed information about his relationships or partnerships.
