Jon Bernthal’s Career in Hollywood

Born and raised in Washington, D.C., Jon Bernthal moved to Russia to study at the Moscow Art Theatre School. Afterward, he played professional baseball in the European leagues. Later, he caught the attention of the director at Harvard University's Institute for Advanced Theatre Training at the American Repertory Theatre in Massachusetts

Bernthal had a starring role on CBS's 'The Class' from 2006-2007, but it was his portrayal of "Shane Walsh" on AMC's 'The Walking Dead' that truly made him a familiar face.

Even during the slower second season, "Shane" stood out, with Bernthal honing his signature style—playing men with deep, complicated emotions they don’t know how to handle (and who yell a lot). His performance left a lasting impact on the show.

Jon Bernthal’s part in Martin Scorsese’s 'The Wolf of Wall Street' is small but unforgettable. He plays "Brad", a not-so-bright Long Island guy who gets involved in Jordan Belfort’s (Leonardo DiCaprio) schemes. Bernthal shows his comedic side in hilarious shouting matches with Jonah Hill, playing a character who’s always a little behind in the conversation.

The Marvel-Netflix shows had their issues, but casting Jon Bernthal as "Frank Castle", 'The Punisher', was a great move. His career seemed to build up to this role, showing his ability to express intense rage while also hinting at the pain underneath. Frank's debut in 'Daredevil's' second season was a standout moment. Bernthal nailed the character's tough, violent side, adding a surprising sense of vulnerability.

'Wind River' is a perfect example of a "Surprise! Jon Bernthal" movie. In this film, directed by Tayler Sheridan, Bernthal has an important but unexpected role. Sheridan, who also worked with Bernthal on Sicario, includes him in a key scene about the murder of a young Indigenous girl. His role wasn’t highlighted in the marketing, but his appearance feels like a sign that the film is in good hands.

2017’s 'Sweet Virginia' is a bit underrated in Jon Bernthal’s filmography, which is a shame. In this rural noir, Bernthal plays "Sam", a former bull rider who gets involved with a hitman, played by Charlie Abbott, in his small town. Unlike his usual intense roles, Sam is more subdued, like someone who used to be a Jon Bernthal character but has been worn down by life. His scenes with Abbott, who plays a cold, dangerous hitman, create a lot of tension. It’s a unique leading role for Bernthal and definitely worth checking out.

Bernthal’s role in 'Ford v Ferrari' might surprise you. In a movie full of race-car drivers and mechanics, he plays "Lee Iacocca", the VP of Ford. He adds warmth and charm to the role, even though the film mainly deals with the tough business side of trying to achieve greatness. It’s easy to picture him in the pits with the crew, but his performance shows off his often-overlooked range.

Bernthal was a great choice for "The Sopranos" and got to prove it in 'The Many Saints of Newark'. In this prequel, he plays "Johnny Soprano", "Tony’s" father. He fits perfectly into David Chase’s 1960s Jersey setting, bringing the character to life with ease.

After two seasons, 'The Bear' has an impressive cast, including brief appearances by Joel McHale and an Academy Award winner. Jon Bernthal really stands out as "Mikey". His role, which starts as a memory in season one, becomes much more impactful when he actually appears. Season two’s episode 'Fishes' dives deeper into "Mikey’s" character and the mess he left behind, helping us better understand the show's other main characters.