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Stephen Ellis

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Biography

Stephen Ellis is an award-winning actor of stage and screen. A native of Fort Worth, Texas, Stephen studied at the National Theater Institute and graduated from Kenyon College, where he won the Paul Newman Award for Acting.

Upon graduating, Stephen moved to New York City where he made his Lincoln Center debut in the Obbie-winning comedy THE COWARD, directed by Sam Gold. He then performed in the LAByrinth Theater production of THINNER THAN WATER. His 15-year plus stage career has garnered praise and wooed audiences in world premieres at the Kirk Douglas Theater, South Coast Repertory Theater, The Eugene O’Neil Playwrights Conference, among others.

In between stage roles in New York City, Stephen launched his screen career, traveling back and forth from New York to Los Angeles. In 2016 he starred in the explosive and controversial Sundance and SXSW hit short film A REASONABLE REQUEST. His performance landed him 2 Best Actor Awards, and the film continues to pepper “best short films of all time” lists and is taught and discussed in film schools around the world.

After garnering film credits in features such as the Coen Brother’s HAIL CAESAR!, the DreamWorks comedy DELIVERY MAN, and THE LEARS (opposite Bruce Dern), Stephen moved from New York to Los Angeles. There, he has had recurring roles on television shows like YOU’RE THE WORST and THE BRITISHES and has several guest star roles television roles. He’s appeared in over 20 national commercials, including 3 Super Bowl ads and has a long list of voice over credits in commercial campaigns and video games.

While he continues to work in both New York and Los Angeles, Stephen lives with his fiancé and their two cats in the Highland Park neighborhood of Los Angeles.

PRESS

“Brilliant.” —Irish Times

“Expert comedic performer” — Short of the Week

“10 Rising Actors Who Could be the Next Big Thing” — Whatculture

“Imbued with a surprising depth of emotion by Stephen Ellis” — Theatermania “Supremo cast” — Variety

“The uniquely charismatic Stephen Ellis” — LA Times

Selected filmography

  • Production poster
    Hail, Caesar!
    • Character: Clapper Boy
    • Year: 2016
  • Production poster
    Delivery Man
    • Character: 18th Century Professor
    • Year: 2013
  • Production poster
    A Reasonable Request
    • Character: Seth
    • Year: 2015
  • Production poster
    You're the Worst
    • Character: Carl
    • Year: 2014
  • Production poster
    The Lears
    • Character: Tyler
    • Year: 2017
  • Production poster
    The Revival
    • Character: Jimmy
    • Year: 2017