James Remar
Born
William James Remar

(1953-12-31) December 31, 1953
NationalityAmerican
OccupationActor
Years active1978–present
Spouse
Atsuko Remar
(m. 1984)
Children2

William James Remar (born December 31, 1953) is an American actor. He has played numerous roles over a 40 year career, most notably Ajax in The Warriors (1979), Albert Ganz in 48 Hrs. (1982), Dutch Schultz in The Cotton Club (1984), Jack Duff in Miracle on 34th Street (1994), Richard Wright in Sex and the City (2001–2004), and Harry Morgan, the father of the title character, in Dexter (2006–2013). Since 2009 he has done voice-over work in ads for Lexus luxury cars.[1] Remar studied acting at the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre in New York City.

Remar's more recent roles include Frank Gordon in Gotham from 2016 to 2019; Peter Gambi in Black Lightning from 2018 to 2021; and Secretary of War Henry L. Stimson in Oppenheimer in 2023.

Early life

William James Remar was born in Boston, Massachusetts on December 31, 1953. He is the son of Elizabeth (née Boyle), who worked in mental health affairs for the state of Massachusetts, and Roy Remar, who was an attorney.[2][3] His father was of Russian Jewish descent, while his mother was a native of England and of Irish descent. He has three sisters and two brothers.[4] Remar grew up with his family in Newton, Massachusetts.[5]

Remar dropped out of high school when he was 15, although he attended what he described as "kind of an alternative school" for a year afterwards. He then traveled around the United States, briefly playing guitar in a rock band. Eventually, he returned home and went back to high school, although he decided not to attend college after graduating. Remar has said he decided to become an actor when he was 20; after he was laid off from his job as a roofer, he remembered a previous job performing at a summer camp, and said he would give himself three years to attempt an acting career before he would try something else.[3]

In Florida, Remar earned a role in a state production of Cross and Sword.[3] Afterwards, he studied at the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre, but was not asked back after his first year, which he described as "a devastating experience". Remar continued searching for other acting jobs, eventually landing the part of Kenickie in a touring production of Grease, and also performed at the Ensemble Studio Theatre, before making his film debut in On the Yard.[6]

Career

Films

Remar has spent the majority of his film career playing villains. He portrayed the violent gang member Ajax in the cult film The Warriors (1979),[7] and the murdering sociopath Albert Ganz in the hit 48 Hrs. (1982). Both films were directed by Walter Hill. Remar also played real-life 1930s-era gangster Dutch Schultz in The Cotton Club (1984).[8]

In contrast to these roles, Remar starred in the film Windwalker (1980) as the young Cheyenne Windwalker, for which he spoke his lines in the Cheyenne language.[9] He also portrayed a gay man in the film Cruising (1980). That same year, Remar had a cameo in the Western The Long Riders (1980) in a bar fight scene with David Carradine.

He was the star of the film Quiet Cool (1986) and was cast as Corporal Hicks in the science-fiction/horror film Aliens (1986), but was replaced by Michael Biehn shortly after filming began. At least one piece of footage featuring Remar made it into the final version of the film: when the Marines enter the processing station and the camera tilts down from the Alien nest, though Remar is not seen in close-up.[10] He is also filmed from the back as the Marines first enter the compound on LV-426 and when "Hicks" approaches the cocooned woman, again filmed from the rear so the viewer is unable to tell it is Remar and not Michael Biehn.[11]

He played Quill, one of the main villains in The Phantom (1996).[12]In 1994 he played a supporting role in the film 'Renaissance Man.' appeared in Mortal Kombat Annihilation (1997), the sequel to the film Mortal Kombat (1995), taking over the role of Raiden from Christopher Lambert. He then followed this with a role in the direct-to-video science fiction film Robo Warriors (1996). Other films include Psycho (1998), in which he played the patrolman,[13] Drugstore Cowboy (1989), Tales from the Darkside: The Movie (1990), Wedlock (1991), Boys on the Side (1995), The Quest (1996), Rites of Passage (1999), Hellraiser: Inferno (2000), 2 Fast 2 Furious (2003), Fear X (2003), Blade: Trinity (2004), The Girl Next Door (2004). He played a brief role as General Bratt in the prologue of Pineapple Express (2008). He also had a role in the horror film The Unborn (2009), alongside C.S. Lee, who portrays Vince Masuka in Dexter. He also played the father of Olivia Grey in Feed (2017).

Remar appeared in the film X-Men: First Class (2011) and voiced the Autobot Sideswipe in the film Transformers: Dark of the Moon (2011), replacing André Sogliuzzo.[14] He was also cast in the heist film Setup (2011) and starred in the film Arena (2011).

Remar played two different, unrelated characters in Quentin Tarantino's film Django Unchained (2012): Ace Speck and Butch Pooch.[15] He starred, alongside Emma Roberts, Lucy Boynton, and Lauren Holly, in the thriller film The Blackcoat's Daughter (2015).[16]

Television

Remar's television appearances include the series Miami Vice, Hill Street Blues, Sex and the City (as the on-again, off-again boyfriend of Kim Cattrall's character),[17] Tales from the Crypt, Jericho, Third Watch, Justice League Unlimited, and Battlestar Galactica.[18] He also appeared as a possessed mental patient in The X-Files ninth-season episode "Dæmonicus".[19] He starred as Tiny Bellows on the short-lived television series The Huntress (2000–2001).[20] He appeared in the miniseries The Grid (2004) as Hudson "Hud", the love interest of Julianna Margulies's character.[21] He had a recurring guest role in the 2006 television series Jericho on CBS. Remar guest-starred in the CBS crime drama Numbers, playing a weapons dealer who later turns good and helps the FBI.

From 2006 to 2013, Remar co-starred in Dexter on Showtime. He was nominated for a Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of Dexter Morgan's adoptive father, Harry Morgan.[22]

In 2010, he played guest roles as Giuseppe Salvatore in The CW series The Vampire Diaries[23] and as James Ermine, a general for Jericho, a black-ops military contractor, on FlashForward.

He also voiced Vilgax in the animated television series Ben 10: Alien Force and Ben 10: Ultimate Alien, replacing Steve Blum. He guest-starred in Private Practice in 2010, playing a physician named Gibby, who works with Doctors Without Borders.[24] On July 23, 2017, Remar was cast as Peter Gambi on the superhero drama Black Lightning.[25] The series would run for four seasons from January 2018 to May 2021, Remar's Gambi a series regular for its entirety.[26] He would then be cast in a recurring role on The Rookie as Tom Bradford, Tim’s father.[27] He was later cast in Welcome to Derry, an upcoming television series prequel to the 2017 film, It, set to debut on Max in 2025.[28]

Personal life

In 1984, he married Atsuko Remar.[29] They have two children.[30][31] In 1985, Remar was fired from the cast of Aliens after being arrested for drug possession.[32]

Filmography

Film

Year Title Role Notes
1978 On the Yard Larson
1979 The Warriors 'Ajax'
1980 Cruising Gregory
The Long Riders Sam Starr
Windwalker Young Windwalker
1982 Partners Edward K. Petersen
48 Hrs. Albert Ganz
1984 The Cotton Club Dutch Schultz
1986 The Clan of the Cave Bear Creb
Band of the Hand Nestor
Quiet Cool Officer Joe Dylanne
1987 Rent-A-Cop Dancer
1989 The Dream Team Gianelli
Drugstore Cowboy Gentry
1990 Tales from the Darkside: The Movie Preston Segment: "Lover's Vow"
1991 White Fang 'Beauty' Smith
Wedlock Sam
1992 The Tigress Andrei
1993 Fatal Instinct Max Shady
Blink Thomas Ridgely
1994 Renaissance Man Captain Tom Murdoch
Miracle on 34th Street Jack Duff
1995 Boys on the Side Alex
Judge Dredd Monroe, Block Warlord Uncredited
Wild Bill Donnie Lonigan
1996 The Quest Maxie Devine
The Phantom Quill
1997 Mortal Kombat Annihilation Lord Raiden
1998 Psycho Highway Patrolman
1999 Rites of Passage Frank Dabbo
2000 Blowback John Matthew Whitman / Schmidt
What Lies Beneath Warren Feur
Hellraiser: Inferno Dr. Paul Gregory
2003 Fear X Peter
2 Fast 2 Furious U.S. Customs Agent Markham
Duplex Chick
2004 The Girl Next Door Hugo Posh
Blade: Trinity FBI Agent Ray Cumberland
2007 Ratatouille Larousse Voice[33]
2008 Pineapple Express General Bratt
2009 The Unborn Gordon Beldon
2B Tom Mortlake
Endless Bummer Sam Kramer
2010 Gun Detective Rogers
Red Gabriel Singer
2011 The FP Narrator Voice
X-Men: First Class U.S. General
Transformers: Dark of the Moon Sideswipe Voice[33]
Setup William Long
Arena Agent Sam McCarty / Sam Lord
Vs Rickshaw
2012 Django Unchained 'Ace' Speck, Butch Pooch
2013 Horns Derrick Perrish
2014 Persecuted John Luther
Lap Dance Patrick Moore
2015 The Blackcoat's Daughter Bill
Eden Coach DaFoe
Papa: Hemingway in Cuba Santo Trafficante Jr.
2016 USS Indianapolis: Men of Courage Rear Admiral William S. Parnell
2017 The Night Watchman Randall
The Saint Arnold Valecross
Feed Tom Grey
2018 Speed Kills Meyer Lansky
2019 Once Upon a Time in Hollywood 'Ugly Owl' Hoot Scene deleted
2020 Dead Reckoning Agent Richard Cantrell
2022 The Noel Diary Scott Turner
2023 Oppenheimer Henry L. Stimson
TBA Megalopolis TBA Post-production

Television

Year Title Role Notes
1981Hill Street BluesCooperEpisode: "Rites of Spring"
1984The Mystic WarriorPeslaTelevision film
1985Miami ViceRobbie CannEpisode: "Buddies"
1987The EqualizerTremayneEpisode: "High Performance"
The HitchhikerRonEpisode: "Homebodies"
Crime StorySmilin' JackEpisode: "Blast from the Past"
1989Desperado: The Outlaw WarsJohn SikesTelevision film
1990Kojak: None So BlindWolfgang Reiger
Night VisionsSergeant Thomas Mackey
1991Session ManMcQueen
Tales from the CryptRed BuckleyEpisode: "Dead Wait"
Brotherhood of the GunFrank WeirTelevision film
1992StrangersBernard
IndecencyMick Clarkson
1996Cutty WhitmanCutty Whitman
1997Total SecurityFrank Cisco13 episodes
1998InfernoDr. Coleman WestTelevision film
1999Walker, Texas RangerKeith BoltEpisode: "The Principal"
200018 Wheels of JusticeMitch Davis / "Gabriel"Episode: "Wages of Sin"
2000-2001 The Huntress Tiny Bellows 28 episodes
2001Nash BridgesMark Lee PageEpisode: "Fair Game"
7th HeavenJames Carver2 episodes
Strong MedicineGuy FallsEpisode: "Systemic"
The X-FilesProfessor Josef KoboldEpisode: "Dæmonicus"
Justice LeagueLead ManhunterVoice, episode: "In Blackest Night"
2001–2004Sex and the CityRichard Wright12 episodes
2002The Twilight ZoneAlois HitlerEpisode: "Cradle of Darkness"
Third WatchDet. Madjanski4 episodes
2003PeacemakersCole HawkinsEpisode: "Legend of the Gun"
Without a TraceLucas VohlandEpisode: "Confidence"
2004The GridHudson "Hud" BenoitMiniseries
The Survivors ClubRoan GriffinTelevision film
Ike: Countdown to D-DayGen. Omar Bradley
MeltdownColonel Boggs
North ShoreVincent Colville21 episodes
2005Battlestar GalacticaMeier2 episodes
2005–2006Justice League UnlimitedHawkman, Shadow ThiefVoice, 2 episodes[33]
2006CSI: MiamiCapt. Quentin TaylorEpisode: "Open Water"
ThiefAgent PattersonMiniseries
2006–2007JerichoJonah Prowse5 episodes
2006–2008The BatmanBlack MaskVoice, 3 episodes[33]
2006–2013DexterHarry Morgan96 episodes
2007SharpshooterDillonTelevision film
2008Eli StoneSalinskyEpisode: "Praying for Time"
2009The UnitReeceEpisode: "Hero"
Criminal MindsTom BentonEpisode: "Demonology"
The Spectacular Spider-ManWalter HardyVoice, episode: "Opening Night"[33]
The Christmas HopeMark AddisonTelevision film
2009–2010Batman: The Brave and the BoldHarvey Dent / Two-FaceVoice, 2 episodes[33]
Ben 10: Alien ForceVilgaxVoice, 7 episodes[33]
2010D.R.E.A.M. TeamShawn MurphyTelevision film
Numb3rsRandall PriestEpisode: "Arm in Arms"
FlashForwardJames ErmineEpisode: "Blowback"
The Vampire DiariesGiuseppe Salvatore2 episodes
Private PracticeGibbyEpisode: "Playing God"
2011Human TargetWarden ColeEpisode: "Cool Hand Guerrero"
Hawaii Five-0Elliott ConnorEpisode: "Ua Hiki Mai Kapalena Pau"
Young JusticeJoar Mahkent / Icicle Sr., WilcoxVoice, episode: "Terrors"[33]
Pound PuppiesSargeVoice, episode: "The K9 Kid"[33]
2011–2012Ben 10: Ultimate AlienVilgaxVoice, 5 episodes[33]
2012Hatfields & McCoysJoe HatfieldMiniseries
2013–2014Beware the BatmanMr. Reese / Silver MonkeyVoice, 3 episodes[33]
The Legend of KorraTonraqVoice, 14 episodes[33]
Grey's AnatomyJames Evans6 episodes
WilfredHenry Newman5 episodes
2014From Dusk till Dawn: The SeriesRay GeckoEpisode: "Boxman"
2014–2015State of AffairsSyd Vaslo9 episodes
2016The Shannara ChroniclesCephalo7 episodes
2017GothamFrank Gordon3 episodes
NCIS: Los AngelesAdmiral Sterling Bridges3 episodes
The PathKodiak9 episodes
2018–2021Black LightningPeter Gambi58 episodes
Main role
2018–2019, 2023Magnum P.I.Captain Buck Greene6 episodes
2019 The Epic Tales of Captain UnderpantsAdditional voices2 episodes, uncredited
Animal KingdomDetective Andre4 episodes
City on a HillRichy Ryan5 episodes
Recurring role[34]
2021CreepshowRaymond BatemanEpisode: "Skeletons in the Closet"
The RookieTom BradfordEpisode: "Breakdown"[27]
2023Paul T. GoldmanLt. Newman2 episodes
2025Welcome to Derry TBA[28]

Video games

Year Title Role
2005The WarriorsAjax
2010Batman: The Brave and the Bold – The VideogameHarvey Dent / Two-Face
2011Killzone 3Captain Jason Narville[33]
2014DestinyExecutor Hideo, New Monarchy Merchant[35]
2017Destiny 2Executor Hideo
2022Destiny 2: The Witch QueenExecutor Hideo

Awards and nominations

Year Award Category Work Result
2007 Saturn Award Best Supporting Television Actor Dexter Nominated
2009 Screen Actors Guild Award Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series Shared with Preston Bailey, Julie Benz, Jennifer Carpenter, Valerie Cruz, Kristin Dattilo, Michael C. Hall, Desmond Harrington, C. S. Lee, Jason Manuel Olazabal, David Ramsey, Christina Robinson, Jimmy Smits, Luna Lauren Velez and David Zayas Nominated
2010 Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series Shared with Preston Bailey, Julie Benz, Jennifer Carpenter, Brando Eaton, Courtney Ford, Michael C. Hall, Desmond Harrington, C. S. Lee, John Lithgow, Rick Peters, Christina Robinson, Luna Lauren Velez and David Zayas Nominated
2011 Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series Shared with Jennifer Carpenter, April Lee Hernández, Michael C. Hall, Desmond Harrington, Maria Doyle Kennedy, C. S. Lee, Jonny Lee Miller, Julia Stiles, Luna Lauren Velez, Peter Weller and David Zayas Nominated
2012 San Diego Film Critics Society Award Best Ensemble Performance Shared with Leonardo DiCaprio, Samuel L. Jackson, Jonah Hill, Christoph Waltz, Jamie Foxx, Kerry Washington, Zoë Bell, Don Johnson, Walton Goggins and Bruce Dern Django Unchained Nominated
Saturn Award The Life Career Award Won
Screen Actors Guild Award Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series Shared with Billy Brown, Jennifer Carpenter, Josh Cooke, Aimee Garcia, Michael C. Hall, Colin Hanks, Desmond Harrington, Rya Kihlstedt, C. S. Lee, Edward James Olmos, Luna Lauren Velez and David Zayas Dexter Nominated
2013 Gold Derby Award Ensemble Cast Shared with Dennis Christopher, Leonardo DiCaprio, Jamie Foxx, Walton Goggins, Samuel L. Jackson, Don Johnson, Christoph Waltz and Kerry Washington Django Unchained Nominated
2014 Behind the Voice Actors Award People's Choice Voice Acting Award Shared with Janet Varney, Dee Bradley Baker, David Faustino, P.J. Byrne, J. K. Simmons, Mindy Sterling, Seychelle Gabriel, Aubrey Plaza, Aaron Himelstein, John Michael Higgins, Adrian LaTourelle, Richard Riehle and Lisa Edelstein The Legend of Korra Won
Television Voice Acting Award Shared with Janet Varney, Dee Bradley Baker, David Faustino, P.J. Byrne, J. K. Simmons, Mindy Sterling, Seychelle Gabriel, Aubrey Plaza, Aaron Himelstein, John Michael Higgins, Adrian LaTourelle, Richard Riehle and Lisa Edelstein Nominated
Prism Award Male Performance in a Drama Series Multi-Episode Storyline Grey's Anatomy Nominated

References

  1. Barry, Keith (March 16, 2009). "Lexus Pursues a New Pitchman". Wired. Retrieved February 7, 2017.
  2. "James Remar". Turner Classic Movies. Retrieved November 1, 2023.
  3. 1 2 3 Egan, Sean (January 2022). Can You Dig It: The Phenomenon of The Warriors. BearManor Media. p. 58.
  4. "Remar, Robert: Part 1". Rutgers University Oral History Archives. Retrieved November 1, 2023.
  5. "James Remar in town during 'Hatfields' shoot". The Boston Globe. Retrieved November 1, 2023.
  6. Egan, Sean (January 2022). Can You Dig It: The Phenomenon of The Warriors. BearManor Media. p. 59.
  7. Maslin, Janet (February 10, 1979). "Movie: 'Warriors' Creates Visual Style That Is Stark:The Cast". The New York Times. Retrieved February 1, 2014.
  8. Gussow, Mel (March 22, 1984). "PARTING FILM SHOTS:COPPOLA AND DUTCH". The New York Times. Retrieved February 27, 2019.
  9. Maslin, Janet (March 13, 1981). "PLAINS WARRIOR REUNITES WITH HIS SON". The New York Times. Retrieved February 27, 2019.
  10. Making of Aliens. 2003. Archived from the original on November 17, 2021.
  11. Laskin, Nicholas (November 14, 2014). "Rare Pics Of James Remar In James Cameron's 'Aliens' Before He Was Fired". IndieWire. Retrieved February 27, 2019.
  12. Petrakis, John (June 7, 1996). "HIGH-FLYING 'PHANTOM' A THROWBACK TO COMIC-STRIP INNOCENCE". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved February 27, 2019.
  13. Johnson, Malcolm (December 5, 1998). "ANALYZING 'PSYCHO'". Hartford Courant. Retrieved February 27, 2019.
  14. Trumbore, Dave (May 28, 2013). "TRANSFORMERS 4 Autobot Images". Collider. Retrieved February 27, 2019.
  15. Sneider, Jeff (November 9, 2011). "Thesps line up for 'Django Unchained'". Variety. Retrieved November 11, 2011.
  16. "James Remar Gets Possessed In 'February'". Bloody Disgusting. February 25, 2015. Retrieved February 26, 2015.
  17. Shaw, Gabbi (March 23, 2018). "WHERE ARE THEY NOW: The cast of 'Sex and the City' 20 years later". Insider. Retrieved February 27, 2019.
  18. "'Grey's Anatomy' Taps James Remar For Season 10 Role". HuffPost. August 18, 2013. Retrieved February 27, 2019.
  19. Schneider, Michael (April 19, 2004). "Remar moves to 'Shore'". Variety. Retrieved February 27, 2019.
  20. Wertheimer, Ron (July 26, 2000). "TELEVISION REVIEW; Mama Is a Bounty Hunter, Just Making an Honest Living". The New York Times. Retrieved February 27, 2019.
  21. Martin, Denise (February 11, 2004). "'The Grid' locates thesp". Variety. Retrieved February 27, 2019.
  22. "Paleyfest 2010: Dexter Panel Reveals a Few Clues for Season Five". Retrieved March 5, 2010.
  23. Keck, William (November 20, 2009). "Dexter's Dad Does Vampire Diaries". TV Guide Magazine. Archived from the original on May 20, 2010. Retrieved May 17, 2010.
  24. "James Remar to star in Private Practice season 4". Archived from the original on August 6, 2010. Retrieved September 18, 2010.
  25. Petski, Denise (July 23, 2017). "'Black Lightning' Casts James Remar & Damon Gupton As Series Regulars, Watch Trailer – Comic-Con". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved November 26, 2017.
  26. Madden Toby, Mekeisha (May 25, 2021). "Black Lightning Series Finale Recap: The Passing of the Torch — Grade It!". TVLine. Retrieved November 2, 2021.
  27. 1 2 Mitovich, Matt Webb (November 2, 2021). "The Rookie Casts Peyton List as Tim's Sister, James Remar as Their Father". TVLine. Retrieved November 2, 2021.
  28. 1 2 D'Alessandro, Anthony (April 5, 2023). "HBO Max 'It' Prequel Series 'Welcome To Derry' Sets Taylour Paige, Jovan Adepo, James Remar & Chris Chalk". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved April 5, 2023.
  29. "James Remar Has Been Secretly Married For 36 Years But Who Is His Wife Atsuko Remar". fabiosa.com. Archived from the original on July 19, 2021. Retrieved July 19, 2021.
  30. "Lisa Remar | 'Still Good' EP Centered On Overcoming Isolation". Flaunt Magazine. Archived from the original on August 29, 2021. Retrieved August 29, 2021.
  31. "Jason Remar". IMDb. Retrieved July 19, 2021.
  32. Aliens: 26 facts about the movie to celebrate Alien Day 4/26|url=https://www.cineworld.co.uk/static/en/ie/blog/aliens-facts-about-movie-alien-day%7C
  33. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 "James Remar (visual voices guide)". Behind The Voice Actors. Retrieved August 27, 2023. A green check mark indicates that a role has been confirmed using a screenshot (or collage of screenshots) of a title's list of voice actors and their respective characters found in its opening and/or closing credits and/or other reliable sources of information.
  34. Hipes, Patrick (February 26, 2019). "'City On A Hill': James Remar & Gloria Reuben To Recur On Showtime Series". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved February 26, 2019.
  35. Destiny - End Credits - IGN Video. IGN Video. September 11, 2014. Archived from the original on September 16, 2014. Retrieved December 4, 2014.

Sources

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