Chris Klein (actor)

Early life

Klein was born in Hinsdale, Illinois, and moved to Omaha, Nebraska, at age 13, and later attended Millard West High School. In his senior year, Klein was offered his first professional acting job by director Alexander Payne, who was scouting Omaha, his hometown, as a potential filming location for the film Election. He attended Texas Christian University (TCU) in Fort Worth, Texas.

Career

Klein made his on-screen debut with a supporting role in the comedy film Election (1999). The film was released in April 1999, to positive reviews. Soon after, Klein found steady work in the film industry while briefly attending TCU, where he studied theater and was a member of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. He was next seen in American Pie, acting as Christopher Russell Ostreicher, which opened on July 9, 1999, and was a box office success. Klein then starred in Here on Earth (2000) alongside LeeLee Sobieski and Josh Hartnett and Say It Isn't So (2001) with Heather Graham. Klein reprised his role in American Pie 2 (2001) and American Reunion (2012), but was not in American Wedding reportedly due to scheduling conflicts. In 2002, Klein had a role in the Mel Gibson Vietnam War film We Were Soldiers. Klein starred in the 2002 remake of the film Rollerball, but the film was a massive critical and financial failure. Klein has also appeared in several teen movies, including Just Friends (2005) and American Dreamz (2006).

Klein played Drew on the FX sitcom Wilfred (2011–2014). In 2014, he was cast as an American pilot in the Damien Lay film The Uberkanone. He co-starred in the 2014 comedy indie film Authors Anonymous with Kaley Cuoco. In 2018, Klein was cast as Cicada, the main villain of the fifth season of superhero television series The Flash. He then played Bill Townsend on the first three seasons of the Netflix drama series Sweet Magnolias (2020–2023) and starred in the slasher film Fear Street: Prom Queen (2025).

Personal life

In January 2000, Klein and actress Katie Holmes began dating. The couple became engaged around Christmas of 2003. The couple called off the engagement and ended their relationship in March 2005.

Klein met Laina Rose Thyfault, a travel agent, in 2011 at a mutual friend's wedding. They got engaged in December 2014, after three years of dating and married eight months later on August 9, 2015, in Montana. In March 2016, Klein announced in a tweet that he and his wife were expecting their first child together. Their son was born in 2016. The couple also has a daughter, born in 2018.

Klein was arrested for drunk driving on February 5, 2005, in San Diego County and again in Los Angeles on June 16, 2010. On June 21, 2010, it was announced that Klein had checked into the Cirque Lodge to begin a 30-day alcohol addiction program. Klein's publicist explained that, "after recent events, Chris was forced to take a clear look at a problem he has been trying to deal with himself for years. He understands now that he cannot beat this addiction alone."

Filmography

Film

Television

Awards and nominations

References

References

1. (2005-04-14). "'American Pie' star Klein to be arraigned". Usatoday.Com.
2. (15 March 2016). "'American Pie's' Chris Klein, wife Laina are expecting their first child". Los Angeles Times.
3. Moton, Tony. (1999-06-11). "A Tale of Two Talents". [[Omaha World-Herald]].
4. "Rollerball (2002)". [[Box Office Mojo]].
5. Jeff Sneider. (7 January 2014). "Chris Klein, Victoria Summer to Star in WWI Thriller 'The Uberkanone' (Exclusive)". The Wrap.
6. Jerrica Tisdale. (15 February 2014). "Kaley Cuoco Plays Author in New Romantic Comedy with Chris Klein". Web Pro News.
7. Romano, Nick. (21 July 2018). "The Flash season 5 casts American Pie's Chris Klein as the next big bad".
8. (22 July 2018). "'The Flash' Casts Chris Klein As Season 5 Villain Cicada – Comic-Con". Deadline Hollywood.
9. (2005-03-03). "Katie Holmes and Chris Klein Split Up".
10. (August 9, 2015). "American Pie Star Chris Klein Weds Laina Rose Thyfault in Montana".
11. (27 July 2016). "Chris Klein, Wife Laina Rose Thyfault Welcome First Child — See the Adorable Photos!".
12. (March 15, 2016). "Chris Klein Is Expecting His First Child With Wife Laina Rose Thyfault". [[E! Online]].
13. (July 27, 2016). "Chris Klein Welcomes Son". [[E! Online]].
14. (2018-05-29). "Chris Klein and Wife Laina Welcome Second Child, Daughter Isla Rose". People.com.
15. (13 April 2005). "Chris Klein Faces Drunk-Driving Charge".
16. [http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2010/06/chris-klein-dui-arrested-california-american-pie-alcohol.html "'American Pie' Actor Chris Klein Arrested on DUI Charge."] ''[[Los Angeles Times]].'' June 16, 2010.
17. (21 June 2010). "Chris Klein Checks Into Rehab".
18. "Matt Cornett, Ramon Reed & Chris Klein To Topline Indie Comedy ‘Bad Counselors’ From Chris Dowling; Missi Pyle & Brec Bassinger Among Others Set".