Justin Paul Theroux, born on August 10, 1971, in Washington, D.C., is an American actor, screenwriter, and director known for his diverse roles in film and television. He gained significant recognition for his portrayal of Mark in the film I Shot Andy Warhol (1996) and has since established a prominent career marked by collaborations with renowned directors and a variety of notable performances across multiple genres.
Theroux grew up in a creative environment, as he is the son of author Phyllis Theroux and political consultant Eugene Theroux. He attended the college preparatory school, the Field School in Washington, D.C., before pursuing his studies at Bennington College in Vermont, where he graduated with a degree in drama. His early career began in the late 1990s with appearances in films such as Romy and Michele's High School Reunion (1997) and American Psycho (2000), showcasing his versatility as an actor.
His breakthrough came with his work alongside director David Lynch in the critically acclaimed films Mulholland Drive (2001) and Inland Empire (2006). These collaborations helped solidify his reputation as a talented actor capable of tackling complex and surreal roles. Theroux's filmography also includes appearances in popular movies like Zoolander (2001), Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle (2003), and Miami Vice (2006). He ventured into screenwriting with success, contributing to films such as Tropic Thunder (2008) and Iron Man 2 (2010), and made his directorial debut with the romantic comedy Dedication (2007).
Theroux's television career has been equally impressive. He starred as Kevin Garvey in the HBO mystery drama series The Leftovers (2014–2017), a role that garnered him widespread acclaim and a nomination for the Critics' Choice Television Award for Best Actor in a Drama Series. He also had a recurring role as Joe in the acclaimed series Six Feet Under (2003–2004), which further showcased his acting prowess. More recently, he played Dr. James Mantleray in the Netflix miniseries Maniac (2018) and Allie Fox in the Apple TV+ adaptation of The Mosquito Coast (2021–2023). Theroux is set to appear as Mr. Robert House in the upcoming Amazon Prime Video adaptation of Fallout (2025–2026), continuing to expand his presence in the television landscape.
In his personal life, Theroux was married to actress Jennifer Aniston from August 5, 2015, until their separation in December 2017. Despite their split, the couple remains on amicable terms. As of now, Theroux continues to thrive in his career, taking on new projects that highlight his talents as an actor, writer, and director, while maintaining a reputation as a multifaceted and dedicated professional in the entertainment industry.