Elias Koteas

Born into a Greek family in Montreal on March 11, 1961, Koteas grew up with a railway mechanic father and a mill worker mother. After completing his schooling, he pursued his passion for acting by enrolling in the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York in 1981. His quest for mastery in acting led him to study under some of the best teachers in the field. During his student years, Koteas balanced his studies with work as a dishwasher, persevering until he secured American citizenship.

Koteas’s entry into television came with his 1985 role in the drama “Private Sessions,” quickly followed by a part in “One Magic Christmas.” In 1987, he captivated audiences as the intimidating Duncan in “Some Kind of Wonderful,” starring Eric Stoltz. His subsequent portrayal was in the poignant “Gardens of Stone.”

His versatility shone through in 1988’s “Tucker: The Man and His Dream,” with Jeff Bridges in the lead, and in the lighthearted 1990 film “Almost an Angel.” Koteas’s collaboration with John Travolta and Kirstie Alley in “Look Who’s Talking Too” further highlighted his adaptability.

A pivotal role for Koteas was the night-dwelling Casey Jones in the groundbreaking “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.” He revisited this role in 1993’s “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III.” Koteas also made an impact in “The Prophecy,” where he starred alongside Christopher Walken and Steve Hytner.

In 1998, Koteas delivered a powerful performance in “The Thin Red Line,” an adaptation of James Jones’s novel, playing Captain James Staros. This film, celebrated at the Berlin Festival with the Golden Bear, later garnered multiple Satellite and Oscar nominations. The 2000s saw Koteas transition to television, adding credits in “The Sopranos,” “Traffic,” “House,” and more. In 2005, he appeared in Disney’s “The Greatest Game Ever Played,” and in “Skinwalkers” a year later.

Koteas’s role in David Fincher’s “Zodiac,” which premiered at Cannes in 2007, was critically acclaimed. He also joined Fincher for “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.” 2010 saw Koteas in Scorsese’s “Shutter Island,” playing the character Andrew Laeddis. He then joined “Combat Hospital” as Colonel Xavier Marks in 2011. His portfolio expanded with “Dream House” and a regular spot on “The Killing” in 2013.

Koteas starred in “The Last Days on Mars” before collaborating with Jesse Eisenberg on “Now You See Me.” In 2013, he debuted in “Chicago Fire” as Alvin “Al” Olinsky, a divorced officer, and continued this role in “Chicago P.D.” from 2014 to 2018. He later made guest appearances in “Chicago Med” and “Chicago Justice.” In 2021, he was featured in “Goliath” alongside Billy Bob Thornton.

In his private life, Koteas remains discreet. Known to be divorced from actress and model Jennifer Rubin, their union lasted three years until 1990. Koteas enjoys yoga and hockey and is dedicated to philanthropic efforts for refugees and cancer research.

Today, Elias Koteas remains an unwavering professional, continually active in the film industry. In 2022, he starred in “The Baker” with Ron Perlman and appeared in “Canyon Del Muerto,” showcasing his enduring talent and commitment to his craft.