Kim Coates

Born on February 21, 1958, with some sources incorrectly citing January 2, 1959—a fact clarified by his official social media—Kim F. Coates grew up in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. His parents, Frederick and Joyce Coates, nurtured his upbringing. Not initially drawn to the arts during his childhood or teenage years, Coates eventually enrolled at the University of Saskatchewan.

Although initially without a deep passion for theater but gifted in humanities, Coates chose to study drama. The quality of teaching and the course structure at the university deeply impressed him, leading him to see his enrollment as a fortunate decision. He reminisced, “When I decided to go to university, I didn’t have a clear idea of my future career. Choosing drama was a random decision, but it eventually became clear that it was my true calling.” He completed his undergraduate degree in 1981.

Post-graduation, Coates relocated to the culturally rich Nova Scotia on Canada’s Atlantic coast. Halifax, the city known for its vibrant theater scene, museums, and art galleries, became his new home, where he joined the Neptune Theatre. His time in the theater was bustling with activity, featuring roles in productions like “West Side Story,” “Twelfth Night,” and “Romeo and Juliet.”

His solid foundation in classical theater education quickly opened doors for him in the United States, including work on Broadway where he portrayed Stanley Kowalski in “A Streetcar Named Desire.” At the Stratford Shakespeare Festival, he earned accolades as one of the youngest actors to play Macbeth. His alma mater recognized his theatrical successes; in June 2017, the University of Saskatchewan awarded Coates an honorary doctorate in humanities.

Kim Coates’ initial venture into film was with a guest appearance in “Miami Vice.” His breakthrough came with the 1986 Canadian movie “The Boy in Blue,” acting beside Nicolas Cage, the main star. This early success paved the way for Coates to establish himself in Hollywood, where he simultaneously continued to engage in Broadway theatre.

He is notably recognized for his appearance in the 1995 post-apocalyptic movie “Waterworld.” This adventurous science fiction film, led by Kevin Costner, was a financial success, raking in over $260 million. In it, Coates portrayed a duplicitous merchant, a character best not trusted.

Coates formed lasting bonds from his time on these sets, including with Kevin Costner and Theo Rossi, his co-stars in the series “Sons of Anarchy,” which began in 2008. In this show, he played Alexander “Tig” Trager, the vice president of a motorcycle club committed to purging their town of drugs and crime. The series captivated its audience across seven seasons on FX, from 2008 to 2014.

In his diverse roles, Kim Coates convincingly portrays various characters, from outlaws to law enforcement officers and retired military personnel. His distinctive look enables him to convincingly depict men who are no strangers to physical confrontation. He excels in playing antagonists and complex characters, with equally compelling performances as authoritative figures such as police officers and detectives. In 2018, Coates was invited to return to his renowned role as Tig in “Mayans M.C.,” a spin-off of “Sons of Anarchy.”

But his repertoire is not limited to action-packed films and thrillers. In 1988, he was featured in the Canadian comedy “Palais Royale” as Tony DiCarlo and played Scott in the sci-fi series “War of the Worlds.” His performance in “King of Sorrow” (2009) earned him the Action on Film Award for Best Actor. He has also been recognized with the Canadian Screen Awards for his roles in several mini-series.

Kim Coates’ foray into film production began with the 2007 movie “The Poet,” a poignant narrative of love between a German soldier and a Jewish girl amidst the harrowing backdrop of war. His next venture, “Sacrifice” (2011), was a Canadian action film where he took on dual roles as producer and actor.

The film narrates a police officer’s relentless fight against a drug cartel responsible for the death of his family, with support only from his clergyman friend. In 2012, he contributed to the Canadian thriller “A Dark Truth.” Set in the South American jungle, the plot revolves around a former CIA operative uncovering the truth behind mass murders in a politically unstable country.

In “A Dark Truth,” Coates not only worked behind the scenes as a producer but also starred in a leading role alongside acclaimed actors Andy Garcia and Forest Whitaker. The 2018 film “Cold Brook” saw the collaboration of Coates and director William Fichtner, who also co-produced the drama. Coates played a key role in this film, which featured a cast including William Fichtner, Robin Weigert, Kimberly Kalil, and Johnny Strong.

Kim Coates enjoys a blissful marital life with Diana Coates, whom he encountered at a glamorous event in 1984. Diana had her own career in theater acting within Canada. The union blessed the couple with two daughters, Kyla and Brenna. While both daughters still reside with their parents in Los Angeles, they have pursued individual careers and interests. Diana is known to be a supportive spouse, often accompanying Kim to various festivals, yet she maintains a private stance regarding personal disclosures to the press.

Diana has made appearances in episodes of popular TV shows like “Chicago Med” and “Chicago Fire.” Their daughter Brenna Coates, in her acting pursuits, has garnered acclaim and recognition in the film industry. Her acting portfolio from 2019 to 2020 includes notable roles in the Canadian series “Coroner” (2019), the Canadian film “The Color Rose” (2020), and the British action movie “Cagefighter” (2020). Intriguingly, her celebrated father was not involved in these endeavors.

Kim Coates continues to be actively involved in the realm of acting and film production. As of 2019, his net worth was estimated to be around $4 million. Among his recent acting projects is the 2020 release “Fantasy Island.” Following this, in 2021, he was seen in the Canadian film “See for Me,” a movie that skillfully blends elements of a detective story, social drama, and thriller.

In “See for Me,” Skyler Davenport plays the lead role of Sophie, a visually impaired girl who resides in a luxurious mansion at the behest of the absentee owners. Her tranquility is shattered when intruders invade the house. Utilizing a computer application, she connects with Kelly, a retired military man volunteering as her virtual guide, who assists her in navigating the perilous situation.

2022 saw the release of the thriller “Neon Lights,” featuring Coates in a pivotal role. He is also engaged in the upcoming American film “White House Plumbers” directed by Frank Sterges. This historical biopic, slated for six episodes, is based on the book “Integrity” by Egil Krogh and Matthew Krogh. The narrative delves into the Watergate scandal, with Woody Harrelson and Justin Theroux playing leading roles.