Zareh Nicholas Chinlund

Nick Chinlund

Nick Chinlund is an American actor known for his distinctive squinted eyes and slightly husky voice, which have made him sought after for roles as officers or “bad guys” in detective TV series and action films. His most famous movies include “Con Air,” “Lethal Weapon 3,” and “Training Day.”

What we know about this person

Full name:

Zareh Nicholas Chinlund

Date of birth:

November 18, 1961

Zodiac sign:

Scorpio

Birthplace:

New York City, New York, USA

Age:

63

Citizenship:

USA

Marital status:

Married

Children:

1

Height:

6' 3" (1.89 m)

Occupation:

actor, film producer

Early life

Zareh Nicholas Chinlund was born on November 18, 1961, in New York City. He studied at a seminary in Lower Manhattan before transferring to a high school in Albany. During his teenage years, Nick played on a basketball team and aspired to dedicate his life to it. However, a shoulder injury changed his plans, leading him to enroll in Brown University’s history department, where he discovered his passion for acting.

Career

Nick Chinlund began his career in the 1990s. His first television role was in an episode of “ER.” In 1992, the budding actor appeared in the action-comedy film “Lethal Weapon 3,” alongside Mel Gibson, Danny Glover, and Rene Russo. Later, Chinlund guest-starred in popular TV series like “Law & Order” and “The X-Files.”

In 1997, Nick Chinlund played the lead role in the independent drama “A Brother’s Kiss,” in which he also served as an executive producer. The film tells the story of two brothers growing up on the streets of New York, and its shooting took place in Chinlund’s childhood neighborhood. He later appeared in independent films like “Chutney Popcorn,” “The Souler Opposite,” and “Something Sweet.”

Chinlund landed a supporting role in the thriller “Con Air,” alongside stars like Nicolas Cage, John Malkovich, Danny Trejo, and Steve Buscemi. He had the opportunity to work with Leslie Nielsen during the production of the adventure film “Mr. Magoo.” In the early 2000s, he appeared in TV series such as “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Gilmore Girls.”

In 2001, Nick Chinlund joined the cast of the film “Training Day,” which earned Denzel Washington an Oscar. Later, he starred in the sci-fi action film “The Chronicles of Riddick,” directed by David Twohy. During this period, Chinlund regularly played guest roles in various TV series, including “Without a Trace,” “24,” and “Criminal Minds,” among others.

Nick Chinlund portrayed an unethical journalist in the long-running series “Law & Order” and played a serial killer in its spin-off, “Law & Order: Criminal Intent.” In the medical drama series “House,” he transformed into a drug dealer named Eddie, working alongside Hugh Laurie, Omar Epps, Olivia Wilde, and Amber Tamblyn. In 2011, he voiced Lawrence Crock, a character in the animated series “Young Justice,” based on DC Comics.

In 2013, Nick Chinlund played Lieutenant Madrid in the short-lived series “Golden Boy” and later took on the role of Detective Miller in the thriller “Hostages.” A year later, he appeared in the film adaptation of the video game series “Need for Speed,” starring alongside Aaron Paul, Dominic Cooper, Rami Malek, Dakota Johnson, and other emerging stars.

Chinlund portrayed a corrupt sheriff in the film “Close Range.” In 2016, he played an American veteran fighting Mexican cartels in the action film “Mercury Plains.” Later, Nick Chinlund made guest appearances in TV series like “The Orville,” “American Horror Story,” and “Godfather of Harlem.” In 2020, he appeared in the dramatic comedy “Dinner in America,” with Kyle Gallner in the lead role.

nick-chinlund-in-the-xfiles

Nick Chinlund in The X-Files

Zareh Nicholas Chinlund Movies and TV Shows

  • 2014

    Need for Speed

    Officer Lejeune

  • 2011–2017

    Grimm

    Leo Taymore

  • 2011–...

    American Horror Story: 1984

    Prison Warden

  • 2009–2016

    Castle

    Evan Mitchell

  • 2008–2015

    The Mentalist

    Alex

  • 2005

    The Legend of Zorro

    Jacob McGivens

  • 2004–2012

    House, M.D.

    Eddie

  • 2004–2012

    Desperate Housewives

    Detective Sullivan

  • 2004

    The Chronicles of Riddick

    Toombs

  • 2001

    Training Day

    Detective Tim

  • 1993–2018

    The X-Files

    Donald Addie Pfaster

nick-chinlund-in-the-legend-of-zorro

Nick Chinlund in The Legend of Zorro

Talk Shows

  • 1997

    Late Show with David Letterman

    Role: Guest

Nick Chinlund's personal life and family

Nick Chinlund prefers to keep his private life out of the public eye. However, it is known that he is not only a talented actor but also a happily married man. In 2005, he tied the knot with a woman named Barbara, and they live together in New York. While Chinlund’s work is his primary passion, it is not his sole one. He has maintained an interest in history and basketball since his college days.

Nick-Chinlund-with-wife-barbara

Nick Chinlund with wife Barbara

nick-chinlund-with-edi-gathegi

Nick Chinlund with Edi Gathegi

Nick Chinlund now

Nick Chinlund has dedicated over 30 years to his acting career. Currently, he appears less frequently on film sets but continues to pursue his beloved craft. In 2022, he starred in the detective series “The Terminal List,” where he worked alongside Chris Pratt and Taylor Kitsch. During the same period, he also acted alongside Danny Trejo in the thriller “THE PREY: Legend of Karnoctus,” which revolves around a group of mercenaries in Afghanistan who encounter a dangerous creature in a cave.

Published: September 21, 2023
Updated: December 10, 2024
Author: