Jeremy Strong’s Best Roles

Jeremy Strong is recognized for his profound commitment to acting, frequently immersing himself entirely in the characters he portrays. His intensive method has sparked considerable conversation, yet his on-screen achievements are undeniable. Spanning from historical accounts to contemporary satires, Strong consistently delivers performances that are both powerful and memorable. He possesses a rare talent for vanishing into a role, making every character he embodies feel exceptionally genuine and multifaceted.

His body of work is marked by a diverse array of roles, demonstrating his remarkable scope and adaptability as a performer. Whether he is depicting a zealous political activist, a conflicted family successor, or a steadfast lawyer, he infuses a level of genuineness that is hard to parallel. This unwavering dedication has garnered him widespread critical praise and numerous accolades, solidifying his position as one of the most captivating actors of his time. A look into his filmography shows a consistent choice of demanding and intellectually stimulating projects.

‘Serenity’ (2019)

In this mystery thriller, Jeremy Strong plays the role of Reid Miller, a determined fishing equipment salesman. His character relentlessly pursues the main character, a fishing boat captain named Baker Dill, to sell him a new fish finder. Miller’s seemingly simple and persistent nature adds a layer of strange and almost comedic tension to the film’s increasingly surreal atmosphere.

Though his screen time is limited, Strong’s character serves as a peculiar and memorable element in the unfolding mystery. He represents the encroaching influence of the world outside the protagonist’s isolated island life. His interactions with the main character are pivotal, as they contribute to the strange and unsettling feeling that things are not as they seem, building up to the film’s significant plot twist.

‘Armageddon Time’ (2022)

Jeremy Strong portrays Irving Graff, a character based on director James Gray’s own father in this coming-of-age story. Irving is a Jewish-American plumber and family man living in Queens, New York, in the 1980s. He is portrayed as a hardworking, short-tempered but ultimately loving father who is trying to provide a better future for his children, navigating the era’s social and economic challenges.

The character of Irving is complex, embodying the struggles of the working class and the weight of parental expectations. Strong’s performance captures the character’s internal conflicts, showing a man who can be both harsh and tender with his son. He grapples with his own past and the desire to see his children succeed in a world that is rapidly changing around them, offering a nuanced look at fatherhood and the American dream.

‘Black Mass’ (2015)

In this biographical crime film, Jeremy Strong plays the role of Josh Bond, a close associate of the notorious Boston gangster James ‘Whitey’ Bulger. His character is part of Bulger’s inner circle, known as the Winter Hill Gang. The film details the gang’s criminal activities and their complex relationship with the FBI, which allowed them to operate with a degree of impunity.

Strong’s character is involved in the criminal underworld of South Boston, participating in the gang’s operations. The story explores how these alliances and criminal enterprises eventually unraveled. The film provides a gritty and intense look at organized crime, and Strong’s role contributes to the depiction of the loyalty and brutality that defined that environment.

‘The Judge’ (2014)

Jeremy Strong plays Dale Palmer, the younger brother of the main characters played by Robert Downey Jr. and Vincent D’Onofrio. Dale is depicted as being on the autism spectrum and carries the family’s history through his hobby of filming everything with his 8mm camera. His recordings become a crucial element in the film, holding visual evidence of the family’s past events.

His character provides a unique perspective within the family drama, often capturing moments that others would prefer to forget. Dale’s extensive home-movie library proves to be significant during the legal proceedings involving his father. Through his lens, the film explores themes of memory, truth, and the complex dynamics of a fractured family coming back together during a time of crisis.

‘Detroit’ (2017)

In this film depicting the 1967 Detroit riots, Jeremy Strong plays Attorney Lang. His role is part of the legal proceedings that follow the harrowing events at the Algiers Motel. The story focuses on the brutal interrogation and murder of several Black men by white police officers and the subsequent investigation and trial.

Attorney Lang is involved in the courtroom drama that attempts to bring justice for the victims. The film scrutinizes the systemic racism and legal failures of the time. Strong’s character is part of the narrative that exposes the deep-seated prejudices within the justice system and the challenges faced by those seeking accountability for the horrific events that took place.

‘Molly’s Game’ (2017)

Jeremy Strong portrays Dean Keith, a real estate developer who introduces Molly Bloom to the world of high-stakes underground poker. His character is a flashy and successful businessman who runs the initial poker games that Molly helps organize. It is through him that Molly gains the knowledge and connections needed to eventually start her own exclusive games.

Dean Keith is instrumental in setting the plot in motion, as his decision to fire Molly from his game is the catalyst for her to build her own poker empire. His character represents the wealth, power, and risk associated with the world she enters. The story follows Molly’s rise and fall, and Keith’s initial mentorship and later conflict with her are key parts of her journey.

‘Lincoln’ (2012)

In this historical drama, Jeremy Strong takes on the role of John George Nicolay, who served as President Abraham Lincoln’s private secretary. Nicolay is a trusted aide and confidant to the president during a pivotal moment in American history. He is by Lincoln’s side during the political struggles to pass the Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution.

As part of Lincoln’s inner circle, Nicolay has a firsthand view of the immense pressure and strategic maneuvering required to abolish slavery. He assists the president with correspondence, scheduling, and managing the day-to-day affairs of the White House. Strong’s portrayal contributes to the film’s intimate depiction of Lincoln’s presidency and the immense effort behind one of his greatest legislative achievements.

‘Selma’ (2014)

Jeremy Strong portrays James Reeb, a white Unitarian Universalist minister and civil rights activist from Boston. Reeb traveled to Selma, Alabama, to join the voting rights marches led by Martin Luther King Jr. His participation was a response to the call for clergy from all over the country to support the movement after the violent events of “Bloody Sunday.”

Tragically, James Reeb was attacked and murdered by white segregationists following a march. His death brought national attention to the violence faced by civil rights activists and became a galvanizing moment for the movement. The film highlights his sacrifice and the role that people from all backgrounds played in the fight for equality and the eventual passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

‘Zero Dark Thirty’ (2012)

In this intense thriller about the hunt for Osama bin Laden, Jeremy Strong plays Thomas, a CIA analyst. His character is part of the dedicated team that spent years gathering intelligence and tracking leads to find the al-Qaeda leader. The film provides a detailed, behind-the-scenes look at the complex and often frustrating process of counter-terrorism.

Thomas works alongside the main character, Maya, contributing to the analytical efforts that eventually pinpoint bin Laden’s location in Pakistan. The role represents the many individuals who worked tirelessly in the intelligence community, piecing together fragments of information. Strong’s performance adds to the film’s realistic portrayal of the methodical and persistent nature of the decade-long manhunt.

‘The Gentlemen’ (2019)

Jeremy Strong plays Matthew Berger, a wealthy American billionaire who is interested in purchasing the extensive marijuana empire built by Mickey Pearson. His character is a sophisticated and seemingly shrewd businessman who enters into negotiations to acquire the entire operation. He appears to be a straightforward buyer, but his true intentions are more complicated.

Matthew’s role becomes central to the film’s intricate plot of schemes and betrayals. He is revealed to be colluding with another character to devalue the business so he can buy it for a much lower price. Strong’s portrayal captures the character’s deceptive nature, making him a key player in the web of double-crosses that defines the movie’s story.

‘Masters of Sex’ (2013–2016)

Jeremy Strong joined the cast in the third and fourth seasons as Art Dreesen, a psychologist who works with Virginia Johnson and Dr. William Masters. Art and his wife, Nancy, are brought into the clinic as fellow researchers to expand the study of human sexuality. They present themselves as a modern and open-minded couple who are also participating in the sexual revolution of the era.

His character’s storyline explores the complexities of professional and personal relationships within the context of the groundbreaking research. Art’s own marriage is revealed to be more complicated than it appears, and he struggles with his own identity and desires. This adds another layer to the show’s examination of human relationships, intimacy, and the secrets people keep.

‘The Good Wife’ (2011–2013)

In this legal and political drama, Jeremy Strong had a recurring role as Matt Becker, an investigator for the National Security Agency. His character becomes involved in a storyline where the show’s main law firm is being wiretapped. Becker is the point of contact who interacts with the lawyers, often in a cryptic and evasive manner.

Matt Becker’s presence introduces a significant element of government surveillance and paranoia into the series. He represents the far-reaching power of intelligence agencies and the complexities of national security law. His interactions with the firm’s partners create tension and drive a major plotline forward as they try to understand who is listening to their conversations and why.

‘The Big Short’ (2015)

Jeremy Strong plays Vinny Daniel, one of the key members of the small hedge fund team led by Mark Baum. His character is a sharp and outspoken analyst who, along with his colleagues, investigates the housing market and uncovers the widespread fraud within the subprime mortgage industry. Vinny is instrumental in the research that leads the team to bet against the market.

Alongside his partners, Vinny travels to Florida and Las Vegas to witness the housing bubble firsthand, interviewing mortgage brokers and homeowners. His cynical and often humorous commentary highlights the absurdity and corruption they discover. The character is crucial to the film’s narrative, representing the skeptical and diligent individuals who saw the financial crisis coming before anyone else.

‘The Trial of the Chicago 7’ (2020)

In this historical legal drama, Jeremy Strong portrays Jerry Rubin, one of the real-life defendants in the infamous trial. Rubin was a prominent anti-war activist and a co-founder of the Youth International Party, known as the Yippies. He and his fellow activists were charged with conspiracy and inciting to riot at the 1968 Democratic National Convention.

Strong’s performance captures Rubin’s counter-cultural spirit and his commitment to theatrical and often humorous forms of protest. The film depicts the chaotic and politically charged trial, where Rubin and his co-defendant Abbie Hoffman often clash with the judge and the prosecution. He represents a key voice of the 1960s anti-establishment movement and the fight for free speech.

‘Succession’ (2018–2023)

Jeremy Strong delivers a celebrated performance as Kendall Roy, the troubled and ambitious second-oldest son of a global media mogul. Kendall begins the series as the heir apparent to his father’s company, but his journey is marked by intense struggles with addiction, ambition, and his own conscience. His character is at the center of the show’s power struggles and family conflicts.

Throughout the series, Kendall’s character goes through profound transformations, from a confident executive to a broken man and a rebellious figure fighting to either take over or tear down his father’s legacy. Strong’s portrayal delves deep into Kendall’s psychological turmoil and his desperate need for his father’s approval, creating a compelling and tragic character study.

Let us know which Jeremy Strong role is your favorite in the comments below.