Željko Ivanek is a highly accomplished Slovenian-American actor, whose remarkable career has been marked by a plethora of prestigious accolades and nominations across the diverse realms of film, television, and theatre.
Ivanek's impressive filmography boasts a plethora of notable roles in a diverse range of cinematic endeavors. His credits span multiple decades, with standout performances in films such as Courage Under Fire, released in 1996, and Donnie Brasco, which premiered in 1997. His talent for dramatic storytelling is evident in his work on the critically acclaimed series Hannibal, as well as his contributions to the action-packed blockbuster Black Hawk Down, both of which debuted in 2001. The following year, he appeared in the romantic drama Unfaithful, showcasing his versatility as an actor.
In 2004, Ivanek took on a pivotal role in The Manchurian Candidate, a thought-provoking thriller that cemented his status as a talented and reliable performer. He continued to push the boundaries of his craft in 2007 with his appearance in Live Free or Die Hard, an action-packed installment in the iconic Die Hard franchise. The following year, he joined the cast of The Bourne Legacy, a gripping espionage thriller that further solidified his reputation as a skilled actor.
In 2012, Ivanek's impressive range was on full display as he appeared in a trio of critically acclaimed films: the action-packed Argo, the darkly comedic Seven Psychopaths, and the thought-provoking The Bourne Legacy. His dedication to his craft has not wavered in recent years, with a standout performance in the critically acclaimed drama Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, which premiered in 2017.
In addition to his extensive work in mainstream cinema, Ivanek has also had the opportunity to collaborate with the visionary Danish director Lars von Trier on several occasions. Their collaborations include the critically acclaimed films Dancer in the Dark, released in 2000, Dogville, which premiered in 2003, and Manderlay, which debuted in 2005. These projects have allowed Ivanek to explore the boundaries of his craft and push the limits of his acting abilities.
Ivanek's television career has been marked by a multitude of captivating performances, with a standout portrayal of Ray Fiske on the FX series Damages, earning him the prestigious 2008 Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor.
He has also made notable appearances as Ed Danvers on Homicide: Life on the Street, spanning from 1993 to 1999, and as Russell Jackson on the CBS drama Madam Secretary, a role he held from 2014 to 2019.
Ivanek's impressive résumé also includes recurring roles on notable series such as Oz, which he was a part of from 1997 to 2003, 24 in 2002, True Blood in 2008, Heroes in 2009, Big Love from 2009 to 2010, Banshee in 2014, and 12 Monkeys from 2015 to 2017.
Since 2023, Ivanek has taken on the starring role of "The Croat" in AMC's The Walking Dead: Dead City, further solidifying his reputation as a talented and versatile actor.
