John C. Reilly (born May 24, 1965, in Chicago, Illinois, U.S.) is an American actor, comedian, producer, and musician. He studied theater at DePaul University before beginning his film career in the late 1980s. Early dramatic roles established him as a talented character actor with remarkable range.
He earned acclaim for Boogie Nights, Magnolia, Chicago, and The Hours, receiving an Academy Award nomination for Chicago. He later reached wider audiences through Talladega Nights, Step Brothers, Wreck-It Ralph, and Guardians of the Galaxy. Known for balancing comedy and drama, he became one of Hollywood’s most versatile performers.
He continues acting across film, television, theater, and music, with projects such as Winning Time and The Roses. His collaborations with leading directors and comedians have produced many memorable performances. With decades of critical praise and popular success, he remains a distinctive and influential figure in contemporary entertainment.