Biography
A dynamic and versatile character actor with a distinctive voice and a powerful emotional facility, James Patrick Nelson has written and starred in numerous award-winning films, which have been widely praised on the festival circuits, and screened theatrically on both coasts.
Born and raised in Los Angeles, he trained at the Boston University School of Theatre, and began his New York theatre career in Off-Broadway productions of Chekhov and Shakespeare, working opposite Maggie Gyllenhaal, Peter Sarsgaard, Ethan Hawke, Joely Richardson, Bebe Neuwirth, Christina Ricci, Taylor Mac, Austin Pendleton, and many others.
He was nominated for an Innovative Theatre Award for Best Actor for the world premiere of "Old Familiar Faces" in the New York City Fringe. He and his cast mates won the Helen Hayes Award for Outstanding Ensemble for "Sense and Sensibility" at the Folger Theatre. He later reprised his role in Bedlam's production at the American Repertory Theatre. He most recently starred in the world premiere of "Immortal Longings," the final play by Terrence McNally.
As an actor-screenwriter, James most recent work has focused solely on LGBTQ+ protagonists and communities. His original series "For Years to Come" goes into production in 2021, and he is developing several queer-centric feature screenplays.
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Career timeline
