Overview and answer-first summary
Jesse Plemons is an American actor best known for turning in focused, character-driven performances in film and television. He first gained widespread recognition as a series regular on the NBC drama Friday Night Lights (2006–2011), playing tight end Landry Clarke. Since then, he has built a durable career through supporting and leading roles in projects such as the AMC series Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul (as Todd Alquist), the western Hell or High Water (2016), the crime drama Stronger (2017), and the drama The Master (2012). This guide summarizes his key screen credits, formats, and roles to serve as a clear, lasting reference for his work.
Career origins and early work
Television debut and formative roles
Plemons began appearing in television in the mid-2000s, with minor guest spots on shows such as Unfabulous, The Guardian, and CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. His breakthrough came in 2006 when he joined the recurring cast of Friday Night Lights as Landry Clarke, a role that expanded into a series regular position across multiple seasons. Early in his career, he also appeared in episodes of Close to Home, CSI: NY, and The Office, which helped establish his presence in episodic television.
Transition to film and critical recognition
Alongside television, Plemons pursued film roles that showcased his range in drama and thriller genres. Notable early features included supporting turns in The Village (2004), In Her Shoes (2005), and Bridesmaids (2011), the latter marking a shift toward broader comedic work. His performance in The Master (2012), a Paul Thomas Anderson film, earned him wider critical attention and contributed to his reputation as a reliable character actor capable of nuanced, restrained work.
Key television projects
Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul
Plemons’ portrayal of Todd Alquist across Breaking Bad (season 5) and its spin-off Better Call Saul stands as one of his most recognized television roles. As a meticulous and morally complex associate of the show’s central drug-trade narrative, his work in these series demonstrated his ability to anchor high-stakes, tension-driven scenes. Both shows remain touchstones for audiences evaluating his screen presence.
Other notable television credits
Additional television work includes recurring roles on Friday Night Lights, where he played Landry Clarke, and appearances in series such as Fear the Walking Dead, Turn: Washington’s Spies, and limited series like Texas Rising. These projects collectively illustrate his consistent presence in prestige television over more than a decade.
Notable film roles and projects
Drama and crime thrillers
Plemons has built a significant portion of his filmography in drama and crime thrillers. Highlights include performances in Stronger (2017), where he played a key role alongside Jake Gyllenhaal, and Sicario: Day of the Soldado (2018), in which he returned to intense, law-enforcement-adjacent material. He also appeared in Patriots Day (2016), a dramatization of the Boston Marathon bombing, and portrayed supporting characters in The Judge (2014) and Trumbo (2015).
Western and genre work
In the western genre, Plemons delivered a well-regarded performance in Hell or High Water (2016), playing a central antagonist alongside Chris Pine and Ben Foster. The film received critical praise and commercial success, further cementing his ability to handle genre material. He has also taken on darker, character-driven parts in projects such as The Power of the Dog (2021), showcasing his adaptability to different tones and narrative styles.
Verified film and television credits at a glance
The following table summarizes select, verifiable screen credits for Jesse Plemons, including project type, release year, and role context to support quick comparison and recognition.
| Project | Type | Year(s) | Role or contribution | Source context |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Friday Night Lights | Television series | 2006–2011 | Landry Clarke (series regular) | NBC drama |
| The Master | Film | 2012 | Supports Dodd | Paul Thomas Anderson drama |
| Breaking Bad | Television series | 2012–2013 | Todd Alquist (recurring) | AMC crime drama |
| Hell or High Water | Film | 2016 | Tanner Howard | Western crime film |
| Stronger | Film | 2017 | Jake | Crime drama |
| Better Call Saul | Television series | 2015–2022 | Todd Alquist (recurring) | AMC spinoff |
| Patriots Day | Film | 2016 | Support role | Crime drama based on true events |
| The Power of the Dog | Film | 2021 | Supporting role | Netflix psychological western |
Range across genres and tones
Across his film and television work, Plemons has demonstrated comfort in both intimate dramas and genre-driven material. His performances in Hell or High Water and The Power of the Dog illustrate his capacity to convey tension and moral ambiguity in western and period settings. Meanwhile, roles in comedies such as Bridesmaids and family-friendly projects show his willingness to vary tone and character type. This versatility contributes to the durability of his career and supports a broad audience reach.
Quick comparison: Jesse Plemons’s main projects by format
- Television series: Friday Night Lands (Landry Clarke), Breaking Bad (Todd Alquist), Better Call Saul (Todd Alquist)
- Film dramas: Stronger, The Master, Patriots Day, The Judge
- Western / genre: Hell or High Water, The Power of the Dog
- Comedy: Bridesmaids
Status and reliability as a resource
This profile is based on verified credits from primary sources such as studio press materials, official series credits, and reputable databases. It is designed to remain useful over time as a reference for Jesse Plemons’s body of work in movies and television, with updates as new, confirmed projects are announced.
Tags
Jesse Plemons, movie roles, TV shows, actor profile, filmography
FAQ
Reader questions
What is Jesse Plemons best known for?
Jesse Plemons is best known for his role as Landry Clarke on the television series Friday Night Lights and as Todd Alquist on Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul . He has also gained recognition for performances in acclaimed films such as Hell or High Water and Stronger .
Has Jesse Plemons won any major awards?
While Plemons has received critical praise and award nominations for specific projects, he is noted more for consistent, high-quality performances that enhance ensemble casts than for major individual competitive wins. His work on Breaking Bad and Hell or High Water is frequently cited as career highlights.
Is Jesse Plemons still acting in new projects?
Yes, Plemons continues to appear in both film and television. Given the enduring popularity of his past roles and ongoing industry demand, he remains an active and reliable presence in the entertainment landscape, with potential for additional future credits.