James Patrick Nelson is a multifaceted and talented character actor, renowned for his distinctive voice and extraordinary emotional range, who has been a part of numerous award-winning films that have garnered widespread acclaim and have been showcased across the country and at prestigious film festivals.
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Nelson received his formal training at the esteemed Boston University School of Theatre and the renowned London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts. He began his New York City theatre career in Off-Broadway productions of the works of Chekhov and Shakespeare, sharing the stage with an impressive array of talented actors, including Maggie Gyllenhaal, Peter Sarsgaard, Ethan Hawke, Joely Richardson, Bebe Neuwirth, Christina Ricci, Austin Pendleton, and others.
Nelson has received numerous accolades for his performances, including a Helen Hayes Award for his portrayal of "Sense and Sensibility" at the Folger Theatre, which he later reprised at the American Repertory Theatre. He has also recently starred in the world premiere of "Immortal Longings," the final play by the Tony Award-winning playwright Terrence McNally. Moreover, he is currently appearing in the first regional transfer of the Broadway production of "Slave Play" at the Mark Taper Forum.
As an actor-screenwriter, Nelson's recent work has focused on telling the stories of LGBTQ+ protagonists and communities. His original pilot, "For Years to Come," starring Richard Riehle, has wrapped production and is set to be released in the near future. He is also developing several queer-centric feature films, further solidifying his commitment to promoting diversity and representation in the entertainment industry.
