Jason Butler Harner was born in the small town of Elmira, New York, in a working-class family, and later raised in Alexandria, Virginia, while his parents worked for non-profit organizations. His parents divorced when he was young, and each subsequently remarried. He has one brother and multiple former step-siblings.
As a self-described character actor, Harner is drawn to the fullness of any character, and is perhaps best known currently for his compelling turn as Agent Petty in the popular Netflix series Ozark (2017). He has a strong background in theatre, having performed in numerous productions, including The Glass Menagerie alongside Sally Field, The Invention of Love, and The Coast of Utopia.
Harner's film debut was in the Oscar-nominated Changeling (2008),where he played the conflicted killer Gordon Northcott. He has since appeared in a wide range of films, including The Family Fang, Non-Stop, and Next, as well as memorable arcs on several television shows, such as Scandal, The Walking Dead, The Handmaid's Tale, Ray Donovan, Homeland, and The Walking Dead.
In addition to his work in film and television, Harner continues to return to the stage, having appeared on Broadway, in the West End, and around the country. His most recent stage role was in the world premiere of Bernhardt/Hamlet opposite Janet McTeer.
Harner holds an MFA from NYU's Graduate Acting Program and an undergraduate degree from Virginia Commonwealth University. He splits his time between Los Angeles and New York, and is a dedicated activist, supporting causes such as Keep Guns Off Campus, Razia's Ray of Hope, and Physicians for Reproductive Health, as well as advocating for the accessibility of theatre to a diverse audience.
