Teddy Sears' life and the character of Richard Patrick Woolsley IV in TNT's hit series Raising the Bar (2008) share intriguing parallels. Despite his extensive training, talent, and experience, Sears' personal connection to the character adds depth to his portrayal. As the descendant of Plymouth Rock pilgrims, Sears' ancestors played a significant role in American history, and his character Woolsley, a scion of a wealthy legal dynasty, turns renegade to become a legal defender.
Growing up in Chevy Chase, Maryland, Sears was an exceptional student and athlete. His family boasts a rich athletic heritage, with his great-grandfather being a 1912 Olympic gold-medalist in shooting, and his aunt winning a bronze medal in the 100-meter butterfly at the 1956 Melbourne games. Sears followed this tradition of excellence, earning state and national recognition in high school football and swimming, and playing varsity football for the University of Maryland.
After graduating from the University of Virginia with a degree in business management, Sears discovered his true calling and pursued a career in acting. He studied with acclaimed coach William Esper, worked tirelessly in daytimedrama, and landed guest-star roles in series like Law & Order (1990). Sears showcased his comedic skills in bits on The David Letterman Show (1980) and Late Night with Conan O'Brien (1993),before moving to Los Angeles and working steadily in film and television.
Prior to joining the cast of Raising the Bar (2008),which enjoyed a two-year run on TNT, Sears appeared in the recently released feature A Single Man (2009),starring Colin Firth and Julianne Moore. He currently resides in a beach community south of Los Angeles, where he spends his free time surfing and training for triathlons.
