Whether he’s commanding the screen in a tense drama or sneaking in a moment of wry humor, actor Brian Markinson brings curiosity, conviction, and heart to his work.
Born into a Jewish family in Brooklyn, Markinson trained at London’s Royal Central School of Speech and Drama before graduating from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. He launched his career on Broadway in Neil Simon’s Pulitzer Prize– and Tony Award–winning Lost in Yonkers, followed by performing in Elliot Loves off-Broadway.
Since then, he’s built a wide-ranging career across American and Canadian film and television, amassing more than 100 TV credits. His recurring roles include appearances on FX’s Fargo, Netflix’s Away, and Paramount Network’s The Mayor of Kingston. One of his most memorable roles was playing cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Arnold Rosen on the hit TV series Mad Men.
Markinson’s film credits include playing a U.S. Attorney General in Shooter, an unscrupulous industrialist in Godzilla, and a supporting role in Angels in America.
Today, Markinson lives in Vancouver, Canada, with his wife and two sons.
What was the last book you read?
Benjamin Franklin: An American Life by Walter Isaacson.
What’s your all-time favorite movie?
Network.
What’s your favorite Jewish food?
Latkes!
What are you listening to these days?
The Daily podcast by The New York Times and music by Joni Mitchell.
Who was the last person you texted on your phone?
My wife, Nancy.
If you could invite three people to a Shabbat dinner, who would they be?
James Baldwin, Joni Mitchell, my wife, and my two sons (I know, it’s more than three!).
If you could have any other occupation, what would it be?
Cardiothoracic surgeon.
Who is your biggest role model?
My wife.
What are you currently binging on TV?
Adolescence and American Idol.
If you could offer the teen version of yourself one piece of wisdom, what would it be?
Pursue balance in your life.
In this issue
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