Jonathan Gries, born on June 17, 1957, is an American actor and music video director whose career spans over four decades, marked by memorable character roles in both film and television. He is best known for his portrayal of the hilariously earnest Uncle Rico in the cult classic Napoleon Dynamite, a performance that earned him an Independent Spirit Award nomination for Best Supporting Male and cemented his status as a beloved figure in indie cinema. Beyond this iconic role, Gries has demonstrated remarkable versatility, taking on the enigmatic Roger Linus in the hit series Lost and the complex Greg Hunt in the acclaimed HBO anthology The White Lotus. His extensive filmography also includes notable appearances in Real Genius, The Monster Squad, Get Shorty, and the Taken trilogy, showcasing his ability to inhabit a wide range of characters from comedic to dramatic.

Gries began his acting career in the late 1970s, gradually building a reputation as a reliable character actor with a knack for playing oddball or sinister figures. His early television work included guest spots on popular shows, but he gained significant attention for his recurring role as a villainous alien on the sitcom Martin from 1992 to 1994. This period also saw him take on the role of a music video director, a natural extension of his creative interests. A major breakthrough came when he was cast as the mysterious and often menacing Mr. Parker in the television series The Pretender from 1996 to 2000, a part that allowed him to explore darker, more layered performances and established him as a familiar face to a generation of viewers.

The early 2000s brought Gries his most iconic role in Napoleon Dynamite, where his portrayal of the time-warped, van-driving Uncle Rico became a cultural touchstone. The film’s unexpected success led to a surge in recognition and opened doors to a wider array of projects. He subsequently joined the cast of Lost in its third season, playing the duplicitous and morally ambiguous Roger Linus, a role that added depth to the series’ intricate mythology. In the 2010s, he appeared in the action-packed Taken sequels, playing a villainous role opposite Liam Neeson, and continued to work steadily in television, including a lead role in the surreal comedy series Dream Corp LLC from 2016 to 2020.

In the 2020s, Gries found renewed acclaim with his role in The White Lotus, where his portrayal of the troubled and emotionally volatile Greg Hunt captivated audiences and critics alike. His performance in the series’ first two seasons was praised for its subtlety and depth, further solidifying his reputation as a skilled character actor capable of elevating any production. Gries continues to work actively in the entertainment industry, taking on roles that challenge him and defying easy categorization. His enduring presence in film and television, marked by a distinctive blend of humor and menace, ensures that he remains a respected and sought-after performer, with a legacy defined by his ability to make even the most eccentric characters feel profoundly human.