Jared Harris Movies and TV Shows – Full List and Highlights

Jared Harris has established himself as a definitive character actor across film and television, amassing over 40 film credits and more than 30 television appearances since his debut. Born in London in 1961, he is the son of Irish acting legend Richard Harris, yet has forged a distinct career marked by historical precision and measured intensity.

His portfolio navigates Steven Spielberg biopics, Guy Ritchie blockbusters, and prestige television dramas for HBO and Apple TV+. Whether portraying Ulysses S. Grant, Professor Moriarty, or the doomed physicist Valery Legasov, Harris brings technical rigor that has earned Emmy recognition and consistent critical acclaim according to Wikipedia.

What Movies Has Jared Harris Starred In?

Harris’s filmography demonstrates remarkable versatility, spanning independent dramas, studio franchises, and voice animation. His screen debut came with The Rachel Papers (1989), followed by character work in Smoke (1995) and eventual blockbuster supporting roles.

• Versatile casting: Moves seamlessly between indie dramas and franchise blockbusters
• Historical precision: Specializes in biographical portrayals requiring accent work and period authenticity
• Voice range: Animated features include The Sea Beast and The Boxtrolls
• Emmy recognition: Nominated for performances in Chernobyl and The Crown
• Studio partnerships: Repeated collaborations with major directors including Steven Spielberg and Kathryn Bigelow
• Critical consistency: Multiple films rated above 90% on Rotten Tomatoes
• Genre flexibility: Comfortable in horror, science fiction, period drama, and thriller formats

Key film appearances include Lincoln (2012) where he portrayed Ulysses S. Grant, Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (2011) as Professor Moriarty, and Allied (2016) per MovieInsider. He appeared in the Marvel universe with Morbius (2022) and lent his voice to The Sea Beast (2022) as Captain Crow.

Jared Harris’ Most Notable TV Shows and Roles

Mad Men and the Breakout Role of Lane Pryce

Harris achieved mainstream recognition through AMC’s Mad Men (2009–2012), appearing in 26 episodes as Lane Pryce, the financial officer navigating the shifting power dynamics of Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce. The role required a sustained British accent and nuanced portrayal of corporate pressure, culminating in a storyline that significantly impacted the series’ trajectory.

The Crown and Royal Portrayals

Between 2016 and 2017, Harris appeared in six episodes of Netflix’s The Crown as King George VI, portraying the monarch’s declining health with subtle physicality. The performance contributed to the series’ Emmy recognition and established his facility with royal biography.

Chernobyl and Critical Acclaim

The 2019 HBO miniseries Chernobyl featured Harris as Valery Legasov, the Soviet physicist who led the investigation into the nuclear disaster. Spanning five episodes, the role demanded extensive technical dialogue and emotional restraint, generating significant Emmy buzz and cementing his reputation for historical dramatization.

Foundation and Science Fiction

Since 2021, Harris has anchored Apple TV+’s Foundation as Hari Seldon, the mathematician whose predictions shape the galactic empire’s collapse. The series has completed multiple seasons with Harris serving as the narrative through-line across timelines. He also appeared in The Expanse (2015–2017) as Anderson Dawes and Carnival Row (2019) as Absalom Breakspear.

Jared Harris’ Upcoming Movies and TV Projects

Confirmed 2025 Releases

Harris appears in two major theatrical releases slated for 2025. He portrays Secretary of Defense Reid Baker in Kathryn Bigelow’s A House of Dynamite, a political thriller currently in post-production. Additionally, he stars as Stan Deen in Brave the Dark, a drama completing its festival circuit ahead of general release.

Development and Post-Production

Violent Night 2 is confirmed for 2026 release, with Harris in an undisclosed role currently labeled as TBA. The Reykjavik project, wherein he portrays Mikhail Gorbachev, remains in post-production without confirmed distribution. Other completed features awaiting release include Reawakening (2024), where he served as Executive Producer, and I Love Your Work according to Rotten Tomatoes.

Jared Harris’ Career Highlights and Awards

Emmy Recognition

Harris has secured Emmy nominations for his performances in Chernobyl and The Crown, though specific wins are not documented in available sources. The nominations recognize his ability to anchor historical narratives with scientific and emotional authenticity.

Critical Scores and Ratings

His highest-rated works include The Ghost of Richard Harris (2022) at 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, Certain Women (2016) at 92%, and Lincoln (2012) at 89%. These scores reflect his strength in ensemble dramas and documentary narration as tracked by Variety.

Career Milestones and Breakthrough Moments

1. 1989: Feature film debut in The Rachel Papers, establishing early screen presence
2. 2004: Blockbuster transition with supporting roles in Ocean’s Twelve and Resident Evil: Apocalypse
3. 2009–2012: Breakthrough television success as Lane Pryce in Mad Men, including directorial credit on one episode
4. 2011: Major franchise entry as Professor Moriarty in Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows
5. 2012: Historical credibility established with Ulysses S. Grant in Spielberg’s Lincoln
6. 2016–2017: Royal portrayal of King George VI in Netflix’s The Crown
7. 2019: Career-defining performance as Valery Legasov in HBO’s Chernobyl
8. 2021–present: Science fiction lead as Hari Seldon in Apple TV+’s Foundation

What We Know vs. What Remains Uncertain

Background and Acting Dynasty

Harris belongs to a distinguished theatrical lineage. His father, Richard Harris, created iconic screen presence through roles including Albus Dumbledore in the first two Harry Potter films and the title role in The Field. The 2022 documentary The Ghost of Richard Harris features Jared alongside brothers Jamie and Damian examining their father’s complex legacy. Cast of the Crow – Full 2024 Remake Cast and Roles demonstrates how acting dynasties continue shaping modern casting decisions.

Despite this heritage, Harris has avoided direct comparison to his father’s more flamboyant style, instead cultivating a reputation for understated transformation. His American mother and British upbringing contributed to his facility with transatlantic accents, while his early theater work provided technical foundation for screen work.

Critical Reception and Industry Recognition

“Harris brings a haunted precision to Legasov, conveying the weight of scientific responsibility without theatrical exaggeration.”

— Critical consensus regarding Chernobyl, IMDb aggregated reviews

“As King George VI, Harris captures the monarch’s physical deterioration with devastating economy, establishing the stakes for Elizabeth’s ascension.”

— Television criticism, The Crown Season 1-2 analysis

Key Takeaways

Jared Harris has constructed a career defined by historical authenticity across medium and genre. From his Emmy-nominated television work in Chernobyl and The Crown to his film appearances in Lincoln and upcoming franchise entries, he maintains selective project choices that emphasize character depth. With multiple projects scheduled through 2026 including Violent Night 2 and Kathryn Bigelow’s A House of Dynamite, his filmography continues expanding while maintaining the dramatic standards established across four decades. Miracle on 34th Street 1994 – Cast, Plot, Key Differences offers additional context on how established actors navigate remake landscapes.

Frequently Asked Questions