Vincent Kartheiser Biography: Vincent Paul Kartheiser born May 5, 1979 is an American actor best known for his role as Pete Campbell on the AMC drama series Mad Men, which aired from 2007 to 2015. He has also starred in several films, including Alaska (1996), Masterminds (1997), and Another Day in Paradise (1998). On television, Kartheiser portrayed Connor in Angel and Dr. Jonathan Crane in the third season of HBO’s Titans. His performance as William Bradford in the miniseries Saints & Strangers earned him a Critics’ Choice Television Award nomination for Best Actor in a Miniseries or Movie.
Vincent Kartheiser Biography
Recognized worldwide for his portrayal of the sharp-tongued advertising executive Pete Campbell on Matthew Weiner’s acclaimed series Mad Men (2007), which earned Golden Globe, Emmy, and SAG Awards, Vincent Kartheiser has been acting since his teenage years. He made his film debut in Untamed Heart (1993) alongside Marisa Tomei and went on to build a substantial resume with roles in Little Big League (1994), Iron Will (1994), The Indian in the Cupboard (1995), and Alaska (1996).
Vincent Kartheiser Biography 2025 Details
Born |
Vincent Paul Kartheiser
May 5, 1979 Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S.
|
---|---|
Occupation | Actor |
Years active | 1993–present |
Spouse |
Alexis Bledel
(m. 2014; div. 2022)
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Children | 1 |
Category | Singers Bio |
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About Vincent Kartheiser
Vincent Paul Kartheiser is an American actor. He gained acclaim for his role as Pete Campbell on the AMC drama series Mad Men from 2007 to 2015. He had starring roles in films such as Alaska, Masterminds, and Another Day in Paradise.
Vincent Kartheiser Achievements
As his career progressed, Kartheiser starred in films such as Another Day in Paradise (1998) with James Woods and Melanie Griffith, Crime + Punishment in Suburbia (2000), and the sci-fi thriller In Time (2011), reuniting with his Alpha Dog (2006) co-star Justin Timberlake.
Vincent Kartheiser Wiki
- Born: 5 May 1979 (age 46 years), Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
- Spouse: Alexis Bledel (m. 2014–2022)
- Siblings: Colette Kartheiser, Nathan Kartheiser, Theresa Kartheiser, Andrea Kartheiser, Elise Kartheiser
- Children: 1
- Parents: James Ralph Kartheiser, Janet Marie Gruyé
- Height: 1.73 m
Early Life
Kartheiser was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Janet Marie (née Gruyé), who operated a nursery, and James Ralph Kartheiser, a construction equipment salesman. He is the youngest of six children, with four sisters—Andrea, Colette, Elise, and Theresa—and one brother, Nathan. He has Luxembourgish and German roots, with some Polish, Finnish, and Swedish ancestry. Kartheiser attended Apple Valley High School in Apple Valley, Minnesota, but left at the age of 15 to pursue work, citing a desire to earn money.
Key Details
- Full Name: Vincent Paul Kartheiser
- Date of Birth: May 5, 1979
- Place of Birth: Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
- Nationality: American
- Spouse: Alexis Bledel (m. 2014; div. 2022)
- Children: One son
- Net Worth: Estimated at $6 million
Career Highlights
Kartheiser made his film debut in 1993 with a small part in Untamed Heart, and quickly moved into more prominent roles in family films like The Indian in the Cupboard (1995) and Alaska (1996), where he played the lead character, Sean Barnes. These early projects showcased his talent and helped establish his presence in Hollywood. A major breakthrough came with his role as Connor on the supernatural series Angel (2002–2004), where he played the troubled son of the title character. This role demonstrated his ability to tackle emotionally complex characters and expanded his visibility in television. Kartheiser began his most celebrated role as Pete Campbell on Mad Men. His performance as the ambitious and often morally conflicted advertising executive garnered critical acclaim and contributed to the show’s cultural impact. He shared in multiple Screen Actors Guild Awards for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series.
Film, Voice Work, and Theater
Outside of Mad Men, Kartheiser has taken on a wide range of projects. In 2011, he appeared in the science fiction film In Time alongside Justin Timberlake and Amanda Seyfried. That same year, he voiced a character in the animated feature Rango, further showcasing his range. He has also maintained a connection to the stage, notably portraying Mr. Darcy in a 2013 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice at the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis, earning praise for returning to his theatrical roots.
Recent Work and Public Attention
Kartheiser joined the cast of HBO’s Titans as Dr. Jonathan Crane, also known as Scarecrow. While the role brought renewed attention, his time on set was reportedly troubled by allegations of misconduct, which prompted internal investigations by Warner Bros. Kartheiser denied the allegations, and while the investigations were completed, their findings were not made public. The situation highlighted the scrutiny and accountability expected in professional acting environments. Kartheiser continues to be recognized for his complex character work and contributions to television and film, with a career marked by both critical success and a willingness to explore challenging roles.
Personal Life and Relationships
Vincent Kartheiser’s personal life has often attracted public interest, especially his relationship with actress Alexis Bledel. The two began dating in 2012 after meeting on the set of Mad Men, announced their engagement in 2013, and were married in June 2014 in California. The couple welcomed a son in 2015. However, in August 2022, Kartheiser filed for divorce, which was finalized later that month.
Known for embracing a minimalist lifestyle, Kartheiser has spoken candidly about his preference for simplicity and sustainability. At one point, he opted to live without a car and resided in a compact, eco-friendly home in Los Angeles—choices that reflect his conscious move away from the conventional Hollywood lifestyle.
Interesting Facts and Trivia
- Minimalist Philosophy: Kartheiser has long promoted minimalist living, choosing simple living arrangements and limited material possessions.
- Theatrical Beginnings: His early acting experiences at the Children’s Theatre Company in Minneapolis included performances in Pippi Longstocking and Our Town, which played a vital role in developing his stage presence and acting skills.
- Voice Acting: In addition to live-action roles, he has also worked in animation, notably voicing the character Ezekiel/Lasso Rodent in the film Rango (2011).
Charitable Work and Legacy
Although he keeps much of his personal life out of the public eye, Kartheiser has been involved in various charitable efforts, often aligned with his values around sustainability and environmental awareness. His legacy in the entertainment world is defined by a willingness to take on emotionally complex and challenging roles. From his acclaimed portrayal of Pete Campbell on Mad Men to his work in indie films and theater, Kartheiser has proven to be a bold and versatile performer who doesn’t shy away from artistic risk.
Future Outlook and Cultural Impact
Despite controversies that have surfaced during his career, Vincent Kartheiser remains a distinctive figure in the entertainment industry. As of late 2023, he has not publicly confirmed any new projects, though many fans and industry watchers await his return to the screen or stage. Beyond his acting, Kartheiser’s lifestyle and values have sparked broader discussions about sustainability and alternative ways to live within the entertainment world. By intentionally rejecting excess and embracing a more grounded way of life, he presents a unique example of how public figures can navigate fame on their own terms.
Vincent Kartheiser Net Worth 2025
Kartheiser’s net worth is estimated at approximately $6 million, earned primarily through his extensive acting career in television, film, and theater. Despite his financial success, he is widely known for his modest lifestyle and has consistently emphasized personal fulfillment over material wealth.
FAQs
What happened to Vincent Kartheiser?
Kartheiser — who expressed some… unconventional beliefs even back when he was on Mad Men — has also been off the Hollywood radar since his forced exit from Max’s Titans following a one-season stint in 2021. He was ousted after an investigation into on-set misconduct allegations—none of a sexual nature.
Who is Vincent Kartheiser married to?
He and Bledel announced their engagement in March 2013, and were married in California in June 2014. They have one son, born in 2015.
How old was Vincent Kartheiser in Angel?
Vincent Kartheiser, then 23, was looking for something more stable than the usual feature movies. He decided to audition after his agent sent him the role and tapes of all previous seasons.
Did Vincent Kartheiser shave his head?
The 34-year-old first shaved the top of his head and gained 25 pounds to play Campbell as he unraveled in 2012.
Where did Vincent Kartheiser and Alexis Bledel meet?
After they met on the set of Mad Men in 2011 (Bledel played Beth Dawes, who got involved with Kartheiser’s Pete Campbell), Us Weekly exclusively confirmed the pair’s low-key romance in June 2012.