about the actor

Peter L. “Finn” Wittrock Jr. (born October 28, 1984) is an American actor and playwright best known for his roles in the FX anthology series American Horror Story and for his work in critically acclaimed films such as The Big Short (2015) and La La Land (2016). A versatile performer, Wittrock has received praise for his ability to bring depth and nuance to a wide range of characters across television, film, and stage.

Wittrock was born in Lenox, Massachusetts, to actor Peter L. Wittrock Sr. and professor Kate Claire Crowley. He grew up in a theatrical environment and attended the Juilliard School, graduating in 2008 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. During his time at Juilliard, he performed in various productions, honing his craft and earning accolades for his stage presence.

Wittrock’s early career included guest roles in television series such as ER (2003), Cold Case (2008), and CSI: Miami (2010). He gained prominence with a recurring role as Damon Miller on the soap opera All My Children (2009–2011). His breakthrough came in 2014 when he joined the cast of American Horror Story: Freak Show. His portrayal of Dandy Mott, a deeply disturbed yet charismatic character, earned critical acclaim and solidified his status as a rising star. He returned to American Horror Story for multiple seasons, showcasing his range in roles such as Tristan Duffy (Hotel), Jether Polk (Roanoke), and Edmund Tolleson (Ratched).

In film, Wittrock has collaborated with esteemed directors and appeared in several notable projects. He played Jamie Shipley in Adam McKay’s The Big Short (2015), a role that contributed to the film’s Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay. He also appeared in Damien Chazelle’s Oscar-winning musical La La Land (2016) and portrayed astronaut Gus Grissom in First Man (2018).

Wittrock’s stage career includes performances on and off Broadway. In 2012, he won a Theatre World Award for his performance in Death of a Salesman on Broadway, directed by Mike Nichols. His other notable stage credits include Sweet Bird of Youth (2013) at the Goodman Theatre and The Glass Menagerie (2019) on Broadway.

In addition to acting, Wittrock has written plays and expressed a strong interest in exploring the creative process from multiple angles.

Wittrock continues to take on diverse roles and challenge himself as an actor. He is married to Sarah Roberts, a fellow Juilliard graduate, and the couple has a son. With a career spanning multiple mediums, Wittrock remains a respected and dynamic presence in the entertainment industry.