Zeljko Ivanek

Born:August 15, 1957

Place of Birth:Ljubljana, Slovenia

Known For:Acting

Biography

Željko Ivanek, a versatile Slovenian-American actor, has left an indelible mark on the worlds of film, television, and theatre. Throughout his career, Ivanek has garnered critical acclaim and accolades, including a Primetime Emmy Award, a Screen Actors Guild Award, and a Drama Desk Award. His talent and dedication to his craft have also earned him three Tony Award nominations, solidifying his status as a respected figure in the entertainment industry.

In the realm of film, Ivanek has showcased his exceptional acting prowess in a diverse range of projects. From his compelling performance in "Courage Under Fire" (1996) to his memorable roles in "The Manchurian Candidate" (2004) and "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri" (2017), Ivanek's filmography is a testament to his versatility and depth as an actor. Notably, he has collaborated with acclaimed directors such as Lars von Trier, appearing in films like "Dancer in the Dark" (2000) and "Dogville" (2003).

On the small screen, Ivanek has captivated audiences with his compelling portrayals of complex characters. His portrayal of Ray Fiske on the FX series "Damages" (2007–2010) not only showcased his acting prowess but also earned him a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in 2008. Ivanek's television credits also include roles in "Homicide: Life on the Street" (1993–1999), "Madam Secretary" (2014–2019), and a number of other acclaimed series, where he has consistently delivered standout performances.

Throughout his career, Ivanek has demonstrated a remarkable ability to inhabit a diverse array of characters with depth and authenticity. Whether he is portraying a cunning lawyer, a government official, or a mysterious figure, Ivanek brings a unique blend of nuance and gravitas to each role he undertakes. His commitment to his craft and his ability to immerse himself fully in his characters have made him a sought-after talent in the entertainment industry.

In addition to his impressive body of work in film and television, Ivanek has also made his mark on the stage, showcasing his talent in various theatrical productions. His dedication to the craft of acting and his willingness to take on challenging and diverse roles have earned him the respect and admiration of audiences and critics alike.

As he continues to captivate audiences with his performances, Željko Ivanek remains a formidable presence in the world of entertainment. His ability to bring depth, complexity, and humanity to his characters sets him apart as a truly exceptional actor. With a career marked by critical acclaim and a diverse range of roles, Ivanek's legacy in the industry is sure to endure for years to come.

Images

Filmography

Acting

Black Hawk Down

LTC Gary Harrell

2001

When U.S. Rangers and an elite Delta Force team attempt to kidnap two underlings of a Somali warlord, their Black Hawk helicopters are shot down, and the Americans suffer heavy casualties, facing intense fighting from the militia on the ground.

Unfaithful

Detective Dean

2002

Connie is a wife and mother whose 11-year marriage to Edward has lost its sexual spark. When Connie literally runs into handsome book collector Paul, he sweeps her into an all-consuming affair. But Edward soon becomes suspicious and decides to confront the other man.

X-Men: Apocalypse

Pentagon Scientist

2016

After the re-emergence of the world's first mutant, world-destroyer Apocalypse, the X-Men must unite to defeat his extinction level plan.

Argo

Robert Pender

2012

As the Iranian revolution reaches a boiling point, a CIA 'exfiltration' specialist concocts a risky plan to free six Americans who have found shelter at the home of the Canadian ambassador.

In Bruges

Canadian Guy

2008

Ray and Ken, two hit men, are in Bruges, Belgium, waiting for their next mission. While they are there they have time to think and discuss their previous assignment. When the mission is revealed to Ken, it is not what he expected.

Live Free or Die Hard

Asst. Deputy Director Molina

2007

John McClane is back and badder than ever, and this time he calls on the services of a young hacker in his bid to stop a ring of Internet terrorists intent on taking control of America's computer infrastructure.

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

Cedric Connolly

2017

After seven months have passed without a culprit in her daughter's murder case, Mildred Hayes makes a bold move, painting three signs leading into her town with a controversial message directed at Bill Willoughby, the town's revered chief of police. When his second-in-command Officer Jason Dixon, an immature mother's boy with a penchant for violence, gets involved, the battle between Mildred and Ebbing's law enforcement is only exacerbated.

The Last Duel

Le Coq

2021

King Charles VI declares that Knight Jean de Carrouges settle his dispute with his squire, Jacques Le Gris, by challenging him to a duel.

The Bourne Legacy

Dr. Donald Foite

2012

New CIA operative Aaron Cross experiences life-or-death stakes that have been triggered by the previous actions of Jason Bourne.

Donnie Brasco

Tim Curley

1997

An FBI undercover agent infiltrates the mob and identifies more with the mafia life at the expense of his regular one.

Tower Heist

Director Mazin

2011

A luxury condo manager leads a staff of workers to seek payback on the Wall Street swindler who defrauded them. With only days until the billionaire gets away with the perfect crime, the unlikely crew of amateur thieves enlists the help of petty crook Slide to steal the $20 million they’re sure is hidden in the penthouse.

Dogville

Ben

2003

When beautiful young Grace arrives in the isolated township of Dogville, the small community agrees to hide her from a gang of ruthless gangsters, and, in return, Grace agrees to do odd jobs for the townspeople.

The Courier

CIA Boss

2020

Cold War spy Greville Wynne and his Russian source try to put an end to the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Dancer in the Dark

District Attorney

2000

Selma, a Czech immigrant on the verge of blindness, struggles to make ends meet for herself and her son, who has inherited the same genetic disorder and will suffer the same fate without an expensive operation. When life gets too difficult, Selma learns to cope through her love of musicals, escaping life's troubles – even if just for a moment – by dreaming up little numbers to the rhythmic beats of her surroundings.

Seven Psychopaths

Paolo

2012

A struggling screenwriter inadvertently becomes entangled in the Los Angeles criminal underworld after his oddball friends kidnap a gangster's beloved Shih Tzu.

A Civil Action

Bill Crowley

1998

Jan Schlickmann is a cynical lawyer who goes out to 'get rid of' a case, only to find out it is potentially worth millions. The case becomes his obsession, to the extent that he is willing to give up everything—including his career and his clients' goals—in order to continue the case against all odds.

The Manchurian Candidate

Vaughn Utly

2004

Years after his squad was ambushed during the Gulf War, Major Ben Marco finds himself having terrible nightmares. He begins to doubt that his fellow squad-mate Sergeant Raymond Shaw, now a vice-presidential candidate, is the hero he remembers him being. As Marco's doubts deepen, Shaw's political power grows, and, when Marco finds a mysterious implant embedded in his back, the memory of what really happened begins to return.

The Words

Joseph Cutler

2012

The Words follows young writer Rory Jansen who finally achieves long sought after literary success after publishing the next great American novel. There's only one catch - he didn't write it. As the past comes back to haunt him and his literary star continues to rise, Jansen is forced to confront the steep price that must be paid for stealing another man's work, and for placing ambition and success above life's most fundamental three words.

Courage Under Fire

Banacek

1996

A US Army officer, who made a "friendly fire" mistake that was covered up, has been reassigned to a desk job. He is tasked to investigate a female chopper commander's worthiness to be awarded the Medal of Honor. At first all seems in order. But then he begins to notice inconsistencies between the testimonies of the witnesses...

School Ties

Mr. Cleary

1992

When David Greene receives a football scholarship to a prestigious prep school in the 1950s, he feels pressure to hide the fact that he is Jewish from his classmates and teachers, fearing that they may be anti-Semitic. He quickly becomes the big man on campus thanks to his football skills, but when his Jewish background is discovered, his worst fears are realized and his friends turn on him with violent threats and public ridicule.

Hannibal

Dr. Cordell Doemling

2001

After having successfully eluded the authorities for years, Hannibal peacefully lives in Italy in disguise as an art scholar. Trouble strikes again when he's discovered leaving a deserving few dead in the process. He returns to America to make contact with now disgraced Agent Clarice Starling, who is suffering the wrath of a malicious FBI rival as well as the media.

White Squall

Sanders

1996

In 1960, a hardy group of prep school students boards an old-fashioned sailing ship. With Capt. Christopher Sheldon at the helm, the oceangoing voyage is intended to teach the boys fortitude and discipline. But the youthful crew are about to get some unexpected instruction in survival when they get caught in the clutches of a white squall storm.

Manderlay

Dr. Hector

2005

In 1933, after leaving Dogville, Grace Margaret Mulligan sees a slave being punished at a cotton farm called Manderlay. Officially, slavery is illegal and Grace stands up against the farmers. She stays with some gangsters in Manderlay and tries to influence the situation. But when harvest time comes, Grace sees the social and economic reality of Manderlay.

Homicide: The Movie

Ed Danvers

2000

Retired police lieutenant Al Giardello is running for mayor when he is suddenly shot at a press conference. All of the detectives, past and present, clamor for an opportunity to help find the shooter.