Luke Grimes was born on Jan. 21, 1984 in Dayton, Ohio. The son of a Pentecostal pastor, Grimes grew up in what he's described as a strict religious household, but he'd always had dreams of moving to Hollywood to become an actor. After graduating from a private Christian high school in 2002, he set out to do just that, beginning his acting studies at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City.
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His first big acting gig came with a role in the ABC family drama Brothers & Sisters in 2009. He went on to have a recurring role in the HBO vampire series True Blood before his big-screen breakthroughs on American Sniper and the Fifty Shades series. There are now over 25 Luke Grimes movies and TV shows on his acting resume.
Grimes is perhaps best known for his role as Kayce Dutton in the smash-hit Western show Yellowstone (2018-present). He fell in love with the Montana countryside in which the series is filmed and bought a house there with his wife, Brazilian supermodel Bianca Rodrigues Grimes.
Inspired by the outlaw country music he'd hear on hunting trips with his father, who passed away in 2022, Grimes recently began a career as a country music singer. His debut EP, Pain Pills Or Pews, is out on October 20, followed by an eight-show North American tour.
Grimes says he's far from done with acting, however. He took his first foray into the romantic comedy genre this summer with Happiness for Beginners and the back half of Yellowstone season 5 is among the most highly anticipated events in television history.
If you find yourself wanting to know which Luke Grimes movies are worth watching, we've rounded up some of his best to date. Let's look back on the career of Luke Grimes by examining his 10 best starring roles across both film and television.
10. Taken 2 (2012)
Twentieth Century Fox
Also starring: Liam Neeson, Maggie Grace, Famke Janssen
In Taken 2, Luke Grimes played the role of Jamie, the son of Liam Neeson's character, Bryan Mills. The film is a sequel to the action-packed Taken, where Bryan Mills is once again thrust into a dangerous mission. This time, Mills and his family find themselves in Istanbul, where they become the target of a vengeful crime lord seeking revenge. Grimes' role as Jamie showcases his ability to handle intense action sequences while portraying a character's vulnerability and determination. The film's memorable moments include high-stakes chases and Liam Neeson's signature "particular set of skills," but Grimes' contribution adds depth to the family dynamic and the film's overall tension.
9. Shangri-La Suite (2015)
Gravitas Ventures
Also starring: Emily Browning, Avan Jogia, Ashley Greene
Shangri-La Suite is a crime drama that explores the tragic love story of two young lovers on a cross-country crime spree in the 1970s. Luke Grimes plays Jack, one half of the ill-fated duo, alongside Emily Browning's Karen. Grimes delivers a compelling performance, embodying the rebellious spirit and desperate yearning of his character. His portrayal adds emotional weight to the film as viewers witness the tragic consequences of their actions. The film offers a unique blend of romance, crime, and tragedy, with Grimes' performance standing out as a testament to his ability to convey complex emotions.
8. Freeheld (2015)
Lionsgate
Also starring: Julianne Moore, Elliot Page, Michael Shannon
Freeheld is a powerful drama based on a true story, focusing on the fight for equal rights. Luke Grimes plays Todd Belkin, the conservative partner of Laurel Hester (Julianne Moore), a terminally ill police officer fighting to secure her pension benefits for her domestic partner, Stacie Andree (Page). Grimes' role as Todd brings an emotional dimension to the film, highlighting the complexities of the characters' relationships and the importance of the legal battle. Grimes' performance adds depth and heart to the film, making it a moving tribute to a landmark moment in the struggle for LGBTQ+ rights.
7. Assassination of a High School President (2008)
Yari Film Group
Also starring: Bruce Willis, Mischa Barton, Reece Thompson
In Assassination of a High School President, Luke Grimes plays the role of Marlon Piazza, a high school student embroiled in a complex web of corruption and intrigue. The film is a dark comedy that blends elements of a high school coming-of-age story with a detective thriller. Grimes' portrayal of Marlon showcases his ability to capture the essence of a young and curious teenager caught up in a bizarre mystery. While Bruce Willis leads the cast, Grimes' performance as a key supporting character adds depth and complexity to the film, making it a memorable and entertaining high school caper.
6. War Eagle, Arkansas (2008)
Monarch Home Entertainment
Also starring: Dan McCabe, Mary Kay Place, Chris Egan
Grimes takes on the role of Enoch, a young man with a speech impediment who forms a deep and unlikely friendship with his disabled friend. The film explores themes of friendship, acceptance, and the challenges of growing up with disabilities. Grimes' portrayal of Enoch is touching and genuine, capturing the vulnerability and resilience of his character. The film's emotional depth and Grimes' performance make it a heartwarming and thought-provoking cinematic experience.
5. The Magnificent Seven (2016)
MGM, Colombia Pictures
Also starring: Denzel Washington, Chris Pratt, Ethan Hawke
In the action-packed The Magnificent Seven, Luke Grimes plays the role of Teddy Q, one of the seven gunmen hired to protect a town from a ruthless industrialist and his henchmen. The film is a remake of the classic Western, and Grimes' performance as Teddy Q adds youthful energy and skill to the ensemble cast. Grimes holds his own alongside acting heavyweights like Denzel Washington and Chris Pratt, showcasing his ability to excel in high-octane action films. His memorable performance contributes to the film's adrenaline-pumping excitement and keeps viewers engaged from start to finish.
4. Brothers & Sisters (2006 - 2011)
Michael Desmond/Disney General Entertainment
Also starring: Sally Field, Calista Flockhart, Dave Annable
In the popular TV series Brothers & Sisters, Luke Grimes played the recurring role of Ryan Lafferty. The show revolved around the Walker family and their complex relationships. Grimes' character, Ryan, was a pivotal part of the family dynamics, and his portrayal added depth to the storyline. His performance in the series showcased his ability to navigate the intricacies of family drama and emotional conflicts, earning him recognition for his role in this ensemble cast.
3. American Sniper (2014)
Warner Bros.
Also starring: Bradley Cooper, Sienna Miller, Kyle Gallner
American Sniper is a gripping war drama directed by Clint Eastwood, based on the life of Navy SEAL sniper Chris Kyle, portrayed by Bradley Cooper. Luke Grimes plays Marc Lee, one of Chris Kyle's fellow SEALs and close friends. Grimes' role in the film is a testament to his versatility as an actor, as he seamlessly transitions into the intense and emotionally charged world of military action.
2. Happiness For Beginners (2023)
Barbara Nitke/Netflix
Also starring: Ellie Kemper, Ben Cook, Nico Santos
This Netflix rom-com, based on Katherine Center's novel of the same name, marked Grimes' debut in the genre. He was charming and natural in his starring role opposite The Office alum Ellie Kemper. The film follows Helen Carpenter (Kemper), who finds herself, and unexpected love, post-divorce after signing herself up for a wilderness survival course. It's a different role for Grimes who typically gravitates towards action and drama, but it seems studying comedy star Hugh Grant for the role paid off.
1. Yellowstone (2018 - 2023)
Paramount Network
Also starring: Kevin Costner, Kelly Reilly, Wes Bentley, Cole Hauser
Yellowstone is a modern Western drama series co-created by Taylor Sheridan, where Luke Grimes stars as Kayce Dutton, one of the key characters in the show. Grimes' portrayal of Kayce, a conflicted character torn between family loyalty and moral dilemmas, is a standout performance in the series.
