James Spader Biography
James Spader is an American actor. He is known for often portraying eccentric and morally ambiguous characters. Spader started his career acting in youth-oriented films. In 1981, Spader made his debut in the film Endless Love, marking the beginning of his prominent presence in the film industry. Following this, he secured his first leading role in Tuff Turf in 1985.
James Spader Age / Birthday
As of 2024, Spader is 63 years old, he was born on February 7, 1960, in Boston, Massachusetts, in the United States of America. He celebrates his birthday on February 7 every year.
James Spader Height / Measurements
Spader is of average body stature and stands at an approximate height of 5 feet 10 inches tall.
James Spader Partner / Wife
Spader has never been married, although he has had two long-term relationships. Spader met Victoria Kheel, a set decorator and yoga instructor, in the 1980s while working in a yoga studio after he moved to New York City. They married in 1987. Spader began dating Stefanson, his former Alien Hunter (2003) co-star, in 2002. The couple has been together for over 20 years and are not married.
James Spader Kids / Children
Spader has three sons from two different relationships. Sebastian Spader (born 1989) and Elijah Spader (born 1992) are from his marriage to interior designer Victoria Kheel, which lasted from 1987 to 2004. Sebastian has chosen a private life outside the spotlight, while Elijah works in the entertainment industry behind the scenes, reportedly having graduated from the Los Angeles Film School with a degree in Audio Production. Nathaneal Spader (born 2008) is from his current relationship with actress Leslie Stefanson, whom he has been with since 2002. Nathaneal, the youngest of the three, is still relatively young and his future career path remains to be seen.
James Spader Sons
Spader has three sons from two relationships. Sebastian Spader who was born in 1989 is the eldest son, born from James Spader’s marriage to decorator Victoria Kheel. Elijah Spader (born in 1992) is the second son, also born from James Spader’s marriage to Victoria Kheel. Nathaneal Spader (born in 2008) is the youngest son, born from James Spader’s current relationship with actress Leslie Stefanson.
James Spader Family / Relatives
Spader’s parents were both educators. His mother, Jean Fraser Spader, was an English teacher, while his father, Stoddard Greenwood “Todd” Spader, was a teacher of history and art. Spader is the youngest of three children. He has two older sisters, Libby Spader and Annie Spader. Spader has described his upbringing as “progressive and liberal,” and he credits his parents with instilling in him a strong sense of curiosity and a love of learning.
He has also said that his mother’s influence is evident in his love of language and storytelling. Spader’s parents have always been supportive of his acting career. They attended many of his early plays and films, and they continue to be his biggest fans.
James Spader Education
During his early education, he attended many private schools, including The Pike School in Andover where his mother taught art, and the Brooks School in North Andover where his father was a teacher. He later transferred to Phillips Academy, befriended former President John F. Kennedy’s son John F. Kennedy Jr., dropped out at the age of seventeen, and moved to New York City to pursue his acting career. While studying to become a full-time actor, Spader undertook jobs including bartending, teaching yoga, driving a meat truck, loading railroad cars, and being a stable boy.
James Spader Career
Spader’s initial significant film appearance occurred in the movie “Endless Love” (1981), with his first leading role in “Tuff Turf” (1985). His breakthrough came in 1986 with the portrayal of the wealthy and arrogant Steff in “Pretty in Pink.” Following that, he featured in “Mannequin” (1987) and the film adaptation of “Less than Zero” (1987), where he played the role of a drug dealer named Rip.
In the early 1990s, Spader took on diverse roles, including a young widower in the romantic drama “White Palace” (1990), a yuppie encountering Rob Lowe in the noir drama “Bad Influence” (1990), John Cusack’s best friend in the drama “True Colors” (1991), and a poker-playing drifter in “The Music of Chance” (1993).
From 2004 to 2008, Spader starred as Alan Shore in the series “Boston Legal,” reprising his role from the television series “The Practice” (2002). Despite initial resistance to casting Spader, he won the Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series in 2004 for his portrayal in “The Practice” and again in 2005 and 2007 for “Boston Legal.” Additionally, he narrated the first episode of Discovery Channel’s documentary series “Discovery Atlas” in October 2006 and did voice-over work for Acura commercials.
In December 2009, Spader took the stage in the play “Race,” written and directed by David Mamet, at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre on Broadway. He later starred in the NBC television series “The Blacklist,” which premiered on September 23, 2013, and concluded its ten-season run on July 13, 2023. In the series, he portrayed Raymond “Red” Reddington, one of the FBI’s most wanted fugitives. Additionally, Spader played the villainous robot Ultron in “Avengers: Age of Ultron” (2015).
James Spader Net Worth
Through Spader’s career as an Actor, he has been able to accumulate a net worth that ranges between $30 Million and $ 35 Million.
James Spader Blacklist
Spader’s portrayal of Raymond “Red” Reddington in the hit crime thriller series “The Blacklist” is undeniably iconic. Reddington is a former high-ranking U.S. Navy intelligence officer and one of the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives. Spader brings Red to life with a captivating blend of charm, wit, and menace. He effortlessly delivers Red’s signature dry humor, cryptic pronouncements, and occasional bursts of ruthless pragmatism.
James Spader Pretty in Pink
Spader in Pretty in Pink! That’s a classic 80s teen movie moment right there. He plays Steff McKee, the bad boy with a heart of gold. Spader brings a certain swagger and charisma to the role, despite Steff being the antagonist to Andrew McCarthy’s Blane for Andie’s affections. He’s got the cool leather jacket, the slicked-back hair, and the effortless sneer that made him the quintessential 80s bad boy.
James Spader Boston Legal
Spader’s portrayal of Alan Shore in Boston Legal is considered one of his most iconic and critically acclaimed roles. Shore is known for his quick wit, sharp tongue, and silver-tongued persuasion. He can twist words and turn logic on its head, often leaving opponents and audiences alike both charmed and disarmed. While a brilliant lawyer, Shore’s ethics are often questionable. He bends the rules, exploits loopholes, and even flirts with illegality to win cases. This moral ambiguity adds complexity and intrigue to his character.
James Spader Stargate
Spader did portray Dr. Daniel Jackson in the original 1994 Stargate movie, directed by Roland Emmerich. His take on the Egyptologist-turned-linguist was distinct, with a charmingly quirky and intellectual air. However, it’s important to note that Spader’s role in Stargate was a one-time thing. When the franchise transitioned to television with “Stargate SG-1,” the character of Daniel Jackson was recast with Michael Shanks, who went on to play the role for ten seasons and several spin-offs.
James Spader Movies and TV Shows
Movies
- Pretty in Pink (1986): Spader gained recognition for his portrayal of the charming yet aloof Steff in this iconic teen comedy.
- Sex, Lies, and Videotape (1989): He delivered a breakthrough performance as the enigmatic Graham Dalton in this Palme d’Or-winning drama, solidifying his status as a rising star.
- White Palace (1990): Spader took on a darker role as the manipulative Max Baron in this erotic thriller.
- Stargate (1994): He played the villainous Dr. Daniel Jackson in this sci-fi adventure film, showcasing his range in blockbuster productions.
- Crash (1996): Spader delivered a chilling performance as the sadistic James Ballard in this David Cronenberg-directed drama, earning critical acclaim.
- L.A. Confidential (1997): He had a supporting role as the sleazy lawyer Vincent Jennings in this neo-noir crime thriller.
TV Shows
- The Practice (2003-2004) & Boston Legal (2004-2008): Spader’s portrayal of the witty and morally ambiguous lawyer Alan Shore in these legal dramas earned him three Emmy Awards and solidified his status as a television powerhouse.
- The Office (2011-2012): He brought comedic brilliance to the role of the eccentric and enigmatic CEO Robert California in this iconic sitcom.
- The Blacklist (2013-2023): Spader currently stars as the enigmatic Raymond “Red” Reddington, a former criminal mastermind who assists the FBI in capturing high-profile criminals, in this long-running crime thriller.
- Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015): Spader voiced the villainous AI Ultron in this Marvel superhero film.
- Lincoln (2012): He had a supporting role as W.N. Bilbo in this Steven Spielberg-directed historical drama.
- The Homesman (2014): Spader played the cunning Aloysius Duffy in this Tommy Lee Jones-directed Western.
James Spader Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
Spader is active on his social media accounts. He has about 26.9k followers on his Facebook Page, about 6.2k followers on his Twitter account, and around 73.5k followers on his Instagram account.