Peter Krause, born on August 12, 1965, in Alexandria, Minnesota, has become a prominent figure in American television. Raised in Roseville, Minnesota, by parents who were both educators, Krause’s journey to becoming a celebrated actor is a testament to his dedication and talent. With a degree in English Literature from Gustavus Adolphus College and a Master of Fine Arts in Acting from New York University, his academic background laid a solid foundation for a versatile acting career.
Krause’s initial foray into acting included a role in the horror film Blood Harvest (1987). Early in his career, he gained experience through appearances on Carol & Company (1990), a comedy series where he worked alongside Carol Burnett and Richard Kind, playing different characters weekly. Following this, he took on guest roles that showcased his range, from playing a white supremacist in The Limo (1992) to a recurring part in Beverly Hills, 90210 (1990). The mid-1990s saw Krause in various guest-starring roles on shows like Ellen, University Hospital, Caroline in the City, The Drew Carey Show, and Party of Five, demonstrating his growing presence in television. He also secured a significant recurring role as Kevin Blanders in Cybill (1995), further establishing his career.
In 1998, Peter Krause’s career began to ascend to new heights. He appeared in The Truman Show (1998) and landed a starring role in Aaron Sorkin’s critically acclaimed comedy-drama Sports Night (1998) on ABC. As sports anchor Casey McCall, Krause garnered attention for his portrayal of a professional navigating the pressures of live television. Sports Night, despite its cancellation in 2000, remains a beloved series and highlighted Krause’s ability to handle complex and nuanced characters.
Following Sports Night, Krause secured another defining role as Nate Fisher in HBO’s Six Feet Under (2001), created by Alan Ball. This role as a funeral director grappling with family dynamics and mortality earned him widespread critical acclaim. His performance led to three Emmy nominations and two Golden Globe nominations, solidifying his status as a leading television actor. Six Feet Under, which ran until 2005, is often cited as one of the greatest television series of all time, and Krause’s portrayal of Nate Fisher is central to its impact.
After Six Feet Under, Peter Krause continued to take on leading roles in television. He starred in the miniseries The Lost Room (2006) and produced and starred in the thriller Civic Duty (2006). In 2007, he took the lead role in Dirty Sexy Money (2007), playing a lawyer for a wealthy New York family. While Dirty Sexy Money concluded in 2009, Krause quickly moved on to another significant role in Parenthood (2010). As Adam Braverman in Parenthood, Krause played a central figure in a family drama that resonated with audiences for six seasons, ending in 2015.
In more recent years, Peter Krause has remained a constant presence on television. He starred in the crime drama The Catch (2016) and, in 2017, joined the cast of Ryan Murphy’s 9-1-1 (2018). In 9-1-1, Krause portrays fire captain Bobby Nash, a character that has allowed him to showcase both dramatic depth and leadership qualities. He also serves as an executive producer for 9-1-1, indicating his continued involvement and influence in television production. From his early roles to his current success in 9-1-1, Peter Krause’s career is marked by consistent performances and a dedication to his craft, making him a respected and enduring actor in the industry.
