Billy Magnussen
Billy Magnussen – Life, Career, and Highlights
Explore the life and career of Billy Magnussen (born April 20, 1985) — the American actor known for film, television, and theater roles from Into the Woods to No Time to Die. Discover his background, major works, versatility, and more.
Introduction
William Gregory “Billy” Magnussen (born April 20, 1985) is an American actor and musician whose work spans Broadway, off-Broadway theater, television, and major films. He’s known for his versatility, moving between comedic and dramatic roles, musicals and action, supporting and lead parts. Particularly recognizable for roles in Into the Woods, Aladdin, No Time to Die, and the HBO Max series Made for Love, Magnussen has carved a niche as a dynamic and expressive performer.
Early Life & Family
Billy Magnussen was born in Woodhaven, Queens, New York City on April 20, 1985. His mother, Daina, worked as an aerobics instructor; his father, Greg Magnussen, was a professional bodybuilder and kickboxer. He has two younger brothers.
When he was around age 10, his family moved to Cumming, Georgia, where he continued his upbringing. He attended South Forsyth High School, graduating in 2003. Later, he studied at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, earning a BFA.
Magnussen is of mixed descent: his maternal grandparents were immigrants from Lithuania, and he also has Norwegian ancestry.
Career & Major Works
Billy Magnussen’s career has been eclectic and expansive, covering stage, screen, and television. Below is a breakdown:
Theater / Stage
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In 2007, he made his Broadway debut in The Ritz.
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In 2013, he starred in Christopher Durang’s Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike on Broadway, playing Spike, and earned a Tony Award nomination for Best Featured Actor in a Play.
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He also performed Sex With Strangers off-Broadway in 2014.
Film Highlights
Magnussen’s film roles include:
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Into the Woods (2014) — playing Rapunzel’s Prince.
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Bridge of Spies (2015)
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Birth of the Dragon (2016)
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Game Night (2018)
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Aladdin (2019) — he played the original character Prince Anders in Disney’s live-action adaptation.
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No Time to Die (2021) — he portrayed CIA officer Logan Ash.
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Other more recent roles include Spy Kids: Armageddon (2023) as Ray “The King” Kingston, and a casting in Lilo & Stitch (live-action).
Television & Streaming
On the small screen, Magnussen has had significant roles:
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Early in his career, he acted in As the World Turns (soap opera) as Casey Hughes.
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He appeared in shows like NCIS: Los Angeles, Law & Order: Criminal Intent, CSI, Boardwalk Empire, and The Leftovers.
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In 2017, he had a recurring part in Get Shorty.
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In 2018, he starred in the Netflix / limited series Maniac.
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From 2021 onward, he was a lead in HBO Max’s Made for Love.
Personality, Style & Skills
Magnussen is known for being adaptable — able to shift between comedy, drama, musical, and action roles. His stage training gives him a presence that carries into film and television.
He also has musical abilities: early in his life, he played bass in a rock band called The Dash, and later was a contributing songwriter and also plays guitar in the band Reserved for Rondee.
Magnussen has commented in interviews about bringing authenticity and emotional depth even to roles that may appear stylized or comedic. (For example, his turn in Made for Love involves layers beneath an eccentric exterior.)
Achievements & Recognition
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Tony Award nomination, 2013 — for Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike (Best Featured Actor in a Play).
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He’s been praised for strong ensemble work (e.g. Game Night) and for bringing nuance to supporting roles.
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His range and ability to fluently move between Broadway, film, and streaming has earned him respect as a working actor who doesn’t stick to a single “type.”
Recent & Personal Life
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As of September 2025, a major personal update: Billy Magnussen got engaged to photographer and creative director Erica Firestone during a beach proposal in Sardinia, Italy.
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In recent years he’s continued to take on diverse roles: for example, in 2024 he starred in Road House, embracing more “bad guy” type characters.
Lessons & Takeaways
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Versatility matters
Magnussen’s career shows that actors who are flexible—able in theater, musicals, dramas, comedies—can sustain interesting trajectories. -
Value of grounding in theater
His theater roots help him bring presence and emotional clarity to film and TV roles. -
Don’t fear supporting roles
Some of his most interesting work comes in supporting or character roles — depth matters more than size. -
Continual growth
Moving from musicals to action to streaming shows commitment to evolving rather than stagnating.