Peter Krause

Peter Krause – Life, Career, and Famous Quotes

Peter Krause is a versatile American actor, director, and producer known for roles in Six Feet Under, Parenthood, 9-1-1, and more. Discover his life story, career milestones, philosophy, and memorable quotes in this comprehensive biography.

Introduction

Peter Krause stands as one of television’s most respected actors—quietly powerful, emotionally grounded, and remarkably consistent in delivering nuanced performances. Born August 12, 1965, Krause has built a career spanning decades across drama and family storytelling, becoming beloved for roles that feel honest and lived in. In an era of flash and spectacle, his strength lies in subtlety and heart—a legacy that continues to inspire both audiences and performers alike.

Early Life and Family

Peter William Krause was born on August 12, 1965, in Alexandria, Minnesota.

As a teen, Krause was active in athletics (track and field, gymnastics) and attended Alexander Ramsey High School in Roseville.

Youth and Education

After high school graduation in 1983, Krause enrolled at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minnesota, as a pre-med student. Story Theatre, Cloud 9, and The Dumb Waiter, gradually embracing acting as his calling.

In 1987, he earned his BA from Gustavus Adolphus College. Macbeth, Uncle Vanya, and Arms and the Man.

To support himself in New York, Krause worked part-time jobs, including bartending for Broadway’s Palace Theatre, where he encountered Aaron Sorkin—an eventual collaborator on Sports Night.

Career and Achievements

Early Roles & Breakthrough

Krause’s first feature film credit came in 1987’s Blood Harvest. Carol & Company (1990–91). Seinfeld, Beverly Hills, 90210, and Ellen. Cybill as Kevin.

His first major starring TV role was as Casey McCall on Sports Night (1998–2000), created by Aaron Sorkin.

Six Feet Under and Critical Recognition

Krause’s career reached new heights with HBO’s Six Feet Under (2001–2005), where he portrayed Nate Fisher, a conflicted funeral director navigating family, mortality, and identity.

During this time, Krause also appeared on Broadway in 2004 in Arthur Miller’s After the Fall.

Later TV & Film Work

After Six Feet Under, Krause led Dirty Sexy Money (2007–2009) as Nick George and served as a producer on the series. Parenthood, directing several episodes. The Catch (2016–2017).

In 2018, Krause took on the role of Bobby Nash on 9-1-1, a firefighter captain. He also served as executive producer on the show. 9-1-1’s creative direction led to his character being written out mid-season.

Beyond TV, Krause has appeared in films like Beastly (2011) and We Don’t Live Here Anymore (2004).

Historical Milestones & Context

Krause’s career arc parallels the evolution of prestige television. He thrived in the era when networks and cable began to shift toward more character-driven, serialized drama. As the medium matured, roles like Nate Fisher in Six Feet Under showed that television could probe existential themes with depth.

His willingness to take on family dramas (Parenthood), soap-adjacent intrigue (Dirty Sexy Money), and procedural heroism (9-1-1) demonstrates adaptability in an era where shows cross genres and demand multi-dimensional stars. He also embraced creative roles behind the camera (producer, director), reflecting the trend of actors seeking input in storytelling as television became more auteur-driven.

Legacy and Influence

Peter Krause’s legacy lies in his steadfast commitment to authenticity. He’s not known for grandstanding — instead, his greatest power is understatement. He has shown that an actor can build longevity by choosing roles that explore values, family, grief, redemption, and moral complexity.

Many emerging actors look to him as an example of consistency—how to stay true to craft rather than chase gimmicks. His career path—shifting between dramatic cable fare and more mainstream network roles—offers a blueprint for navigating an evolving TV landscape.

In the eyes of critics and viewers alike, Krause is often cited as one of the most trustworthy actors on television—a performer who does not draw attention to himself but ensures that his characters feel real and emotionally rich.

Personality and Talents

Krause is widely respected for his humility, professionalism, and quiet emotional intelligence. He rarely courts celebrity controversy; instead, he lets his work speak. In interviews and personal quotes, he often reflects on parenthood, communication, and the human condition with a contemplative tone.

His acting style is subtle and internal. He often conveys more with small gestures or silence than many actors can with monologues. He has shown versatility across genres—family drama, procedural, ensemble drama, soap-style intrigue—while maintaining a consistent throughline of sincerity.

Krause’s talents go beyond acting: as a director and producer, he has shaped episodes and story arcs (notably on Parenthood and 9-1-1) to maintain emotional coherence.

Famous Quotes of Peter Krause

Here are some of Peter Krause’s most resonant lines that reflect his worldview:

“I think that being a conscious parent opens your eyes to the fact that any adult relationships that you have … they’re modeling how they get along with people by what they see how you get along.”

“It sounds so trite but in relationships, you have to communicate.”

“At this point, I'm spoiled. I've actually had a really blessed career.”

“People are first and foremost Republicans, first and foremost Anarchists, first and foremost a man or woman, and that is a mistake. It hurts the individual and it hurts the whole.”

“My bones are tired from all the tragedy in me.”

“I’m very wary of large groups of people getting together and trying to believe the same thing. It never seems to end well, whether it's political or religious or whatever.”

“I started college Pre-Med. That lasted about half a semester.”

“Well I'm not much of a singer. But it’s been a really nice time to do film, television, theater and have it all happening at once. That wasn’t planned but it just happens.”

“I think every show on television has its place. … some people want to go home, turn on the TV … not have to follow the story.”

“We live in a country where people still get beaten to death because of their sexual orientation.”

These quotes reveal Krause’s introspection, sense of justice, and respect for relationships.

Lessons from Peter Krause

1. Choose substance over flash. Krause’s career shows that depth and consistency can outlast trends.

2. Embrace growth. He shifted from aspiring pre-med student to actor, then expanded into directing and producing.

3. Balance is possible. He has built a career while maintaining relative privacy and integrity.

4. Let your work speak. Krause’s greatest impact comes from the authenticity of his performances, not from self-promotion.

5. Relationships shape legacy. He often speaks about how life and art derive strength from genuine connections—on- and off-screen.

Conclusion

Peter Krause may not be the loudest star in Hollywood, but his resonance is profound. Through decades of embodying flawed, loving, wounded, and hopeful characters, he's earned a place in viewers’ hearts as a performer who truly listens to human stories. Whether in the quiet pain of Six Feet Under, the warmth of Parenthood, or the heroism of 9-1-1, Krause's legacy is one of trust, integrity, and emotional truth.

If you’d like, I can pull together a curated photo gallery, video highlights, or transcript of a favorite interview of his—just let me know.