Chris Klein Biography: Wife, Age, Children, Net Worth, Height, Movies & TV Shows, Parents

Frederick Christopher Klein also known as Chris Klein is an American actor best known for his role as Chris “Oz” Ostreicher in the American Pie film series (1999–2012) and as the villain Cicada in the fifth season of The Flash (2018–2019).

His career spans teen comedies, dramas, and television, showcasing his versatility as an actor.

Profile

• Full Name: Frederick Christopher Klein
• Stage Name: Chris Klein
• Born: March 14, 1979
• Age: 46 years old
• Birthplace: Hinsdale, Illinois, USA
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Actor
• Height: 185 cm (6’1″)
• Parent: Fred Klein, Terese Bergen
• Siblings: Debbie Klein, Timothy Klein
• Spouse: Laina Rose Thyfault (m. 2015)
• Children: Frederick Easton Klein, Isla Rose Klein
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $3,000,000

Early Life and Education

Chris Klein was born on March 14, 1979, in Hinsdale, Illinois, to Fred Klein, an engineer, and Terese Bergen, a kindergarten teacher.

His ethnicity is a mix of German, Irish, and English descent, and his religious beliefs align with Christianity, though not publicly emphasized.

He grew up with an older sister, Debbie, and a younger brother, Timothy, in Hinsdale until age 13, when his family moved to Omaha, Nebraska.

There, he attended Millard West High School, graduating in 1997, where he was active in the varsity swim team, football (linebacker and cornerback), and performed in the school’s production of West Side Story.

Klein briefly attended Texas Christian University, where he was a member of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity, but left to pursue acting after being cast in Election (1999).

Career

Klein’s acting career began when director Alexander Payne cast him as Paul Metzler in the dark comedy Election (1999) during his senior year of high school, discovered while Payne scouted Omaha for filming locations.

His breakout role came later that year as Chris “Oz” Ostreicher in American Pie (1999), which he reprised in American Pie 2 (2001) and American Reunion (2012).

He starred in films like Here on Earth (2000), Say It Isn’t So (2001), Rollerball (2002), We Were Soldiers (2002), The United States of Leland (2003), Just Friends (2005), and American Dreamz (2006).

His action role in Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li (2009) expanded his range.

On television, he played Drew in Wilfred (2011–2014) and the villain Cicada in The Flash (2018–2019).

From 2020 to 2023, he starred as Bill Townsend in Netflix’s Sweet Magnolias.

He also appeared in the slasher film Fear Street: Prom Queen (2025).

Klein has balanced mainstream and independent projects, maintaining a steady presence in the industry.

Awards and Nominations

Chicago Film Critics Association Award:

• 2000: Most Promising Actor for American Pie (Won)

Teen Choice Awards:

• 2000: Choice Breakout Performance for American Pie (Won)
• 2000: Choice Chemistry for Road Trip (Nominated)

MTV Movie Awards:

• 2001: Best Kiss for American Pie (Nominated)

Online Film & Television Association:

• 2000: Best Breakthrough Performance for American Pie (Nominated)

Social Media

• Instagram handle: @iamchrisklein
• Facebook handle: Chris Klein
• Twitter handle: @iamchrisklein

Personal Life

Chris Klein, 46, resides in Los Angeles, California, with his wife, Laina Rose Thyfault, a travel agent, whom he married in August 2015.

They have two children: son Frederick Easton Klein (born 2016) and daughter Isla Rose Klein (born 2018).

Standing at 185 cm (6’1″) with brown hair and hazel eyes, Klein is a Pisces, known for his empathetic and grounded personality.

He was previously engaged to actress Katie Holmes from 2003 to 2005.

Klein faced legal issues with DUI arrests in 2005 (San Diego, fined $1,800) and 2010 (Los Angeles), but has since focused on his career and family.

Filmography

• Election (1999, film) – Paul Metzler
• American Pie (1999, film) – Chris “Oz” Ostreicher
• Here on Earth (2000, film) – Kelley Morse
• American Pie 2 (2001, film) – Chris “Oz” Ostreicher
• Say It Isn’t So (2001, film) – Gilbert Noble
• Rollerball (2002, film) – Jonathan Cross
• We Were Soldiers (2002, film) – 2nd Lt. Jack Geoghegan
• The United States of Leland (2003, film) – Allen Harris
• Just Friends (2005, film) – Dusty Dinkleman
• American Dreamz (2006, film) – William Williams
• Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li (2009, film) – Charlie Nash
• Wilfred (2011–2014, TV series) – Drew (8 episodes)
• Authors Anonymous (2014, film) – Henry Obert
• The Flash (2018–2019, TV series) – Orlin Dwyer / Cicada (14 episodes)
• Sweet Magnolias (2020–2023, TV series) – Bill Townsend (30 episodes)
• Fear Street: Prom Queen (2025, film) – Supporting Role

Net Worth

Chris Klein’s estimated net worth is approximately $3,000,000.

His income is derived from his acting roles in films and television, notably American Pie, The Flash, and Sweet Magnolias, along with residuals and occasional endorsements.

His net worth reflects a steady career in both mainstream and independent projects.