Reed Birney Biography: Children, Age, Height, Net Worth, Parents, Spouse, Movies, Siblings
Reed McDowell Birney, professionally known as Reed Birney, is an American actor whose career has encompassed Broadway, television, and film.
He gained widespread recognition for portraying Vice President Donald Blythe in the political thriller series House of Cards, while his acclaimed stage work established him as a prominent Broadway performer.
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Birney has built his career through a mix of theatrical and screen roles, earning major recognition for performances in productions such as Casa Valentina and The Humans.
His work in The Humans earned him the Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play in 2016, and he later appeared in films and television series including Mass, The Menu, Succession, Silo, and The Handmaid’s Tale.
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| Wiki Facts & About Data | |
| Real Name: | Reed McDowell Birney |
| Stage Name: | Reed Birney |
| Born: | September 11, 1954 (age 72 years old) |
| Place of Birth: | Alexandria, Virginia, United States |
| State Of Origin: | Virginia, United States |
| Nationality: | American |
| Ethnicity: | American |
| Height: | 178 cm |
| Religion: | Christianity |
| Parents: | James Gillespie Birney, Marion Elizabeth Marsh |
| Siblings: | James Gillespie Birney III, Chapin Scott Birney, Dion Scott Birney III, Leslie Ann Birney |
| Spouse: | Constance Shulman |
| Relationship: | Married |
| Children: | Gus Birney, Ephraim Birney |
| Occupation: | Actor |
| Net Worth: | $4 million |
Early Life and Education
Reed McDowell Birney was born on September 11, 1954, in Alexandria, Virginia, and is now 72 years old.
He was raised by his parents, James Gillespie Birney and Marion Elizabeth Marsh, alongside his siblings, James Gillespie Birney III, Chapin Scott Birney, Dion Scott Birney III, and Leslie Ann Birney.
His upbringing in Virginia provided an early connection to the arts and local community life.
Birney later pursued formal training in acting and theatre at Boston University College of Fine Arts. His studies helped prepare him for a professional career in stage and screen acting, and after completing his education, he began pursuing opportunities in the American entertainment industry.
Personal Life
Reed Birney married actress Constance Shulman on July 3, 1999. The couple has two children, Gus Birney and Ephraim Birney, both of whom have pursued careers in acting.
Birney and Shulman have maintained a long-term marriage while working in entertainment. Their children have also developed careers in film and television, continuing the family’s connection to professional acting.
Career
Reed Birney began his professional screen career in 1976 with a role in the independent film Not a Pretty Picture.
He continued appearing in film and television productions during the following decade, including the miniseries Kane & Abel in 1986.
His stage career became an important part of his professional work, with Birney appearing in numerous Broadway and off-Broadway productions. In 2014, he received a Tony Award nomination for Best Featured Actor in a Play for his performance in Casa Valentina.
Birney reached another major career milestone in 2016 when he won the Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play for his role as Erik Blake in The Humans.
The production became one of his most acclaimed stage appearances and further established his reputation in American theatre.
His television profile expanded significantly through his recurring role as Donald Blythe in House of Cards, which he played from 2013 to 2017.
He subsequently appeared as Tom Connolly in The Blacklist and took supporting roles in productions including The Americans, Gossip Girl, and The Report. In film, Birney received recognition for his performance in Mass, the 2021 drama directed by Fran Kranz.
He later played Richard in the 2022 black comedy horror film The Menu. His subsequent television credits included The Handmaid’s Tale, Poker Face, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, Silo, and Succession.
Awards
- Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play – Casa Valentina – Nominated (2014)
- Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play – The Humans – Won (2016)
- Independent Spirit Robert Altman Award – Mass – Won (2021)
Net Worth
Reed Birney has an estimated net worth of $4 million.
He has earned this income through decades of work in Broadway productions, television series, feature films, and other professional acting engagements.
Filmography
- Not a Pretty Picture (1976)
- The Greatest Man in the World (1980)
- Four Friends (1981)
- Crimewave (1985)
- Kane & Abel (1986)
- A Perfect Murder (1998)
- The Ten (2007)
- Gossip Girl (2007)
- Changeling (2008)
- Twelve Thirty (2010)
- Girl Most Likely (2012)
- House of Cards (2013)
- The Blacklist (2014)
- The Americans (2014)
- The Report (2019)
- Lost Girls (2020)
- Strawberry Mansion (2021)
- Home Before Dark (2021)
- Mass (2021)
- The Menu (2022)
- The Handmaid’s Tale (2022)
- Poker Face (2023)
- Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (2023)
- Silo (2023)
- Succession (2023)
- Blue Film (2025)
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