Patrick J. Adams

Patrick Johannes Adams (born August 27, 1981) is a Canadian-American actor. He is known for playing Mike Ross, a college dropout turned unlicensed lawyer, in the USA Network legal drama series '' Suits'' (2011–2019). His performance earned him a nomination in 2012 for the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series.

Early life and education

Patrick Johannes Adams was born in Toronto, Canada to Rowan Marsh & Claude Adams, a journalist. He attended Northern Secondary School.

Following his parents' divorce, Adams moved from Toronto to Los Angeles at age 19, where he attended the University of Southern California, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts. After earning the Jack Nicholson Award in 2004, which provided scholarships directly funded by the eponymous actor to outstanding performers at the school, and earning his BFA, he immediately began working on a production of Edward Albee's ''The Goat, or Who Is Sylvia?'' at the Mark Taper Forum.

Career

Television

Adams appeared in episodes of ''Cold Case'', ''Pretty Little Liars'', ''Jack & Bobby'', and has since had roles in '' Lost'', '' Friday Night Lights'', ''Without a Trace'', '' Commander in Chief'', '' Heartland'', ''Ghost Whisperer'', ''NCIS'', ''Cupid'', ''Luck'', '' Raising the Bar'', ''Legends of Tomorrow'', ''Lie to Me'' and '' Suits''. He starred as twin brothers in the 2008 ABC pilot '' Good Behavior'', executive produced by Rob Thomas. In 2009, he signed for the male lead in the one-hour drama ''The Dealership'', starring opposite Tricia Helfer and William Devane. His television appearances grew over the next few years, from guest appearances on ''Numb3rs'' to a recurring role as a love interest for Adrianne Palicki on '' Friday Night Lights'' and leads in TV features like the romantic comedy ''Christmas in Boston''.

In 2007, he moved up to guest appearances on top-rated shows like '' Lost'', where he played a young man who sought out John Locke (played by Terry O'Quinn). He also maintained his presence in the Los Angeles theater scene, most notably with an award-winning production of "Marat/Sade," which he produced and directed for the Blue House Theatre Company. In 2010, Adams guest starred in ''Pretty Little Liars'', in the 5th episode: "Reality Bites Me", as Ezra Fitz's college friend, Hardy.

In mid-2011, he began starring in the co-lead role of Mike Ross in '' Suits'' on the basic-cable USA Network, after being fired from the pilot of NBC's '' Friends with Benefits''.

He garnered much acclaim for his role in the series, which continued through its seventh season in 2017–18. Beginning in season 3, Adams was listed as a co-producer of ''Suits'' (with co-star Gabriel Macht), and directed some episodes. On January 30, 2018, it was announced Adams was departing from the show following the completion of its seventh season. He appeared in HBO's 2012 TV series ''Luck'' as recurring character Nathan Israel.

In 2016, Adams was cast as Hourman in the TV series ''Legends of Tomorrow''. Playing the Rex Tyler iteration, he appeared at the end of the season 1 finale before being killed off in the season 2 premiere.

In 2020, he was cast in the role of legendary astronaut John Glenn for the Disney+ series '' The Right Stuff''.

In 2024, Adams was added to the cast of '' The Madison'', an upcoming spinoff series of ''Yellowstone'', set to premiere in 2025.

Film

Adams's work in film includes supporting roles in '' Old School'' and ''Two: Thirteen'', and lead roles in '' Weather Girl'' (a 2009 Slamdance entry) and the 2009 Berlin International Film Festival competitor ''Rage'', directed by Sally Potter. In the beginning of 2018 he released his own first short film, ''We Are Here.'' He wrote, directed, and acted in the short film together with his wife Troian Bellisario.

Theatre

Adams made his Broadway debut in the Second Stage Theater revival of ''Take Me Out'', which was originally slated to open at the Hayes Theater in April 2020. But due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the show was postponed for two years; previews began on March 10, 2022, with the show officially opening on April 4, 2022. For his role in the play as Christopher "Kippy" Sunderstrom, Adams received a nomination from the Outer Critics Circle Awards for Outstanding Actor in a Play. ''Take Me Out'' won the Tony Award for Best Revival of a Play.

Personal life

Adams married Troian Bellisario (star of ''Pretty Little Liars'') on December 10, 2016, in Santa Barbara, California. The two met in 2009 when they were cast opposite each other in the play ''Equivocation'', then broke up briefly but got back together after Adams' guest appearance on ''Pretty Little Liars'' in 2010. They have two daughters, Aurora (born 2018) and Elliot (born 2021).

In an episode of the podcast ''Katie's Crib'' hosted by actress Katie Lowes, Adams and Bellisario said their second child was born in their car in the hospital's parking lot due to accelerated labour. Hospital staff quickly assisted them within minutes of the delivery. Adams is a naturalized citizen of the United States.

Adams was awarded Honorary Life Membership of University College Dublin Law Society in September 2013.

He plays the guitar and is an avid photographer who owns more than 25 cameras.
His photos were featured in ''Suits Behind the Lens'' and #PJAGallery exhibitions.

Filmography

Film

Television

References

External links

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Patrick Adams
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Adams, Patrick J.
Canadian male television actors
Canadian male film actors
Canadian male stage actors
Canadian expatriate male actors in the United States
Canadian people of German descent
Living people
1981 births
USC School of Dramatic Arts alumni
Male actors from Toronto
21st-century Canadian male actors
Bellisario family
Northern Secondary School alumni