ACTOR · BORN 1955
Xander Berkeley
- Born
- 16 December 1955, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, USA
- Known for
- The Walking Dead (2010), Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991), Kick-Ass (2010), Taken (2008)
14 archived facts 3 topics 1 source Last reviewed Sep 2026
All facts (14)
- #001
Xander Berkeley is known not only for his acting but also for his skill as a painter, sculptor and makeup artist. He put those talents to use on 24 (2001), designing the striking makeup himself for the radiation sickness that ravages his character. The detail shows how creative he is behind the camera as well as in front of it.
- #002
Berkeley reunited with his 24 (2001) co-star Reiko Aylesworth in the film Magma: Volcanic Disaster (2006). The meeting of their careers carries an odd parallel: the actors who played a boss and subordinate on 24 portrayed a married couple in Magma. Both characters had also been killed off on 24 by that point, making the coincidence of their reunion all the more notable.
- #003
A major turning point in Berkeley's family life came in 2010 with the birth of his daughter Rowan. The happy event opened a new chapter in both his private life and his career. Rowan's birth highlights Berkeley's experience of fatherhood and his devotion to his family.
- #004
The actor's second daughter, Olwyn Harper, was born on 23 September 2006. The date is recorded as an unforgettable day for the Berkeley family. Olwyn's birth once again demonstrates Berkeley's relationship with his children and the importance he places on family life.
- #005
There is a strange parallel in the careers of Berkeley and his wife, Sarah Clarke: both played treacherous government agents who help in an assassination attempt on a president. Berkeley took on the role in Air Force One (1997), while Clarke brought the same kind of character to life in 24 (2001). Although the couple both appeared in the first two seasons of 24, they shared almost no scenes on screen, showing how curiously their professional paths crossed.
- #006
Berkeley appeared as a guest actor in two different versions of The Twilight Zone, one of the classics of science fiction and fantasy. He first appeared in the 1985 series and then took part in the 2002 remake, proving himself to both old and new fans of the legendary show. The experience shows his flexibility in moving between genres and his ability to adapt to different productions.
- #007
Berkeley's filmography is filled with productions nominated for the Oscar, one of cinema history's most prestigious awards. As of 2015, he had appeared in two major films nominated for Best Picture: A Few Good Men (1992) and Apollo 13 (1995). Both films won critical acclaim and scored major box-office success, holding an important place in Berkeley's career.
- #008
Berkeley and Glenn Morshower both appeared as guest actors playing Las Vegas sheriffs on CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (2000), one of television's indispensable series. The partnership was not their only point of intersection: they also had recurring roles on 24 (2001) and appeared together in Air Force One (1997). The three collaborations show how strong Berkeley and Morshower's professional relationship is.
- #009
Berkeley's family tree has Scottish and English roots. This heritage adds a depth reflected in his physical appearance and perhaps in his acting style. The actor's origins may also explain how naturally he fits into roles in the English-speaking world.
- #010
Berkeley appeared alongside Carlos Bernard in The Killing Jar (1997), Bernard's first film. The experience was an important starting point in Bernard's career, since he later played one of the subordinates of Berkeley's character on 24 (2001), bringing their paths together once again. The coincidence shows how tight the bond between the actors is.
- #011
Berkeley also displayed his talents on the stage. He brought Tsar Nicholas II to life in the play "Grand Delusion," written by David Rock. Appearing alongside experienced names such as Amanda Detmer and Kurt Fuller, Berkeley portrayed a historical figure and once again proved how wide his acting range is.
- #012
Beyond television and film, Berkeley also appeared in the world of advertising. The actor featured in a commercial for the Audi V8, contributing to the car brand's luxury and performance-focused image. The experience shows how comfortable he is moving across different media platforms.
- #013
An interesting connection in Berkeley's career lies in his collaboration with cinematographer John J. Connor. Berkeley appeared in Short Time (1990), on which Connor served as cinematographer, and later played John Connor's stepfather in Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991). The coincidence shows how striking the similarities of names in his filmography can be.
- #014
Berkeley's filmography includes two productions notable for the wordplay in their titles: Short Time (1990) and Small Time (2014). Both titles consist of two words, and the second word in each is "time." The similarity stands out as a small but interesting coincidence in the actor's career and highlights the variety of his choices.
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