Chris Klein

Frederick Christopher Klein (born March 14, 1979) is an American actor. He made his on-screen debut with a supporting role in the dark comedy film Election before his breakout starring role as Chris "Oz" Ostreicher in the teen sex comedy film American Pie (1999). He reprised his role in two sequels: American Pie 2 (2001) and American Reunion (2012).

Following American Pie, Klein starred in the comedy films Say It Isn't So (2001), Just Friends (2005), and American Dreamz (2006), and had lead roles in the drama film Here on Earth (2000) and the science fiction sports film Rollerball (2002). He also starred in the war film We Were Soldiers (2002), the drama film The United States of Leland (2003), and the martial arts action film Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li (2009).

After a starring role in the film Authors Anonymous (2014) and a recurring role as Drew on the FX sitcom Wilfred (2011–2014), Klein experienced a career resurgence in the late 2010s with his main role as Orlin Dwyer / Cicada on season 5 of the CW superhero television series The Flash (2018–2019). Following The Flash, he had a main role as Bill Townsend on the first three seasons of the Netflix drama series Sweet Magnolias (2020–2023) and starred in the slasher film Fear Street: Prom Queen (2025).

Early life Klein was born in Hinsdale, Illinois, and moved to Omaha, Nebraska, at age 13, and later attended Millard West High School.

Career

Klein made his on-screen debut with a supporting role in the comedy film Election (1999). The film was released in April 1999, to positive reviews. Soon after, Klein found steady work in the film industry while briefly attending TCU, where he studied theater and was a member of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. He was next seen in American Pie, acting as Christopher Russell Ostreicher, which opened on July 9, 1999, and was a box office success. Klein then starred in Here on Earth (2000) alongside LeeLee Sobieski and Josh Hartnett and Say It Isn't So (2001) with Heather Graham. Klein reprised his role in American Pie 2 (2001) and American Reunion (2012), but was not in American Wedding reportedly due to scheduling conflicts. In 2002, Klein had a role in the Mel Gibson Vietnam War film We Were Soldiers. Klein starred in the 2002 remake of the film Rollerball, but the film was a massive critical and financial failure. Klein has also appeared in several teen movies, including Just Friends (2005) and American Dreamz (2006).

Klein played Drew on the FX sitcom Wilfred (2011–2014). In 2014, he was cast as an American pilot in the Damien Lay film The Uberkanone. He co-starred in the 2014 comedy indie film Authors Anonymous with Kaley Cuoco. In 2018, Klein was cast as Cicada, the main villain of the fifth season of superhero television series The Flash. He then played Bill Townsend on the first three seasons of the Netflix drama series Sweet Magnolias (2020–2023) and starred in the slasher film Fear Street: Prom Queen (2025).

Personal life In January 2000, Klein and actress Katie Holmes began dating. The couple became engaged around Christmas of 2003. The couple called off the engagement and ended their relationship in March 2005.

Klein was arrested for drunk driving on February 5, 2005, in San Diego County and again in Los Angeles on June 16, 2010. On June 21, 2010, it was announced that Klein had checked into the Cirque Lodge to begin a 30-day alcohol addiction program. Klein's publicist explained that, "after recent events, Chris was forced to take a clear look at a problem he has been trying to deal with himself for years. He understands now that he cannot beat this addiction alone."

Klein met Laina Rose Thyfault, a travel agent, in 2011 at a mutual friend's wedding. They got engaged in December 2014, after three years of dating and married eight months later on August 9, 2015, in Montana. In March 2016, Klein announced in a tweet that he and his wife were expecting their first child together. Their son was born in 2016. The couple also has a daughter, born in 2018.

Filmography

Film

Television + Television Year Title RoleNotes 2002 The Electric Playground Episode: "Episode #8.5" 2006 American Dad! Gary/Rick (voice) Episode: "With Friends Like Steve's" 2007 The Valley of Light NoahHallmark Hall of Fame 2008 Welcome to The Captain Marty Tanner Main role; 5 episodes 2010 The Good Guys Dep. Chief George Jenkins Episode: "Partners" 2011–2014 Wilfred Drew Recurring role; 15 episodes 2012 Franklin & Bash Tommy Dale Episode: "650 to SLC" 2012 Raising Hope Brad Episode: "What Up, Bro?" 2012 Tron: Uprising Dash (voice) Recurring role; 3 episodes 2015 Motive Brad Calgrove Episode: "Pilot Error" 2015 Damaged Sam Luck Lifetime television movie 2016 Idiotsitter Himself/DJ Doghead Episode: "Fumigation" 2016 The Grinder Benji Episode: "Genesis" 2018–2019 The Flash Orlin Dwyer / Cicada Main role (season 5); 16 episodes 2020–2023 Sweet Magnolias Dr. Bill Townsend Main role; 30 episodes

Awards and nominations