Paul Hauser

That this actor from Grand Rapids, Michigan started his career as a stand-up comedian at the tender age of 16 may come as a surprise to those who discovered him in his Golden Globe-nominated performance as suspected serial killer Larry Hall in Blackbird or in his breakout title role as Richard Jewell, the wrongly accused man in the Clint Eastwood-directed film of the same name. At 36, he has worked in all genres and made a name for himself as the ultimate character actor.

Hauser got his start in comedy in Chicago where he performed in clubs. He comes from a long line of Lutheran ministers – as a brother, son, grandson, great-grandson and great-great-grandson – and his family provided him with enough material for his stand-up performances.

Hauser was Raymond, better known as Stingray, in Cobra Kai and had a small part in the TV show Kingdom. He then established himself in supporting roles in BlacKkKlansman, Da 5 Bloods, Cruella, Late Night and I, Tonya.

The sequel to Cruella is in pre-production and will shoot in 2023. And he is booked to appear in the upcoming season of The Afterparty.