Elias Koteas is a Canadian actor best known for his intense, versatile performances in both film and television. With a career spanning nearly four decades, he has captivated audiences in roles ranging from gritty crime dramas to psychological thrillers. Often compared to Hollywood’s most respected character actors, Koteas has become a familiar face on screens worldwide.
Quick Facts About Elias Koteas
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Elias Koteas |
| Birthdate & Place | March 11, 1961, Montreal, Quebec, Canada |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Profession | Actor |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (178 cm) |
| Spouse & Children | Not publicly disclosed |
| Parents | Father: Mechanic; Mother: Milliner (names not widely reported) |
| Education | Vanier College; American Academy of Dramatic Arts, New York |
| Career Start | 1985 |
| Breakthrough Role | Casey Jones in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990) |
| Major Works | Crash (1996), The Thin Red Line (1998), Shutter Island (2010), Chicago P.D. (2014–2018), Gattaca (1997) |
| Awards | Genie Award nominations; Canadian Screen Award |
| Philanthropy | Supports arts education and youth programs |
| Social Media | Not active on major platforms |
| Net Worth | Estimated $7 million |
| Residence | Splits time between Los Angeles, California, and British Columbia, Canada |
| Upcoming Projects | Undisclosed independent film in development |
| Fun Fact | Koteas trained alongside Anthony Hopkins and John Houseman at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. |
Early Life & Background
Elias Koteas was born in Montreal to Greek immigrant parents. His father worked as a mechanic, while his mother was a milliner who designed hats. Growing up in a bilingual city, Koteas was exposed to a mix of cultures that would later influence his acting style. He attended Vanier College before moving to New York City to study at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, where he trained under renowned instructors.
Career Beginnings & Rise to Fame
Koteas began acting professionally in 1985 with small television and film roles. His career took a major leap in 1990 when he played vigilante hero Casey Jones in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, a role that won him a cult following. Throughout the 1990s, he became known for portraying complex, often conflicted characters, with standout performances in David Cronenberg’s Crash and Terrence Malick’s The Thin Red Line.
Major Achievements & Legacy
Elias Koteas has built a reputation as one of the industry’s most dependable and nuanced actors. His work in Chicago P.D. as Detective Alvin Olinsky earned him widespread acclaim for its emotional depth. He has worked with visionary directors such as Martin Scorsese, Atom Egoyan, and Brian De Palma. While he has not sought the limelight, his dedication to the craft has made him a respected figure among peers and fans alike.
Personal Life & Recent Work
Koteas is a private individual who keeps his personal life away from the spotlight. He divides his time between Los Angeles and British Columbia, where he often participates in local arts initiatives. Recently, he has been involved in several independent projects and continues to choose roles that challenge him artistically.
Elias Koteas has left an enduring mark on the film and television industry through his compelling performances and dedication to storytelling. As he prepares for his next independent feature, fans can expect the same intensity and authenticity that have defined his career for nearly 40 years.
Most Common Questions About
As for Koteas, an exceptionally talented actor who’s given unforgettable performances in films like “Exotica,” “The Adjuster,” and David Cronenberg’s “Crash,” has gone back to appearing in small, quirky independent movies. Olinsky’s death seems to have worked out well for all involved.
Elias Koteas was born on March 11, 1961, in Montreal, Canada. Both his parents are of Greek descent.
Elias Koteas is a Canadian actor of film and television, best known for his roles in Fallen, The Killing, and as Casey Jones in the first and third live-action Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles films. He currently co-stars as Alvin Olinsky on Chicago P.D..
Celebrities look-alike #19: Elias Koteas; Christopher Meloni.
Jennifer Rubin
Koteas was born in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, to a father who worked as a mechanic for the Canadian National Railways and a milliner mother. His parents are both of Greek descent. Koteas is a graduate of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City as well as Vanier College in Montreal.
Elias Koteas was born on March 11, 1961, in Montreal, Canada. Both his parents are of Greek descent.
Elias Koteas became widely recognized on television for his role as Detective Alvin Olinsky in the Chicago franchise. He first appeared in Chicago Fire in 2012, then reprised the character in Chicago P.D. starting in 2014, becoming one of the show’s most beloved figures. His character also made appearances in Chicago Med from 2015 and Chicago Justice in 2017, showcasing his versatility across interconnected storylines. Outside the franchise, Koteas played Colonel Marks in the medical drama Combat Hospital (2011) and Detective Ed Skinner in the acclaimed crime series The Killing from 2011 to 2014.
His breakthrough role was Casey Jones in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990).
He has appeared in Chicago P.D., The Killing, Combat Hospital, Chicago Fire, Chicago Med, and Chicago Justice.
He is known for Crash (1996), The Thin Red Line (1998), Shutter Island (2010), and Gattaca (1997).
He has received Genie Award nominations and a Canadian Screen Award.
He splits his time between Los Angeles, California, and British Columbia, Canada.
He trained alongside Anthony Hopkins and John Houseman at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts.
His character, Alvin Olinsky, was written out in a major storyline in 2018.
