Jesse Plemons: His Best Movies & TV Shows (Breaking Bad & More)

Hey guys! Let's dive into the incredible career of Jesse Plemons, an actor who consistently delivers outstanding performances. From his early roles to his breakthrough in "Breaking Bad" and beyond, Plemons has proven himself to be one of the most versatile and captivating actors of our time. So, buckle up as we explore some of his best movies and TV shows. His career began with minor roles in films like Varsity Blues (1999) and All the Pretty Horses (2000). However, his role as Landry Clarke in the NBC television series Friday Night Lights (2006–2011) provided him with widespread recognition.

Friday Night Lights: The Start of Something Special

"Friday Night Lights" is where many of us first took notice of Jesse Plemons. As Landry Clarke, he brought a vulnerability and relatability to the screen that resonated with audiences. His character's journey, from awkward best friend to unexpected football player, was both heartwarming and hilarious. Plemons' portrayal of Landry showcased his ability to handle both comedic and dramatic material, making him a standout in a show filled with talented actors. Landry Clarke's character resonated deeply with audiences due to his authenticity and relatable struggles. As the loyal best friend of Matt Saracen (played by Zach Gilford), Landry often found himself in humorous and awkward situations, providing comic relief to the series. However, Landry's character also delved into more serious themes, such as his unexpected involvement in a traumatic event and his attempts to find his place in the world. Plemons' ability to navigate these different aspects of Landry's personality made him a standout performer on the show. His performance earned him critical acclaim and helped solidify his reputation as a versatile actor capable of handling both comedic and dramatic roles. Moreover, Plemons' portrayal of Landry Clarke allowed him to connect with audiences on a personal level, making him a beloved character within the Friday Night Lights universe. Fans appreciated Landry's genuine nature and his unwavering loyalty to his friends, making him a central figure in the show's narrative. Through his performance, Plemons captured the essence of adolescence, portraying the challenges and triumphs of growing up in a small town with remarkable authenticity.

Breaking Bad: Welcome to Badger

Then came "Breaking Bad," and boom! Jesse Plemons entered our lives as Todd Alquist, aka Ken. Todd is one of the most unsettling characters in television history. His polite demeanor masks a chilling capacity for violence, making him a truly terrifying antagonist. Plemons' performance was nothing short of masterful, perfectly capturing Todd's unsettling blend of banality and evil. Todd Alquist is a character known for his polite and reserved demeanor, which often stands in stark contrast to the heinous acts he commits. Introduced in the fifth season of Breaking Bad, Todd quickly establishes himself as a capable and efficient worker in Walt and Jesse's meth operation. However, beneath his calm exterior lies a disturbing lack of empathy and a willingness to engage in violence without remorse. One of the defining characteristics of Todd is his unwavering loyalty to his uncle Jack Welker and the white supremacist gang with whom he is associated. Despite his seemingly innocuous appearance, Todd proves to be a formidable and dangerous adversary, willing to do whatever it takes to protect his own interests and those of his associates. Plemons' portrayal of Todd is particularly chilling due to his ability to convey the character's inner darkness through subtle gestures and expressions. Rather than resorting to histrionics, Plemons embodies Todd with a quiet intensity that makes him all the more unsettling to watch. Moreover, Todd's banal and matter-of-fact approach to violence adds to the character's disturbing nature, highlighting the moral depravity at the heart of his actions. Throughout his appearances in Breaking Bad and its spin-off series, El Camino, Todd remains a complex and enigmatic figure, leaving a lasting impression on viewers long after his final scene. His presence serves as a reminder of the darkness that can lurk beneath the surface of seemingly ordinary individuals, making him one of the most memorable antagonists in television history. Jesse Plemons' portrayal of Todd Alquist is a testament to his talent as an actor, showcasing his ability to embody complex and morally ambiguous characters with remarkable depth and nuance.

Fargo: A Different Kind of Criminal

In "Fargo" Season 2, Plemons took on the role of Ed Blumquist, a butcher with a tendency to get into trouble. Ed is a far cry from Todd Alquist. He's bumbling, well-intentioned, and often out of his depth. Plemons brought a vulnerability and almost childlike innocence to the role, making Ed a surprisingly sympathetic character, even as he makes increasingly questionable decisions. Ed Blumquist is a character who finds himself embroiled in a series of unforeseen events that spiral out of control. As a small-town butcher with simple aspirations, Ed's life takes a dramatic turn when he and his wife, Peggy, become entangled in a criminal conspiracy. Despite his best intentions, Ed's naivety and lack of experience in dealing with criminals lead him down a dangerous path, forcing him to make difficult decisions that have far-reaching consequences. Throughout the season, Ed grapples with the moral implications of his actions, struggling to reconcile his desire for a normal life with the reality of his situation. Plemons' portrayal of Ed is nuanced and sympathetic, capturing the character's innocence and vulnerability as he navigates the treacherous landscape of crime and violence. Despite his flaws, Ed remains a relatable and endearing character, eliciting both empathy and frustration from viewers as he attempts to navigate the complex web of deceit and betrayal that surrounds him. Moreover, Ed's relationship with his wife, Peggy, serves as a central focus of the season, highlighting the strains and tensions that arise as they struggle to cope with the fallout of their actions. Plemons and his co-star, Kirsten Dunst, deliver compelling performances that capture the dynamics of a marriage under immense pressure, adding depth and complexity to the narrative. As Ed becomes increasingly desperate to protect himself and his wife, he is forced to confront his own limitations and make difficult choices that will determine their fate. Ultimately, Ed Blumquist's journey is a tragic one, as he succumbs to the dark forces that engulf him, leaving a lasting impression on viewers long after the season's conclusion. Jesse Plemons' portrayal of Ed Blumquist is a testament to his versatility as an actor, showcasing his ability to embody complex and morally ambiguous characters with remarkable depth and nuance.

Other Notable Roles

• Game Night (2018): Plemons shines as Gary Kingsbury, the creepy and socially awkward neighbor. His deadpan delivery and uncanny timing make him one of the funniest parts of this hilarious movie. Gary Kingsbury is a divorced police officer who lives next door to the film's main characters, Max and Annie. Gary is portrayed as socially awkward and clingy, often inserting himself into Max and Annie's game nights despite their attempts to exclude him. Throughout the film, Gary's loneliness and desperation for connection are played for comedic effect, as he exhibits strange behaviors and makes unsettling comments. Plemons' performance is particularly noteworthy for his deadpan delivery and uncanny ability to portray Gary's awkwardness in a way that is both humorous and slightly unsettling. Despite his eccentricities, Gary is ultimately portrayed as a sympathetic character, as it becomes clear that he is simply seeking companionship and acceptance. His interactions with the other characters often lead to some of the film's funniest moments, as his uncanny timing and inability to read social cues create hilarious situations. As the film progresses, Gary becomes more involved in the central mystery, using his skills as a police officer to help Max and Annie uncover the truth. Despite his awkwardness, Gary proves to be a valuable ally, demonstrating his loyalty and willingness to help his friends. Ultimately, Gary Kingsbury is a memorable and endearing character, thanks to Jesse Plemons' exceptional performance. His portrayal of Gary's eccentricities and vulnerabilities adds depth and humor to the film, making him a standout character in a talented ensemble cast. Plemons' ability to balance Gary's awkwardness with his underlying humanity makes him a character that audiences can both laugh at and empathize with, solidifying his place as one of the film's most memorable characters. Moreover, Plemons' comedic timing and physical comedy skills are on full display in Game Night, showcasing his versatility as a performer and further cementing his reputation as one of Hollywood's most talented and versatile actors. His portrayal of Gary Kingsbury is a testament to his talent, showcasing his ability to embody complex and eccentric characters with remarkable depth and nuance.
• Vice (2018): As George W. Bush, Plemons delivers a surprisingly nuanced performance. He captures Bush's mannerisms and speech patterns without resorting to caricature, adding depth to the film's portrayal of the Bush administration. Jesse Plemons' portrayal of George W. Bush in Vice is notable for its subtlety and nuance. Rather than relying on broad caricature, Plemons embodies Bush with a restrained and thoughtful approach, capturing the former president's mannerisms and speech patterns with remarkable accuracy. Throughout the film, Plemons portrays Bush as a complex and often contradictory figure, highlighting his genuine desire to serve the country while also underscoring his limitations and vulnerabilities. His performance adds depth to the film's portrayal of the Bush administration, offering a more humanized perspective on a figure who is often the subject of political caricature. Plemons' ability to capture Bush's essence without resorting to exaggeration is a testament to his skill as an actor, showcasing his attention to detail and his commitment to portraying his characters with authenticity. Moreover, Plemons' chemistry with the other actors in the film, particularly Christian Bale as Dick Cheney, adds to the richness and complexity of the narrative, creating a compelling and thought-provoking portrayal of American politics in the early 21st century. As Bush grapples with the challenges of the presidency, including the September 11th terrorist attacks and the invasion of Iraq, Plemons conveys the weight of responsibility that Bush carried, offering a glimpse into the inner workings of the Oval Office. Despite the film's critical perspective on the Bush administration, Plemons' performance remains balanced and nuanced, avoiding simple demonization and instead offering a more complex and humanized portrayal of a controversial figure. Ultimately, Jesse Plemons' portrayal of George W. Bush in Vice is a memorable and thought-provoking performance that adds depth and nuance to the film's exploration of American politics and power. His ability to capture Bush's essence without resorting to caricature is a testament to his skill as an actor, solidifying his reputation as one of Hollywood's most talented and versatile performers. Moreover, Plemons' performance serves as a reminder of the humanity behind even the most powerful and controversial figures, encouraging viewers to consider the complexities of leadership and the challenges of governing in a rapidly changing world.
• Black Mass (2015): In "Black Mass", Plemons plays Kevin Weeks, a loyal and intimidating member of Whitey Bulger's gang. He perfectly embodies the toughness and street smarts of a South Boston gangster. Kevin Weeks is portrayed as a loyal and trusted associate of Whitey Bulger, serving as one of his closest confidants and enforcers. Throughout the film, Weeks is depicted as a ruthless and intimidating figure, willing to do whatever it takes to protect Bulger and the interests of the Winter Hill Gang. Despite his violent tendencies, Weeks is also portrayed as a complex and multi-faceted character, with a strong sense of loyalty and a deep understanding of the criminal underworld. Plemons' performance captures the essence of Weeks' character, conveying his toughness, street smarts, and unwavering dedication to Bulger. His physical transformation for the role is also noteworthy, as he bulked up and adopted a menacing demeanor to more accurately portray Weeks' imposing presence. Throughout the film, Weeks plays a key role in Bulger's criminal empire, participating in various illegal activities, including extortion, drug trafficking, and murder. Despite the moral implications of his actions, Weeks remains steadfastly loyal to Bulger, viewing him as a father figure and a mentor. Plemons' chemistry with Johnny Depp, who plays Whitey Bulger, is particularly compelling, adding depth and complexity to their relationship. As Bulger's criminal empire begins to unravel, Weeks faces difficult decisions about his own future, ultimately choosing to cooperate with law enforcement and testify against Bulger in exchange for a reduced sentence. Plemons' portrayal of Weeks during this critical juncture in the film is particularly nuanced, capturing his inner turmoil and his struggle to reconcile his loyalty to Bulger with his own self-preservation. Ultimately, Jesse Plemons' portrayal of Kevin Weeks in Black Mass is a memorable and compelling performance that adds depth and complexity to the film's portrayal of the Boston criminal underworld. His ability to capture Weeks' toughness, loyalty, and inner turmoil is a testament to his skill as an actor, solidifying his reputation as one of Hollywood's most talented and versatile performers. Moreover, Plemons' performance serves as a reminder of the complexities of human nature and the difficult choices that people make in the face of extreme circumstances, encouraging viewers to consider the moral implications of crime and the consequences of loyalty. His dedication to roles is so impressive and his acting is a sight to behold!

Jesse Plemons is one of those actors who elevates every project he's involved in. His range, versatility, and commitment to his craft make him a joy to watch. Whether he's playing a villain, a comedic relief, or a complex protagonist, Plemons always delivers a memorable and captivating performance. So, next time you're looking for something to watch, be sure to check out some of Jesse Plemons' work – you won't be disappointed! His work ethic combined with the love he has for acting makes him one of Hollywood's finest!