History of Timothy Olyphant in Timeline

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Timothy Olyphant

Timothy David Olyphant is an American actor who first gained recognition for his stage work, winning a Theatre World Award for his performance in "The Monogamist" in 1995. He further solidified his theatrical presence by originating the role in David Sedaris' "The Santaland Diaries" in 1996. Transitioning to film, Olyphant frequently portrayed antagonists early in his career, notably in movies such as "Scream 2," "Go," "Gone in 60 Seconds," "A Man Apart," and "The Girl Next Door."

May 20, 1968: Timothy Olyphant is Born

Timothy David Olyphant was born on May 20, 1968.

1986: Nationals Swimming Finalist

In 1986, Olyphant was a finalist in the 200m Individual Medley at the Nationals swimming competition.

1987: Raising Arizona Release

Raising Arizona, the film which Olyphant would later perform a live read of in 2013, was originally released in 1987.

1990: Considers Career in Commercial Art and Moves to New York

In 1990, Olyphant considered a career in commercial art and moved to New York to explore different career paths, eventually pursuing acting.

1991: Marriage to Alexis Knief

Timothy Olyphant married his college sweetheart, Alexis Knief, in 1991.

1993: Elmore Leonard's "Pronto"

Elmore Leonard published the novel "Pronto" featuring the character Raylan Givens in 1993.

1995: Elmore Leonard's "Riding the Rap"

Elmore Leonard published the novel "Riding the Rap" featuring the character Raylan Givens in 1995.

1995: Off-Broadway Debut and Theatre World Award

In 1995, Olyphant made his acting debut in the off-Broadway play "The Monogamist" and won a Theatre World Award for his performance.

1995: First Paid Acting Job and Off-Broadway Debut

Olyphant had his first paid acting job in a TV pilot and made his Off-Broadway debut in "The Monogamist" in 1995.

1996: Film and Television Debuts

Olyphant made his feature film debut in "The First Wives Club" and his television debut in "Mr. & Mrs. Smith" in 1996.

1996: "The Santaland Diaries" and Branching Out to Film

Olyphant originated the role in "The Santaland Diaries" in 1996 and began taking on film roles.

1996: "The SantaLand Diaries" Premiere

Olyphant starred in the world premiere of "The SantaLand Diaries" in 1996.

1997: "Scream 2" and Other Film Roles

In 1997, Olyphant appeared in "Scream 2" and other films, often in supporting villainous roles.

1998: "Sex and the City" and Other Appearances

Olyphant guest-starred on "Sex and the City" and appeared in "When Trumpets Fade" and "1999" in 1998.

1999: "Go" and Other Film Releases

Olyphant appeared in films like "Go", "Advice from a Caterpillar", and "No Vacancy" in 1999.

2000: "Gone in 60 Seconds" and "The Broken Hearts Club"

In 2000, Olyphant appeared in the action film "Gone in 60 Seconds" and the romantic comedy "The Broken Hearts Club".

2000: "The Broken Hearts Club" and "Gone in 60 Seconds"

In 2000, Olyphant starred in "The Broken Hearts Club" and appeared in "Gone in 60 Seconds".

2001: Elmore Leonard's "Fire in the Hole"

Elmore Leonard published the short story "Fire in the Hole" featuring the character Raylan Givens in 2001.

2001: Olyphant in "Rock Star," "Auggie Rose," and "Head Over Heels"

Timothy Olyphant appeared in supporting roles in three films released in 2001: "Rock Star," "Auggie Rose," and "Head Over Heels." He also starred in the short film "Doppelganger."

2002: Olyphant in "Night Visions"

In 2002, Olyphant appeared in an episode of the Sci-Fi Channel's horror anthology series, "Night Visions."

2002: "Coastlines" Premieres at SXSW

The independent drama "Coastlines," starring Olyphant, premiered at the 2002 SXSW Film Festival.

2002: Coastlines Sundance Screening

Timothy Olyphant's film "Coastlines" premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2002.

2003: Olyphant in "A Man Apart," "Dreamcatcher," and "The Safety of Objects"

During 2003, Olyphant appeared in the action film "A Man Apart," the Stephen King adaptation "Dreamcatcher," and the indie drama "The Safety of Objects."

2003: "A Man Apart"

Olyphant appeared in the film "A Man Apart" in 2003.

2004: Olyphant in "The Girl Next Door"

In 2004, Timothy Olyphant garnered positive reviews for his comedic performance as a porn film producer in "The Girl Next Door."

2004: "Deadwood"

Olyphant began his role as Sheriff Seth Bullock in the HBO series "Deadwood" in 2004.

2004: Olyphant Cast as Seth Bullock in "Deadwood"

Timothy Olyphant landed the role of Sheriff Seth Bullock in the HBO western series "Deadwood" in 2004, marking a departure from his earlier "bad boy" roles.

2005: Catch and Release Filming

The film "Catch and Release," starring Timothy Olyphant, was filmed in 2005.

2006: "Deadwood" Ends its Run

After airing for three seasons, HBO's "Deadwood" concluded in 2006.

2006: "Coastlines" Finds Distribution

After premiering at SXSW in 2002, "Coastlines" finally secured distribution and was released in 2006.

2006: "Catch and Release" and End of "Deadwood" (Initial Run)

In 2006, Olyphant starred in the film "Catch and Release." This year also marked the end of the initial run of "Deadwood".

2006: Olyphant Guest Stars on "My Name Is Earl"

Olyphant made a guest appearance on the NBC comedy series "My Name Is Earl" in 2006.

2006: Start of Sports Reporter Role

Olyphant started as the sports reporter for Joe Escalante's morning radio show in 2006.

2006: "Deadwood" Cast Nominated for SAG Award

The cast of "Deadwood," including Olyphant, received a nomination for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series at the 2006 Screen Actors Guild Awards.

2007: Post-Deadwood Film Roles

In 2007, after the cancellation of Deadwood, Timothy Olyphant took on roles in the action films "Live Free or Die Hard" and "Hitman" for financial reasons. In "Live Free or Die Hard," he portrayed a cybersecurity expert, while in "Hitman," he played the assassin Agent 47.

2007: "Hitman" and "Live Free or Die Hard"

Olyphant starred in "Hitman" and played the antagonist in "Live Free or Die Hard" in 2007.

2007: Olyphant Stars in "Catch and Release"

Timothy Olyphant starred opposite Jennifer Garner in the romantic comedy "Catch and Release" in 2007.

2008: Diverse Roles in Film and Television

In 2008, Olyphant appeared in the Iraq War drama "Stop-Loss," the comedy "Meet Bill," voiced a character in the video game "Turok," and guest-starred on the sitcom "Samantha Who?"

2008: End of Sports Reporter Role

Olyphant's time as a sports reporter ended with the station's closure in late 2008.

2009: Shift in Career Focus and Notable Roles

In 2009, influenced by his experience with "Hitman," Olyphant took on more diverse roles. He starred in "High Life," "A Perfect Getaway," and appeared in the TV series "Damages." He also returned to the stage for "Standing on Ceremony: The Gay Marriage Plays."

2009: "A Perfect Getaway" and "Damages"

Olyphant appeared in "A Perfect Getaway" and guest-starred in "Damages" in 2009.

2010: "Justified" and "The Office" Appearance

Olyphant began starring in "Justified" and made a guest appearance on "The Office" in 2010.

2010: "The Crazies"

Olyphant starred in the film "The Crazies" in 2010.

2010: Guest Appearance on "The Office"

Timothy Olyphant guest-starred in two episodes of the NBC comedy "The Office" in 2010.

2010: Lead Role in "The Crazies" and "Elektra Luxx"

Timothy Olyphant starred as the town sheriff in the horror film "The Crazies" and appeared in the comedy "Elektra Luxx" in 2010.

2011: Olyphant Discusses Passing on Roles

In 2011, Timothy Olyphant spoke to The Hollywood Reporter about passing on roles that later became successful, hinting at one that spawned multiple sequels.

2011: Voice Acting and Film Appearances

In 2011, Timothy Olyphant voiced the Spirit of the West in the animated film "Rango", a parody of Clint Eastwood's Man with No Name. He was also cast in the science-fiction thriller "I Am Number Four" and voiced a character in the video game "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3".

2011: Emmy Nomination

Olyphant was nominated for an Emmy for his role in "Justified" in 2011.

2011: Peabody Award for "Justified"

The TV series "Justified" won a Peabody Award in 2011.

2011: Emmy Nomination for "Justified"

Timothy Olyphant received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for his role in "Justified" in 2011.

2012: Elmore Leonard's "Raylan"

Inspired by the TV series "Justified," Elmore Leonard published his final novel, "Raylan," in 2012.

2012: Guest Appearances on "The League" and "Archer"

Olyphant made guest appearances on the FX sitcom "The League" and voiced a character in the animated series "Archer" in 2012.

2013: Comedy Roles and Live Read Performance

In 2013, Olyphant appeared in the independent comedy "Dealin' with Idiots" and participated in a LACMA Live Read of "Raising Arizona" (1987), playing Nicolas Cage's original character.

2013: "The Mindy Project" Appearance

Olyphant made a guest appearance on "The Mindy Project" in 2013.

2013: Dodgers First Pitch

Olyphant threw the ceremonial first pitch at a Los Angeles Dodgers game in 2013.

2013: Guest Appearance on "The Mindy Project"

Timothy Olyphant guest-starred on the Fox comedy "The Mindy Project" in 2013.

2014: Co-starring with Tina Fey

In 2014, Olyphant co-starred with Tina Fey in the comedy-drama "This Is Where I Leave You", playing her character's former teenage sweetheart.

2015: The Grinder Debut

In 2015, Olyphant began his recurring guest role as a fictionalized version of himself in the Fox comedy series "The Grinder".

2015: Olyphant Discusses Early Career Choices

In 2015, Olyphant reflected on his early career decisions, acknowledging both missed opportunities and the benefits of not achieving overwhelming fame.

2015: Filming of "Dark Was the Night"

Olyphant filmed the independent drama "Dark Was the Night" with Marisa Tomei in 2015.

2015: End of "Justified" and "The Grinder" Appearance

Olyphant's run on "Justified" ended, and he began appearing on "The Grinder" in 2015.

2016: "Deadwood" Film Announced

HBO announced the development of a "Deadwood" film in 2016.

2016: Stage Debut, Film Appearances, and "Mother's Day"

In 2016, Olyphant starred in the off-Broadway play "Hold On to Me Darling", played Henry in "Mother's Day", and appeared in Oliver Stone's "Snowden".

2016: Award for "The Grinder" Role

In 2016, Olyphant won the Critics' Choice Television Award for Best Guest Performer in a Comedy Series for his performance in "The Grinder".

2016: "Mother's Day" and "Snowden"

Olyphant appeared in the films "Mother's Day" and "Snowden" in 2016.

February 2017: "Santa Clarita Diet" Premiere

Olyphant began starring in and executive producing the Netflix series "Santa Clarita Diet" in February 2017.

March 2017: "Santa Clarita Diet" Renewed

In March 2017, Netflix renewed "Santa Clarita Diet" for a second season.

2017: Casting in "Driven" (Uncredited)

It was reported in 2017 that Olyphant would appear in the film "Driven", although he ultimately did not appear in the final cut.

2017: "Santa Clarita Diet"

Olyphant began starring in "Santa Clarita Diet" in 2017.

May 2018: "Santa Clarita Diet" Final Season Renewal and "Dark Was the Night" Premiere

Netflix renewed "Santa Clarita Diet" for a third and final season in May 2018. "Dark Was the Night", filmed in 2015, premiered at the Galway Film Fleadh.

October 2018: Production Begins on "Deadwood" Film

Production began on the "Deadwood" film in October 2018.

2018: Olyphant Reflects on Passing on "The Fast and the Furious"

Olyphant revealed in 2018 that he thought "The Fast and the Furious" would be a flop, further explaining his decision to decline the lead role.

2018: Casting in "Missing Link"

Olyphant was cast in the stop-motion animated film "Missing Link" in 2018.

April 2019: "Missing Link" Release

The stop-motion animated film "Missing Link", featuring Olyphant as a voice actor, was released in April 2019.

May 31, 2019: "Deadwood: The Movie" Premiere

"Deadwood: The Movie", a continuation of the television series, premiered on HBO on May 31, 2019.

July 2019: "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" Release

Olyphant appeared as TV western star James Stacy in Quentin Tarantino's "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood", released in July 2019.

2019: "Deadwood: The Movie" and "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood"

Olyphant reprised his role as Seth Bullock in "Deadwood: The Movie" and appeared in "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" in 2019.

2019: End of "Santa Clarita Diet"

Olyphant's series "Santa Clarita Diet" concluded in 2019.

2020: "The Mandalorian" Debut

Olyphant joined the Star Wars franchise, appearing as Cobb Vanth in the second season of "The Mandalorian" in 2020.

2020: "The Good Place," "Curb Your Enthusiasm," "Fargo," and "The Mandalorian" Appearances

Olyphant made guest appearances in "The Good Place," "Curb Your Enthusiasm," "Fargo," and appeared as Cobb Vanth in "The Mandalorian" in 2020.

2022: "Amsterdam"

Olyphant appeared in the film "Amsterdam" in 2022.

2022: Reprising Role in "The Book of Boba Fett"

Olyphant reprised his role as Cobb Vanth in "The Book of Boba Fett" in 2022.

2023: "Justified: City Primeval" and "Alien: Earth" Casting

In 2023, Olyphant returned as Raylan Givens in "Justified: City Primeval" and was cast as Kirsh in the upcoming "Alien: Earth".