Harry Hamlin began his career in the arts at Yale University, where he earned dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in drama and psychology in 1974. Following his time at the American Conservatory Theater, he quickly transitioned into professional acting, eventually securing a major international platform through the 1981 fantasy film Clash of the Titans.
Early Career and Film Breakthrough
After graduating from Yale, Hamlin completed an advanced actor training program and received a Master of Fine Arts degree in 1976. He gained early industry attention for his work in Equus and the 1978 film Movie Movie, earning a Golden Globe nomination. His status increased with the 1981 epic Clash of the Titans, though he later navigated more polarizing projects including 1982's Making Love.
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Hamlin achieved widespread recognition during his five-season run as Michael Kuzak on the NBC legal drama L.A. Law, concluding in 1991. His television career included roles in miniseries such as Studs Lonigan, Master of the Game, and Space. Later, he appeared as Aaron Echolls on Veronica Mars, Uncle Marty in Harper's Island, and Jim Cutler on the drama series Mad Men, the latter earning him a Primetime Emmy nomination.
Stage and Secondary Ventures
His stage career features performances in Broadway productions like Awake and Sing! and Summer and Smoke. Beyond acting, Hamlin authored the 2010 memoir Full Frontal Nudity: The Making of an Accidental Actor. He also engaged in commercial entrepreneurship as the president and CEO of Belle Gray boutiques and launched a clothing collection for QVC with his wife, Lisa Rinna.
Scientific and Corporate Interests
Hamlin serves as an angel investor and co-founder of TAE Technologies, a firm focused on developing non-radioactive fusion power. He sits on the board of governors for the National Space Society and previously served on the board for the Advanced Physics Corporation. In 2016, he presented at a TEDx LA conference regarding his perspective on the future of energy production.
Fast facts
- Born: 1951, Pasadena
- Education: Yale University, 1974
- MFA Degree: American Conservatory Theater, 1976
- 1987 People magazine title: Sexiest Man Alive
- Broadway debut: Awake and Sing!, 1984
- Memoir published: 2010
- Energy investment: TAE Technologies
- Recent TV role: Cortland Mayfair, Mayfair Witches
Questions readers ask
What is Harry Hamlin's connection to fusion power?
He is an angel investor and co-founder of TAE Technologies, a company researching clean, non-radioactive fusion power generators.
Did Harry Hamlin appear in Mad Men?
Yes, he played advertising executive Jim Cutler during the show's sixth season and received a Primetime Emmy nomination for the role.
Achievements
- Educated at Yale University and Flintridge Preparatory School
- Worked as actor, television actor and stage actor
