Joe Chrest

Joe Chrest, known for his prolific career spanning over 100 screen credits and more than 60 plays and musicals, first gained widespread recognition for his recurring role as Ted Wheeler in the critically acclaimed series Stranger Things, appearing in 20 episodes since its premiere in 2016. His extensive filmography began with his screen debut as Ben in Steven Soderbergh’s King of the Hill in 1993, followed by a widely acclaimed performance as Mr. Rodman in Soderbergh’s The Underneath in 1995. Chrest built a strong foundation for his craft by earning a BFA in Directing from Marshall University and an MFA from Louisiana State University in the late 1980s.

Chrest continued to build a diverse body of work in both film and television. In 2014, he appeared in HBO’s True Detective and played David Schmidt, Jonah Hill’s father, in the hit comedy 22 Jump Street. The following year, he portrayed sharpshooter Mitchell in The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2 (2015). A particularly busy year in 2016 saw him take on roles as James Eakins in Free State of Jones and David Sims in Deepwater Horizon, further diversifying his on-screen presence before his ongoing role in Stranger Things solidified his household recognition.

Beyond his accomplished screen career, Chrest maintains a deep connection to theatre and academic endeavors. He has performed at prestigious venues such as the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., and the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles. He is a founding member of the regional theatre company Swine Palace and serves as the Founding Artistic Director of Ignition Film Repertory Company, an organization dedicated to developing original screen works. Chrest also shares his expertise as an adjunct professor at Louisiana State University’s School of Theatre, where he teaches film acting to the next generation of performers.