Best known as Frank Sobotka in The Wire, as Detective Donny Brogan in Third Watch, and as Andy ‘The Greek’ in The Deuce. A stalwart character actor with a distinctive voice and presence.
Films
- CausewayRick2022
- Accidental ExorcistReverend Bob2020
- ClementineTom2019
- The Miseducation of Cameron PostPastor Rick2018
- The Deuce (as film project)Andy ‘The Greek’ (though this is a TV series, included per best-known TV film work)2017
- The Last OutlawJohn2017
- The Girl on the TrainKen2016
- I’ll See You in My DreamsDr. Munn2015
- Flannel PajamasStuart2006
- Little VampiresVampire2003
TV shows
- The WireFrank Sobotka2002–2008
- True BloodAndy Bellefleur2008–2014
- The DeuceAndy ‘The Greek’2017–2019
- Third WatchDetective Donny Brogan1999–2005
- Law & Order: Special Victims UnitVarious (2 episodes)2001–2019
- Cold CasePatrick O’Donnell (2 episodes)2003–2010
- The Good WifeJudge (1 episode)2009–2016
- Brooklyn Nine-NineMatthew (1 episode)2013–2021
- Strangest ThingsNarrator (documentary series)2024
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About Chris Bauer
Chris Bauer is an American character actor, born in Los Angeles but raised in South Carolina. He is best known for his television work, particularly as Frank Sobotka on The Wire, and has appeared in numerous film and TV projects since the late 1990s. He has frequently worked with David Simon, appearing in multiple of his series.
FAQs
What is Chris Bauer’s most famous role?
He is most famous for playing Frank Sobotka, the charismatic but doomed union leader, on the first season of The Wire. He also had a long-running role as Sheriff Andy Bellefleur on True Blood.
Is Chris Bauer related to any other actors?
He is the son of musician Bobby Bauer and brother of actress Jane Bauer, but he is not widely known to be related to other famous Bauers like Steven Bauer.
Where did Chris Bauer train as an actor?
Bauer studied at the Yale School of Drama, earning an MFA.
Which directors has Chris Bauer worked with repeatedly?
He has worked frequently with David Simon (The Wire, The Deuce) and Alan Taylor (multiple TV episodes including The Sopranos and Mad Men).
Does Chris Bauer have any notable film roles?
Yes, he had a supporting role in The Girl on the Train (2016) as Ken, and appeared in The Miseducation of Cameron Post (2018) as a pastor.
Sources & where to watch: IMDb · Wikipedia · Where to watch (JustWatch UK) · Updated June 2026