From Hollywood Roles to Fatherhood: Chris Messina’s Journey as a Dad of Two Boys
October 23, 2025 | By Ventsmagazines.org.uk
Chris Messina Kids: Meet Milo and Giovanni, the Actor’s “Super Smart” Sons
Chris Messina, the versatile actor captivating audiences in Based on a True Story on Peacock, has long balanced his high-profile career with a deeply private family life. At the heart of it all are his two sons, Milo Montgomery Messina and Giovanni Messina—affectionately referred to by their dad as “super smart” kids who keep him grounded amid the glamour of Hollywood. Born in 2008 and 2009 respectively, Milo and Giovanni represent a joyful chapter in Messina’s life, one he guards fiercely from the spotlight.
“They’re obsessed with movies,” Messina shared in a 2015 Glamour interview, noting how the boys already script and perform their own little productions at home, echoing their parents’ creative passions. Yet, true to his protective nature, Messina has set a firm rule: no professional pursuits in entertainment until they’re 18. “My wife is a producer, so we talk about movies a lot, but they’ll have to wait till they are 18 to pursue anything in it, if they are even interested,” he explained, emphasizing school plays as the current limit.
Raising two boys just a year apart has been a whirlwind for Messina, who describes them as best friends growing up in a household buzzing with film discussions. From practicing Air‘s infamous f-bombs with them—”They’re super smart and not afraid to say, ‘I don’t believe that’ or ‘This line doesn’t make sense,’” he laughed in a Los Angeles Times profile—to sharing classics like Singin’ in the Rain, fatherhood infuses his roles with authenticity.
In The Boogeyman (2023), where he plays a grieving dad, or Based on a True Story as new father Nathan Bartlett, Messina’s on-screen vulnerability draws from real-life joys and challenges. “Kids need their parents, and they want to see their mom and dad together,” he reflected in a 2014 Salon chat, underscoring his commitment to presence despite a demanding schedule.
Messina’s approach to parenting is hands-on and humorous. He once recounted enlisting the boys to rehearse his explosive monologues for Air, turning line readings into family bonding. Their feedback? Sharp and unfiltered, much like the critiques Messina values from collaborators. As Milo and Giovanni edge into their teens—Milo turning 17 this year—the actor marvels at their budding creativity, from scriptwriting to debating plot twists. Yet, he remains adamant about normalcy: no auditions, no agents, just childhood exploration. This balance has made Messina not just a star, but a relatable dad whose family fuels his grounded persona.
Chris Messina: The Actor’s Rise from Off-Broadway to Hollywood’s Go-To Everyman
Born Christian Messina on August 11, 1974, in Northport, New York, Chris Messina’s path to stardom began far from Tinseltown’s glare. Growing up on Long Island, he immersed himself in theater at Northport High School, crediting mentors like drama teacher John Gavriluk for igniting his passion. “Kids would sit on the floor, cool music blasting, and we’d do improvisations about high school situations,” Messina recalled in a 2024 Tigers Today alumni interview, highlighting the raw, collaborative energy that shaped his craft. After dropping out of Marymount Manhattan College, he honed his skills with private coaches in Manhattan, landing off-Broadway roles in plays like Salome, The Cherry Orchard, and This Thing of Darkness.
Messina’s screen breakthrough came in 2005 with HBO’s Six Feet Under, where he played Ted Fairwell, Claire Fisher’s charming love interest in the series’ poignant final season. “It was my first big TV gig, and being part of Alan Ball’s world was surreal,” he later shared. This led to indie darlings: Woody Allen’s Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2008) as Tom, the dependable husband amid romantic chaos; Nora Ephron’s Julie & Julia (2009) opposite Meryl Streep and Amy Adams; and Sam Mendes’ Away We Go (2009) as a devoted partner navigating impending parenthood—a role that foreshadowed his own family life.
Standing at 5 feet 7 inches (1.70 m)—a height that belies his commanding presence—Messina brings an everyman relatability to characters who are anything but ordinary. His breakout in Ben Affleck’s Oscar-winning Argo (2012) as CIA agent Malinov showcased his intensity, earning praise for holding his own against Affleck’s ensemble. That year exploded with rom-com gems: Celeste and Jesse Forever as the loyal best friend, and Ruby Sparks as the quirky Harry, opposite Zoe Kazan’s magical scribe. Messina also wrote, produced, and starred in Fairhaven (2012), a dramedy about reunions and regrets, proving his multifaceted talent.
Television solidified his status. As defense attorney Chris Sanchez in Damages (2011–2012), he delved into legal intrigue with Glenn Close. HBO’s The Newsroom (2012–2014) cast him as ambitious Reese Lansing, a Sorkin-ian powerhouse. But The Mindy Project (2012–2017) as Dr. Danny Castellano—gruff, tattooed, and utterly devoted to Mindy Lahiri—catapulted him to heartthrob status, netting two Critics’ Choice nominations for Best Actor in a Comedy Series. “Danny was a nice guy with edges—perfect for me,” Messina quipped, blending vulnerability and humor that fans still adore.
Messina’s directorial debut, Alex of Venice (2014), starred Mary Elizabeth Winstead as a lawyer grappling with divorce, a personal project reflecting his own first marriage to Rosemarie DeWitt (1995–2006). “Directing lets me tell stories from the inside out,” he said, channeling real emotional depth. His filmography spans genres: horror in M. Night Shyamalan’s Devil (2010); drama in Cake (2014) with Jennifer Aniston; and thriller The Giant Mechanical Man (2012), where he charmed as a street performer.
Recent years highlight his range. In Sharp Objects (2018), he was the brooding Detective Richard Willis opposite Amy Adams, earning acclaim for his quiet menace. The Sinner Season 3 (2020) saw him as grieving father Nick Haas, a role that hit close to home as a dad himself. Birds of Prey (2020) unleashed his villainous side as Victor Zsasz, the scar-obsessed mob killer “obsessed” with Ewan McGregor’s Black Mask— a “bonkers” audition involving fake teeth and blue eyeshadow that director Cathy Yan called “exactly what I wanted.” “I’ve played too many nice guys,” Messina admitted, reveling in the twisted fun.
Post-pandemic, Messina starred in I Care a Lot (2020) as a scheming lawyer; the Watergate miniseries Gaslit (2022) as FBI agent Angelo Lano; and Call Jane (2022) in the ensemble drama. Ben Affleck’s Air (2023) featured his explosive portrayal of sports agent David Falk, a role he prepped by running lines with his sons. Stephen King’s The Boogeyman (2023) added horror dad cred, while Based on a True Story (2023–present) as serial-killer-obsessed Nathan Bartlett blends dark comedy and domestic tension—mirroring his real-life juggling act.
At 51, Messina’s career thrives on collaboration, especially with women directors like Yan, Kaling, and Seimetz. “They bring layers I love exploring,” he notes, from Blame (2017) to upcoming projects. His off-screen bond with Sam Rockwell and affinity for theater keep him rooted. As he told The Black C.A.P.E. in 2022, “I’m the thinking man’s Chris—gritty, nuanced, never settling.”
Chris Messina Movies and TV Shows: A Comprehensive Breakdown of His Eclectic Filmography
Chris Messina’s resume is a testament to his chameleon-like ability, spanning indies, blockbusters, comedies, and thrillers. With over 60 credits since his 2003 Six Feet Under debut, he’s the go-to for characters teetering on relatability and revelation. Here’s a deep dive into his standout Chris Messina movies and TV shows, from rom-com romps to pulse-pounding dramas.
Early Gems (2000s): Messina’s film bow was a bit part in Nora Ephron’s You’ve Got Mail (1998), but Made of Honor (2008) as the reliable best man opposite Patrick Dempsey showcased his comedic timing. Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2008) paired him with Scarlett Johansson and Javier Bardem in Allen’s sultry Barcelona tale, while Towelhead (2008)—directed by Six Feet Under‘s Alan Ball—tackled teen turmoil with Summer Bishil. Greenberg (2010) saw him as Ben Stiller’s grounded brother, a Baumbach staple of awkward family dynamics.
Breakout Decade (2010s): Devil (2010) trapped him in Shyamalan’s elevator horror, his panic palpable amid supernatural twists. Monogamy (2010) with Rashida Jones explored voyeuristic obsession, winning Tribeca acclaim. Julie & Julia (2009) offered charm as Amy Adams’ supportive spouse in Ephron’s culinary biopic. Away We Go (2009) with John Krasinski delved into expectant parenthood—a prescient role.
The 2012 trifecta defined his rom-com prowess: Celeste and Jesse Forever as the steadfast Jesse (Rashida Jones’ ex); Ruby Sparks as the meddlesome brother to Paul Dano’s writer; and Argo as Affleck’s CIA ally in the tense Iran hostage saga, earning an Oscar nod for the ensemble. The Giant Mechanical Man (2012) starred him as a down-on-his-luck performer wooing Jenna Fischer, a heartfelt indie. He wrote and starred in Fairhaven (2012), a bro-dramedy with Rockwell and Jeff Quirke.
Directing Alex of Venice (2014) with Winstead, he infused divorce drama with empathy. Cake (2014) pitted him against Aniston’s painkiller-addled widow. TV-wise, Damages (2011–2012) as Glenn Close’s protégé showcased legal savvy; The Newsroom (2012–2014) as Reese Lansing brought Sorkin bite; and The Mindy Project (2012–2017) as Danny Castellano delivered rom-com gold, evolving from rival to soulmate.
Villainous Turns and Thrillers (2020s): Birds of Prey (2020) unleashed Zsasz, a “homoerotic” psycho fixated on McGregor’s Black Mask—Messina’s “twisted” audition sealed it. “He’s obsessed with Roman,” Messina teased, carving kills into his skin as comic lore demands. I Care a Lot (2020) cast him as a vengeful son in Rosamund Pike’s elder-abuse scam. The Sinner Season 3 (2020) as haunted dad Nick Haas gripped with mystery.
Live by Night (2016) reunited him with Affleck in Prohibition-era crime. Blame (2017) under Quinn Shephard’s lens explored teacher-student tensions. Sharp Objects (2018) as Willis unraveled Amy Adams’ psyche in Wind Gap’s shadows. Gaslit (2022) dramatized Watergate with his FBI agent. Call Jane (2022) tackled abortion rights in Phyllis Nagy’s ensemble. Air (2023) exploded as Falk, Nike’s foul-mouthed dealmaker—practiced with his kids for authenticity. The Boogeyman (2023) haunted as a therapist facing grief’s monster. Now, Based on a True Story (2023–) skewers true-crime obsession as Nathan, a dad entangled in murder—Season 2 premiered October 2025, blending laughs with chills.
Upcoming and Hidden Treasures: Messina eyes Juror #2 (2025) with Nicholas Hoult, a legal thriller from Clint Eastwood’s swan song. His stage roots shine in This Thing of Darkness and The Light Outside. With a knack for female-led stories—Blame, Mainstream (2020)—he’s a collaborator’s dream. As Collider ranked his top 10 films, from Argo to Birds of Prey, Messina’s “underrated” status endures, his everyman edge stealing scenes.
From Six Feet Under‘s Ted to Zsasz’s scars, Messina’s filmography is a mosaic of humanity—flawed, funny, fierce. At 5’7″, he towers through talent, proving stature’s no barrier in storytelling.
Chris Messina Wife: Jennifer Todd, the Powerhouse Producer Behind Hollywood Hits
Chris Messina’s personal life orbits around Jennifer Todd, his wife since around 2010 and a force in film production whose credits rival his own resume. Born October 3, 1969, in Los Angeles, Todd—sister to producer Suzanne Todd—grew up in entertainment’s epicenter, helming Pearl Street Films for Ben Affleck and Matt Damon. Her portfolio boasts blockbusters like the Austin Powers trilogy, Memento (Independent Spirit winner), Boiler Room, Prime, Must Love Dogs, Across the Universe, and Alice in Wonderland. As co-producer of the 89th and 90th Oscars, she earned two Emmys, blending her knack for big spectacles with intimate indies.
Messina and Todd met in the mid-2000s, bonding over shared creative worlds. “She’s really smart, and very helpful,” he gushed in an A-Z Quotes reflection, crediting her support during neurotic shoots. Pre-Todd, Messina wed actress Rosemarie DeWitt in 1995; their 2006 divorce was amicable, paving his path to Todd. By 2008, they welcomed Milo; Giovanni followed in 2009. Though Rashida Jones quipped in 2011 they were “not married but wildly happy,” Messina soon called her his wife publicly, solidifying their partnership.
Their union is Hollywood royalty—low-key yet influential. Todd’s first-look deal at MGM and TV pact with Thomas Kail (Hamilton director) keep her thriving, while Messina jokes she’s the “brains” behind movie nights. Red carpets, like Birds of Prey‘s 2020 premiere or Live by Night‘s 2017 bash, showcase their ease—her in elegant gowns, him beaming. “We built a dynamic off-screen,” echoes his Based on a True Story bond with Kaley Cuoco, but Todd’s the real constant.
Todd’s advocacy mirrors Messina’s: Academy member, she champions diverse voices, much like his female-director affinity. Their home? A creative haven where scripts fly and boys direct. As Messina told Forbes in 2017, marrying “one of the most powerful women in Hollywood” (Pearl Street prez) inspires daily. Jennifer Todd isn’t just Chris Messina’s wife—she’s his collaborator, co-parent, and quiet superpower.
Chris Messina Height: Standing Tall at 5’7″ with Larger-Than-Life Presence
At 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm), Chris Messina defies the tall-actor trope, leveraging his compact frame for magnetic intensity. “Height never held me back—it’s about the energy you bring,” he shrugged in a TV Guide profile, where his “boyish, crooked smile” outshines any measuring tape. Weighing around 159–162 lbs (72–73 kg), his athletic build—from theater training to dad duties—commands screens, whether as the brooding Zsasz in Birds of Prey or the fiery Falk in Air.
Fans debate his stature online—Celebheights pegs him at 5’7.5″, citing Argo comparisons to taller co-stars—but Messina owns it. “I’m the short Chris for people who think they don’t care about Chrises,” he joked, contrasting Evans and Hemsworth’s 6-foot frames. In The Mindy Project, heels leveled him with Kaling; in Birds of Prey, his wiry menace needed no lift. His height fuels “sexy short guy energy,” as The Ringer dubbed his blond Zsasz glow-up.
Messina’s physicality shines in action: Devil‘s confined terror, The Boogeyman‘s frantic pursuits. Off-set, it’s chasing sons Milo and Giovanni. “Short kings rule,” a Reddit thread cheers, with Letterboxd users praising his “undeniable presence.” At 51, Messina proves stature’s irrelevant—talent elevates.
Chris Messina Birds of Prey: The “Bonkers” Victor Zsasz That Stole the Show
In Cathy Yan’s Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) (2020), Chris Messina’s Victor Zsasz is a scar-scarred psycho whose “obsession” with Ewan McGregor’s Roman Sionis/Black Mask ignited fan frenzy. As Sionis’ enforcer, Zsasz carves tallies for kills—”saving a special spot for you,” he leers at Harley (Margot Robbie)—blending comic fidelity with Yan’s chaotic flair.
Messina’s audition? “Fake teeth, blue eyeshadow—no script, just vibes,” Yan revealed, calling it “the version I wanted.” The result: a “homoerotic” sidekick whose blond dye and unhinged loyalty spawned memes—”Blond Chris Messina could get it.” “He’s in love with Roman’s charm and violence,” Messina teased, diverging from Gotham‘s polite Zsasz (Anthony Carrigan) for a “distant, maniacal” edge.
Zsasz’s arc—from Sionis’ “little bird” taunts to a brutal Harley demise—steals scenes in the R-rated romp, blending gore with laughs. “Bonkers,” Robbie dubbed it; McGregor echoed, “incredibly violent yet funny.” Fans clamor for more: “Messina’s Zsasz was fantastic,” per Reddit. In a DCEU spin-off eclipsed by pandemic woes, Messina’s turn as the “creepy weirdo” endures, proving villains suit his “too many nice guys” fatigue.
Chris Messina Jennifer Todd: A Hollywood Power Couple’s Enduring Bond
Jennifer Todd isn’t just Chris Messina’s wife—she’s his creative anchor, a producer whose savvy complements his artistry. Their story, from 2000s meet-cute to co-parenting Milo and Giovanni, is low-key legend. “We talk movies constantly,” Messina says, crediting her Memento insight for his grounded takes.
Todd’s empire: Austin Powers laughs, Nolan’s mind-bend, Oscars glory. As Pearl Street head, she greenlit Affleck-Damon hits; her MGM deal and Kail TV pact signal more. “Enormous respect,” Affleck lauds. With Messina, she’s attended Birds of Prey galas and Live by Night premieres, their ease palpable.
Their partnership thrives on equality—Todd’s “wildly happy” blueprint, per Jones. As Academy peers, they champion inclusivity, her immigrant tales echoing his family focus. “She’s the real force,” Messina affirms, their bond as unflashy as enduring.
FAQs About Chris Messina
How many kids does Chris Messina have? Chris Messina has two sons, Milo Montgomery Messina (born 2008) and Giovanni Messina (born 2009), with wife Jennifer Todd.
Who is Chris Messina’s wife? Jennifer Todd, a acclaimed producer known for Memento, Austin Powers, and Oscar telecasts. They’ve been together since the mid-2000s.
What is Chris Messina’s height? 5 feet 7 inches (1.70 m), bringing outsized charisma to roles.
What are Chris Messina’s most famous movies and TV shows? Standouts: The Mindy Project (Danny Castellano), Argo, Birds of Prey (Zsasz), Air, Sharp Objects, Based on a True Story.
What role did Chris Messina play in Birds of Prey? Victor Zsasz, Black Mask’s obsessive henchman, in a “bonkers” villain turn.
Is Chris Messina active on social media? No public accounts; he keeps family private, though fans buzz on X about his roles and dad vibes.
What’s next for Chris Messina? Season 2 of Based on a True Story (2025), Juror #2, and potential stage returns.
Conclusion
Chris Messina’s world unfolds quietly—a mosaic of fatherhood, artistry, and intention. With sons Milo and Giovanni lighting up his everyday, and performances in The Mindy Project and Birds of Prey balancing charm with grit, Messina proves that true stardom doesn’t always shout—it listens. At 5’7″, with a presence far taller than his frame, and alongside producer-wife Jennifer Todd, he builds stories that matter. His legacy? Not noise, but nuance—a Hollywood heartbeat that feels human.
And speaking of comebacks that feel personal, who’s reclaiming her place in prime time? Côte de Pablo, Ziva David herself, returns as television’s Comeback Queen in NCIS: Tony & Ziva—reviving the chemistry, courage, and complexity that made millions fall in love. The question now isn’t if Ziva’s back—it’s how long can TV hold onto lightning twice?
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