Chris Klein Biography

Chris Klein
Biography

Birth Name
Chris Klein
Date of birth (location)
14 March 1979
Hinsdale, Illinois, USA

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Actor Chris Klein made his professional debut in the satirical high school-set comedy "Election" (1999). Filmed in director Alexander Payne's hometown of Omaha, Nebraska, Klein was discovered when Payne visited his high school on a locations scout. After an audition, the young actor was cast as Paul Metzler, a sweet, uncynical and popular sidelined athlete who is persuaded by his teacher (Matthew Broderick) to run against the overachieving Tracy Flick (Reese Witherspoon) for class president. Playing the least malevolent character in the film, Klein offered a portrayal that was likened by many critics to Keanu Reeves' charming early performances.

Brown-haired, tall, and athletic in build, the actor again played a likable jock in that summer's surprisingly sensitive teen sex comedy "American Pie". This time he portrayed Oz, a lacrosse player who, in an attempt to impress girls, seeks to prove he is more than a mindless sports hero by joining a choir. His rising status was further confirmed when he was signed to star opposite Leelee Sobieski in the romance "Here on Earth" (2000). Klein subsequently headlined the low-brow incest-themed comedy "Say It Isn't So" (2001, produced by the Farrelly brothers) and was tapped to star in the remake of the 1970s actioner "Rollerball" and appear in the ensemble of the Vietnam-era drama "We Were Soldiers" (both 2002).

Played quarterback and linebacker in High School.

Is a member of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity.

Has a younger brother.

Appeared in television commercials for computer game company Maxis' (Owned by: Electronic Arts) online video game, 'The Sims Online' in 2002.