Michael Chernus
Personal details
  • Born:
    • Birthday: 1977-08-08
    • Born Place: Rocky River, Ohio, USA
  • Also Known As:

    迈克尔·切尔努斯, مایکل چرنوس

Michael Chernus

Michael Chernus (born August 8, 1977, in Rocky River, Ohio) is an American actor renowned for his versatile performances across film, television, and stage. A graduate of the Juilliard School's Drama Division, Chernus has built a distinguished career marked by both critical acclaim and audience appreciation. He is perhaps best known for his role as Cal Chapman, Piper Chapman's brother, in the Netflix series Orange Is the New Black (2013–2019). His portrayal of Cal showcased his ability to blend humor with emotional depth, earning him recognition in the entertainment industry. Beyond his television work, Chernus has appeared in several notable films, including Captain Phillips (2013), Men in Black 3 (2012), and The Bourne Legacy (2012). He also starred in the critically acclaimed miniseries Dead Ringers (2023), which won a Peabody Award. In 2025, he is set to portray John Wayne Gacy in the Peacock series Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy. Chernus's stage work is equally impressive. He won an Obie Award for his performance in Lisa Kron's In the Wake at The Public Theater and received a Lucille Lortel Award nomination for the same role. He has also performed in productions such as Close Up Space and Lips Together, Teeth Apart, collaborating with esteemed actors like David Hyde Pierce and America Ferrera. In his personal life, Chernus married Emily Simoness on September 26, 2015. The couple resides in New York, where Chernus continues to contribute to the arts and engage in various charitable endeavors.

Person History