Logo What's After the Movie
Wes Bentley

What's After the Movie

Wes Bentley

Wes Bentley, born September 4, 1978, is an American actor who gained international fame for his roles in a number of renowned films. He is best remembered for his performance as Ricky Fitts in American Beauty (1999), a role that earned him a nomination for the BAFTA Award for Supporting Actor. He has also played prominent roles in The Hunger Games (2012), Interstellar (2014), Mission: Impossible – Fallout, and Yellowstone. His career hit a snag due to struggles with substance abuse, as documented in My Big Break (2009). However, he managed to rebuild his career, starring in the off-Broadway premiere of Venus in Fur by David Ives in 2010. In the lurid world of supernatural horror, Bentley made a solid mark playing roles in the FX anthology series American Horror Story starting in 2014, and received a Critics' Choice Television Award nomination in 2015. Bentley began to star in the Paramount Network original television series Yellowstone in 2018.\n\nBorn in Jonesboro, Arkansas, Bentley grew up in Little Rock, the third of four sons. He graduated from Sylvan Hills High School in Sherwood, Arkansas in 1996 and attended the Juilliard School's Drama Division soon after. However, he left the school after one year to pursue his acting career. Over his career, Bentley has starred in several films, including the Oscar-winning American Beauty, The Four Feathers, P2, and Ghost Rider. Off-stage, Bentley was married to actress Jennifer Quanz from 2001 to 2009. They divorced in 2009 reportedly due to his substance abuse. He married producer Jacqui Swedberg in 2010, and they have two children. Bentley's personal life has been dominated by his struggles with substance abuse, something he's opened up about in interviews. He began doing drugs shortly after his success with American Beauty and has since admitted to struggles with addiction and recovery.

31 movies
1 nomination

Explore the best of Wes Bentley – top movies, iconic roles, and must-see performances!

Biography, Career & Filmography

Learn more about Wes Bentley, including a detailed biography, career timeline, personal life insights, and complete filmography. Discover how Wes Bentley rose to fame, their major roles, industry impact, and personal milestones in the world of film.


Given Name: Wes Bentley

Born: Jonesboro, Arkansas, U.S

Citizenship: United States

Birthday: September 4, 1978

Occupations: Actor

Years Active: 1995-present

Children: 2

Spouses: Jennifer Quanz, Jacqui Swedberg

Awards and Nominations Received by Wes Bentley

Explore awards

Explore the awards, honors, and nominations Wes Bentley has earned across their acting career. From prestigious wins to critical acclaim, see how their talent has been recognized by the film industry and major award bodies.


53rd British Academy Film Awards 2000

Nomination

Best Actor in a Supporting Role

American Beauty
Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

© 2025 What's After the Movie. All rights reserved.