Feb 28, 1969
Pisces
Westwood, NJ
56 years old
N/A
N/A
TV Actor
Robert Sean Leonard (born Robert Lawrence Leonard on February 28, 1969) is an American actor and accomplished theater artist from Westwood, New Jersey, currently 56 years old . He earned global recognition through iconic roles such as Neil Perry in Dead Poets Society (1989) and Dr. James Wilson in the hit TV drama House (2004–2012) .
Early Life & Education
Raised in nearby Ridgewood, New Jersey, Robert began acting at age 14 at The Public Theater in New York City . He later attended Ridgewood High School, then studied at Fordham University and Columbia University School of General Studies, also receiving training at HB Studio . When joining SAG, he adopted "Sean"—his brother’s name—as his middle name to distinguish himself .
Stage Career & Honors
A Tony Award-winning actor, Leonard earned critical praise and awards for his stage work:
2001 Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in The Invention of Love
Nominated in 1993 (Candida) and 2003 (Long Day’s Journey into Night)
His extensive theater résumé includes major Broadway and Off-Broadway titles: Brighton Beach Memoirs, Arcadia, Candida, The Music Man, The Iceman Cometh, Tony-nominated performances, To Kill a Mockingbird, and recent roles like Betrayal in Chicago .
Film & Television Breakthrough
1986: Began film career at age 17 with The Manhattan Project and My Best Friend Is a Vampire
1989: Rose to prominence as Neil Perry in Dead Poets Society, earning critical acclaim .
1990s: Appeared in Mr. & Mrs. Bridge, Swing Kids, Much Ado About Nothing, The Age of Innocence, Tape, and Drive—highlighting his range .
On television:
2004–2012: Starred as Dr. James Wilson, best friend to Gregory House on House, earning a Screen Actors Guild ensemble nomination .
2013–2014: Recurring as Dr. Roger Kadar on Falling Skies .
Additional guest roles in The Blacklist, Law & Order: SVU, The Good Wife, The Good Doctor, The Hot Zone, The First Lady, and The Gilded Age .
Family & Personal Life
Robert married Gabriella Salick in 2008, and they have three daughters, born in 2009, 2012, and beyond . He remains lifelong friends with Dead Poets Society co-star Ethan Hawke and House co-star Hugh Laurie .
Awards & Recognition
Tony Award – The Invention of Love (2001)
Tony nominations – Candida (1993), Long Day’s Journey into Night (2003)
Chicago Film Critics Most Promising Actor – Dead Poets Society (1990)
SAG nomination – House ensemble
Why He Matters
Robert Sean Leonard stands out as a rare artist balancing serious theater and mainstream screen success. From his heartfelt portrayal of Neil Perry to his warm, grounded presence as Dr. Wilson, he continues to contribute richly to stage and screen. His devotion to family, craft, and creative integrity marks him as a timeless performer worth celebrating.
