Diego Klattenhoff was born on November 30, 1979, in French River, Pictou County, Nova Scotia, Canada. He grew up on a farm in a quiet rural community, where his early years were shaped by hard work, family values, and a love for outdoor activities.
Like many kids in his small town, sports played a big role in his upbringing. Baseball, hockey, and later golf were central to his early life. This balance of physical activity and a close-knit community helped build the grounded personality he carries into adulthood.
Quick Bio
| Full Name | Diego Klattenhoff |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | November 30, 1979 |
| Age | 45 years old |
| Birthplace | French River, Nova Scotia, Canada |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Height | 5′11″ (180 cm) |
| Profession | Actor |
| Years Active | 2001 – Present |
| Famous Roles | Homeland, The Blacklist, Pacific Rim |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Children | One son (private) |
| Net Worth | $2M – $4M (estimated) |
| Hobbies | Golf, Hockey, Baseball |
Moving to Toronto at 19
At just 19 years old, Diego Klattenhoff took a bold step. He moved to Toronto with dreams of becoming an actor. To make ends meet, he worked as a bartender while pursuing acting lessons.
He studied under respected acting coaches such as David Rotenberg, Bruce Clayton, and Rae Ellen Bodie. These years were challenging, but they laid the foundation for his acting career. His persistence, combined with natural talent, eventually paid off with small roles in television and film.
First Screen Appearances
Diego Klattenhoff earliest credits came in Canadian productions like Doc and Wild Card. In 2004, he caught wider attention when he appeared in the hit teen comedy Mean Girls as Shane Oman, one of the popular high school students.
This opened the door to more opportunities. He made appearances in Smallville, Stargate SG-1, and films like Lucky Number Slevin (2006). These supporting roles were important stepping stones that helped him learn the craft of acting in front of the camera.
Breakthrough in Homeland
In 2011,Diego Klattenhoff career took a major leap forward when he landed the role of Captain Mike Faber in the Showtime thriller series Homeland. His character was a Marine who became deeply involved in the complex personal and political drama of the show.
Homeland became a critical and commercial success. The cast won wide acclaim, and Diego Klattenhoff was part of the ensemble nominated for a Screen Actors Guild Award. His work on the series gave him credibility in Hollywood and showcased his ability to handle emotionally demanding roles.
Defining Role in The Blacklist
In 2013, Diego Klattenhoff was cast as FBI Special Agent Donald Ressler in NBC’s crime thriller The Blacklist. This role would define his career for a decade. Ressler, known for his discipline and integrity, became one of the central characters alongside James Spader’s Raymond “Red” Reddington.
The show premiered strongly with over 12 million viewers, and Diego’s steady presence quickly earned him fans. Over ten seasons and more than 200 episodes, he became a familiar face in living rooms around the world. His portrayal of Ressler balanced toughness with humanity, making the character relatable even in intense circumstances.
Film Career Highlights
While television gave Diego his biggest successes, he also made notable contributions to film.
- In Pacific Rim (2013), directed by Guillermo del Toro, he played Yancy Becket, a Jaeger pilot in the sci-fi action blockbuster.
- In After Earth (2013), he took on the role of a Veteran Ranger in a supporting part.
- In Radius (2017), an indie sci-fi thriller, he starred as Liam, a man with a mysterious and deadly affliction. This film was well received by critics and showcased his ability to carry a leading role.
These projects demonstrated his versatility, from big-budget action films to thought-provoking independent cinema.
Personal Life and Family
Despite his career in the spotlight, Diego Klattenhoff is known for keeping his personal life private. He is married and has at least one son, though he rarely shares details about his family. This discretion has helped him maintain a sense of normalcy despite years in the entertainment industry.
Friends and colleagues describe him as grounded and professional. He is not a celebrity who seeks constant attention but rather someone who prefers to let his work speak for itself.
Lifestyle and Interests
Away from acting, Diego enjoys an active lifestyle. Sports continue to be a big part of his life, especially golf, hockey, and baseball. Golf, in particular, is a passion he has carried since childhood, often recalling memories of playing with his father on a rustic local course in Nova Scotia.
These hobbies keep him balanced and reflect his personality—disciplined yet relaxed, competitive yet approachable.
Physical Appearance
Diego Klattenhoff has a commanding but approachable presence. He stands around 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm) tall with an athletic build. His physicality has helped him land roles as military men, agents, and action-driven characters, but he combines that with an ability to convey quiet emotion on screen.
Fans often note his sharp blue eyes and calm demeanor, features that add depth to the characters he plays.
Net Worth and Career Earnings
Through more than two decades of work in film and television, Diego has built a solid financial base. His net worth is estimated between $2 million and $4 million. Much of this comes from his long-running role on The Blacklist and recurring work in film.
While not the flashiest Hollywood star, his steady career is proof of the value of consistency and professionalism in an unpredictable industry.
Fun Facts
- Diego grew up in a rural town where golf balls were sometimes struck from open fields rather than manicured courses.
- He once joked about nearly breaking a clubhouse window with an errant shot, reflecting his down-to-earth nature.
- Acting was not his first pursuit—he initially considered a career in sports before following his passion for performance.
Looking Ahead
With The Blacklist concluded in 2023, Diego Klattenhoff future remains exciting. Fans are eager to see whether he will take on new television projects, return to indie films like Radius, or even branch into producing or directing.
Whatever direction he chooses, his career so far suggests that he will continue to surprise audiences with thoughtful, authentic performances.
Conclusion
From a farm in Nova Scotia to the sets of hit shows like Homeland and The Blacklist, Diego Klattenhoff’s journey is one of resilience, dedication, and authenticity. He represents a rare kind of actor in modern Hollywood—one who values privacy, hard work, and steady growth over hype.
At 45 years old, he remains at the peak of his craft, respected by colleagues and beloved by fans. His story is not just about fame, but about staying true to one’s roots while making a lasting mark on screen.
FAQs about Diego Klattenhoff
1. Who is Diego Klattenhoff?
Diego Klattenhoff is a Canadian actor best known for his roles as Captain Mike Faber in Homeland and FBI Agent Donald Ressler in NBC’s The Blacklist.
2. How old is Diego Klattenhoff?
He was born on November 30, 1979, which makes him 45 years old as of 2025.
3. Is Diego Klattenhoff married?
Yes, he is married and has at least one son, though he keeps his family life very private.
4. What is Diego Klattenhoff’s height?
Diego stands at around 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm) with an athletic build, which suits the action-oriented roles he often plays.
5. What is Diego Klattenhoff’s net worth?
His estimated net worth ranges between $2 million and $4 million, earned mainly from his long career in television and film.
