Todd Stashwick Bio: Age, Wife, Family, Movies and TV Shows
Todd Stashwick is an American actor, writer, and comedian known for his memorable performances in television, film, and comedy. He gained widespread recognition for playing Captain Liam Shaw in Star Trek: Picard and Deacon in 12 Monkeys.
Born in Chicago, Illinois, Stashwick developed an early interest in comedy and performance. He later trained in theatre and joined the legendary improvisational comedy group The Second City.
His career spans several decades and includes television dramas, science fiction series, comedy productions, and video game writing. Moreover, his creative interests extend beyond acting into comic books, tabletop gaming, and storytelling.
Todd Stashwick stands out for his versatility as both a performer and a writer. His work in major entertainment franchises has introduced him to audiences worldwide.
In 2026, he continues to attract attention through his involvement in Marvel Television’s VisionQuest. His role as Paladin adds another notable credit to his expanding screen career.
Who Is Todd Stashwick?
Todd Stashwick is an American actor, writer, comedian, and improvisational performer. He was born on October 16, 1968, in Chicago, Illinois, United States.
He built his career through theatre, television, and film. However, his professional interests extend beyond traditional acting roles.
Stashwick has worked in comedy, crime dramas, science fiction, and superhero productions. His performances often combine sharp dialogue, distinctive character work, and a strong screen presence.
Many viewers recognize him from Star Trek: Picard, where he played Captain Liam Shaw. Others know him as Deacon from the science fiction series 12 Monkeys.
His career also includes writing for video games and developing original entertainment properties. Consequently, Stashwick has established himself as a multifaceted creative professional.
Todd Stashwick’s Age and Early Life
Todd Stashwick was born on October 16, 1968. Therefore, he is 57 years old as of October 2026 and will celebrate his 58th birthday on October 16.
He grew up in the suburbs of Chicago, where he developed a love for comedy and performance. From an early age, he enjoyed making people laugh.
Stashwick also developed an interest in theatre during his school years. He played Tevye in a high school production of Fiddler on the Roof.
That experience helped strengthen his desire to pursue acting. Furthermore, he began imagining a future performing with Chicago’s celebrated comedy institutions.
He attended Hoffman Estates High School before continuing his education. His Midwestern upbringing later influenced his approach to humour, collaboration, and storytelling.
Rather than pursuing an unrelated profession, Stashwick followed his passion for entertainment. This decision eventually led him toward improvisational comedy and professional acting.
Todd Stashwick’s Education
Stashwick attended Illinois State University, where he earned a degree in theatre.
His university education provided a foundation in acting, stage performance, and dramatic storytelling. It also helped him prepare for the demands of professional entertainment.
After graduation, he pursued opportunities within Chicago’s vibrant comedy scene. The city’s improvisational theatres offered an ideal environment for developing his performance skills.
Chicago has produced numerous influential comedians and actors. Its emphasis on improvisation encourages performers to react quickly, collaborate creatively, and build compelling characters.
These skills became central to Stashwick’s career. They later helped him move comfortably between comedy, drama, and science fiction.
His theatrical background also supports his work as a writer. Understanding performance and character motivation allows him to approach storytelling from multiple perspectives.
How Todd Stashwick Started His Acting Career
Stashwick began his professional journey through improvisational comedy. After graduating from Illinois State University, he performed with several local theatre groups.
His major breakthrough came in 1992, when he joined The Second City on a national touring production.
The Second City has a long history of developing influential comedians and performers. Working with the company gave Stashwick valuable experience before live audiences.
He later performed with The Second City Detroit and The Second City Northwest. These opportunities helped him refine his comedic timing and character work.
Stashwick eventually moved to New York City. There, he co-founded an experimental improvisational troupe called Burn Manhattan.
The group gained recognition for its unconventional performances. Its members included performers such as Kate Walsh and Jeremy Piven.
Stashwick also worked on Late Night with Conan O’Brien between 1997 and 2000. His appearances allowed him to demonstrate his improvisational abilities in television comedy.
Eventually, film and television opportunities brought him to Los Angeles. This move opened the door to a broader career in American entertainment.
Todd Stashwick’s Movies
Todd Stashwick has appeared in numerous films, playing characters across comedy, drama, action, and thriller genres. His film career demonstrates his ability to support stories through distinctive supporting performances.
You, Me and Dupree (2006)
Stashwick appeared in the comedy You, Me and Dupree, starring Owen Wilson, Kate Hudson, and Matt Dillon.
The film follows a newly married couple whose lives become complicated when a friend moves into their home. Stashwick’s involvement added another credit to his growing filmography.
Surfer, Dude (2008)
He appeared in Surfer, Dude, a comedy starring Matthew McConaughey as a surfer facing personal and professional challenges.
The film explores celebrity culture, surfing, and the pressure to commercialize personal passions. Stashwick continued demonstrating his versatility through another comedy production.
The Way Back (2020)
Stashwick appeared in the sports drama The Way Back, starring Ben Affleck.
The story follows a former basketball star who returns to coaching while confronting personal difficulties. The film combines sports drama with themes of recovery, responsibility, and second chances.
Think Like a Dog (2020)
Stashwick also contributed to Think Like a Dog, a family comedy featuring Megan Fox and Josh Duhamel.
The film follows a young boy who develops an unusual connection with his dog after a scientific experiment. This project expanded his work into family-oriented entertainment.
Violet (2021)
In Violet, Stashwick appeared in a psychological drama directed by Justine Bateman.
The film explores a woman’s struggle with negative internal thoughts and self-doubt. Its focus on personal growth distinguishes it from conventional action and comedy productions.
Vide Noir (2022)
Stashwick appeared in Vide Noir, a surreal mystery film connected to Lord Huron’s musical universe.
The story follows a man searching for his missing girlfriend through a strange, dreamlike world. Its unusual narrative reflects Stashwick’s willingness to participate in unconventional projects.
The Accountant 2 (2025)
Stashwick appeared in The Accountant 2, the action thriller starring Ben Affleck and Jon Bernthal.
The sequel continues the story of Christian Wolff, a highly skilled accountant with exceptional combat abilities. Stashwick’s role as Tomas’ lawyer adds another recent studio film to his credits.
Todd Stashwick’s Television Shows
Television has played a significant role in Stashwick’s career. He has appeared in popular dramas, sitcoms, crime series, and science fiction productions.
The Riches (2007–2008)
Stashwick portrayed Dale Malloy in the FX drama The Riches. The series follows a family of travelling con artists who assume another family’s identity.
His character operates within a story filled with deception, family tension, and moral uncertainty. The role helped increase his visibility as a television actor.
12 Monkeys (2015–2018)
One of Stashwick’s most important television roles came in 12 Monkeys. He played Deacon, a complex character who becomes central to the series’ larger story.
The science fiction drama follows time travellers attempting to prevent a devastating global catastrophe. Deacon’s shifting loyalties and leadership make him an important part of the narrative.
Stashwick’s performance combined humour, intensity, and emotional complexity. Consequently, the role helped strengthen his reputation among science fiction fans.
Gotham (2015–2017)
Stashwick appeared in Gotham, the crime drama exploring the origins of several Batman characters.
The series combines police investigations with stories involving Gotham City’s criminal underworld. His appearance added another comic-book-related production to his career.
American Horror Story (2018)
Stashwick appeared in American Horror Story: Apocalypse. The season blends supernatural horror with an end-of-the-world storyline.
His work in the anthology demonstrated his ability to participate in darker, more intense productions.
Kim Possible (2019)
Stashwick played Dr. Drakken in the live-action adaptation of Kim Possible.
The character is a familiar villain from the animated franchise. Stashwick brought his comedic experience to the role, helping translate the exaggerated character into live action.
The Last Thing He Told Me (2023)
Stashwick appeared as Avett Thompson in the Apple TV+ mystery thriller The Last Thing He Told Me.
The series follows a woman investigating her husband’s disappearance while protecting her stepdaughter. His appearance placed him within a story driven by secrets, family relationships, and suspense.
Star Trek: Picard (2023)
Stashwick reached a new level of recognition through Captain Liam Shaw in Star Trek: Picard.
Shaw commands the USS Titan-A during the series’ third season. He initially approaches Jean-Luc Picard and William Riker with suspicion and strict professionalism.
However, the character gradually reveals deeper emotional wounds and complicated personal history. Stashwick’s performance made Shaw one of the season’s most memorable new characters.
His portrayal received considerable attention from Star Trek fans. Many viewers appreciated the character’s dry humour, blunt personality, and gradual development.
Shaw’s story also demonstrates Stashwick’s ability to make an original character feel grounded within an established franchise.
Todd Stashwick in VisionQuest (2026)
Stashwick plays Paladin in Marvel Television’s VisionQuest, a major project connected to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
The series continues the story established by WandaVision and Agatha All Along. Paul Bettany returns as Vision, while James Spader reprises his role as Ultron.
The story explores Vision’s recovered memories, identity, and attempts to understand his existence. The series also introduces a wider group of characters connected to artificial intelligence.
Stashwick’s casting has attracted attention because of his previous work with science fiction and genre franchises. His role as Paladin adds a new dimension to his television career.
The series is scheduled to premiere on Disney+ on October 14, 2026. This release makes VisionQuest one of his most prominent projects in 2026.
For audiences familiar with Captain Shaw, the Marvel series offers another opportunity to see Stashwick portray a character within a major entertainment universe.
Todd Stashwick’s Writing Career
Although audiences primarily recognize Stashwick as an actor, he has also developed an impressive career as a writer.
He co-created ** Devil Inside, an online action-horror comic series**, with comic book artist Dennis Calero. The project combines supernatural storytelling with action and dark themes.
Stashwick’s writing interests also extend into television, film, and video games. He co-wrote Clandestine, an original science fiction television pilot developed for Syfy.
Additionally, he collaborated on Forspoken, the fantasy action video game released by Square Enix in 2023. The project allowed him to contribute to a large-scale interactive story.
Stashwick has also worked with writer and game director Amy Hennig on Marvel-related video game development. Their collaboration connects his storytelling experience with major entertainment franchises.
His writing career reflects a desire to create stories rather than simply perform them. Furthermore, his understanding of character development helps him approach different forms of entertainment.
Todd Stashwick’s Comic Books and Creative Projects
Stashwick’s creative interests include comic books, tabletop role-playing games, and fantasy storytelling.
His work on Devil Inside demonstrates his interest in supernatural characters and action-driven narratives. The project also allowed him to collaborate closely with an established comic book artist.
Beyond comics, Stashwick has developed projects connected to fantasy gaming. His long-standing interest in imaginative storytelling has influenced several personal and professional ventures.
He has also contributed to tabletop gaming communities through live games, online appearances, and charity events. These activities demonstrate his commitment to creative communities beyond Hollywood.
His interests help distinguish him from performers who concentrate exclusively on screen acting. Instead, he continues exploring different ways to create and share stories.
Todd Stashwick and Dungeons & Dragons
Todd Stashwick is a passionate Dungeons & Dragons enthusiast. His interest in tabletop role-playing games began during childhood and has remained an important part of his life.
He regularly organizes games with friends and participates in online gaming events. He also uses storytelling and improvisation to bring characters to life during gameplay.
His enthusiasm extends to gaming products and community projects. Through Todd Stashwick’s Nerd Circus, he has celebrated tabletop gaming with merchandise and accessories.
Stashwick also co-created Mystic Libations, a Dungeons & Dragons-inspired cocktail book with Brandon Kleyla. The project combines fantasy themes with entertaining recipes.
Moreover, he has explored original fantasy storytelling through ** ProgCore Fantasy: Dark Age of Theer**. The project brings together imaginative world-building and collaborative entertainment.
These interests reflect the same creative instincts that shaped his acting career. Both improvisation and tabletop role-playing depend on imagination, collaboration, and quick thinking.
Todd Stashwick’s Wife and Family
Todd Stashwick married Charity Stashwick in 1997. The couple reportedly married in Times Square in New York City.
Their marriage has continued throughout his long career in entertainment. However, Stashwick generally keeps details about his private relationships away from unnecessary publicity.
Public biographical information identifies the couple as parents of two children. Nevertheless, they rarely share extensive details about their children’s private lives.
Stashwick’s family life appears alongside his professional interests in interviews and public discussions. He has spoken about fatherhood and how shared interests can strengthen family relationships.
His love of gaming has also provided opportunities to connect with his children. These experiences reflect a personal side beyond his work in television and film.
Despite his growing recognition, Stashwick maintains a relatively private approach to family matters. Consequently, readers should rely on verified information rather than unconfirmed online claims.
Todd Stashwick’s Personality and Interests
Stashwick’s interests reveal a creative personality that extends well beyond acting.
He enjoys science fiction, fantasy, comic books, and tabletop games. These interests also connect naturally with many of his professional projects.
His background in improvisational comedy has shaped his approach to collaboration. Rather than depending entirely on scripted dialogue, he understands the value of spontaneous creativity.
Stashwick also enjoys writing and developing original stories. His involvement in comics and video games demonstrates a continuing interest in narrative design.
Furthermore, his work with charity gaming events highlights his connection to gaming communities. He has used his interests to encourage participation and support charitable causes.
Together, these activities show how personal passions can influence professional creativity. They also explain why he has developed such a broad entertainment career.
Todd Stashwick’s Awards and Achievements
Stashwick has earned recognition through his performances in television and other entertainment projects. However, he has built his reputation primarily through memorable characters and consistent professional work.
His portrayal of Captain Liam Shaw in Star Trek: Picard stands among his most celebrated performances. The character received considerable attention from viewers and franchise commentators.
His work as Deacon in 12 Monkeys also remains a significant career achievement. The role allowed him to explore a character with changing loyalties and emotional depth.
Beyond acting, his achievements include creating a comic series and contributing to major video game projects. These accomplishments demonstrate his range as a creative professional.
His career illustrates that success in entertainment does not depend solely on leading roles. Strong character performances and creative collaboration can also build lasting recognition.
Todd Stashwick’s Net Worth
Todd Stashwick’s exact net worth has not been reliably confirmed through authoritative financial disclosures.
Various celebrity websites publish estimates, but these figures often lack transparent sourcing. Therefore, readers should treat specific net worth claims with caution.
Stashwick has worked consistently across television, film, voice work, and writing. His career also includes contributions to video games and original creative properties.
These activities provide several potential sources of professional income. However, without verified financial records, assigning him a precise net worth would be speculative.
Frequently Asked Questions About Todd Stashwick
How old is Todd Stashwick?
Todd Stashwick was born on October 16, 1968. He is 57 years old as of October 2026.
Where was Todd Stashwick born?
He was born in Chicago, Illinois, United States, and grew up in the surrounding suburbs.
Who is Todd Stashwick’s wife?
Todd Stashwick is married to Charity Stashwick. They married in 1997.
Does Todd Stashwick have children?
Yes. Public biographical sources identify Todd and Charity Stashwick as parents of two children.
What is Todd Stashwick famous for?
He is best known for playing Captain Liam Shaw in Star Trek: Picard and Deacon in 12 Monkeys.
Is Todd Stashwick in VisionQuest?
Yes. Stashwick plays Paladin in Marvel Television’s VisionQuest, scheduled to premiere on Disney+ in October 2026.
What movies has Todd Stashwick appeared in?
His film credits include You, Me and Dupree, Surfer, Dude, The Way Back, Think Like a Dog, Violet, Vide Noir, and The Accountant 2.
Did Todd Stashwick work on video games?
Yes. He contributed to video game writing, including Forspoken, and collaborated on Marvel-related game development.
What is Todd Stashwick’s educational background?
He attended Illinois State University and earned a degree in theatre.
Is Todd Stashwick a writer?
Yes. He co-created the comic series Devil Inside and has contributed to television, film, and video game writing.
Conclusion
Todd Stashwick has built a diverse career through acting, improvisational comedy, writing, and creative development. His performances in 12 Monkeys and Star Trek: Picard have earned him recognition among television audiences.
However, his achievements extend beyond screen acting. His comic book work, video game writing, and passion for Dungeons & Dragons reveal a wider creative ambition.
His role as Paladin in VisionQuest adds another major franchise to his growing résumé. Meanwhile, his continuing interest in original storytelling demonstrates his commitment to exploring new opportunities.
Todd Stashwick’s biography reflects the journey of a versatile performer who combines comedic instincts with dramatic talent and imaginative storytelling. His career continues to evolve across television, film, gaming, and other creative industries.
