From Landry Clark to Leading Man: The Rise of Jesse Plemons

Discover how Jesse Plemons rose from his breakout role on Friday Night Lights to starring in major Hollywood films from legends like Martin Scorsese.

I’ve been a huge fan of Jesse Plemons since I watched the first season of Friday Night Lights when it aired in 2006. And I’m not alone—though he’d appeared in several movies and TV shows before, his role as Landry Clark on Friday Night Lights was his breakout moment. Still, if you had told me back then that he’d go on to become the standout star from the original cast, I’m not sure I would’ve believed you. Sure, he could make me feel all the emotions with just one look, but I always thought Taylor Kitsch, Minka Kelly, or Adrianne Palicki would be the ones to reach the highest levels of fame. And they’ve done well for themselves! But no one from that cast has seemingly soared like Plemons.

(Look, Kyle Chandler was already a breakout star, so he doesn’t count. Maybe Connie Britton. Also, second-wave cast members like Michael B. Jordan and Jurnee Smollett? Totally different conversation. Glad we cleared that up…)

So, how did Jesse Plemons go from the small-town Landry Clark to working with legends like Martin Scorsese in Killers of the Flower Moon? Was it his turn in Breaking Bad, or Fargo (with his future wife Kirsten Dunst?!) or one of the many award winning movies he’s been in? Check out the video below to find out:

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