Brian Landis

Brian Landis is an actor, writer and Cinema professor at Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia. He grew up in rural Virginia, where he and his friends spent their time playing baseball, camping, skateboarding, blasting heavy metal, and occasionally getting into trouble. His passion for stage acting emerged early and flourished throughout his teenage years in school and community theater. In 1992, he moved to Richmond, Virginia, to attend Virginia Commonwealth University, where he studied theater, dance, and mass communications. During this time, he also thrived as the frontman of noise rock bands, experimented with performance art, and collaborated on indie films with friends. After eight years, seeking a change, he relocated to San Diego, California. There, he continued writing music, participated in small theater productions, and developed a love for climbing the Sierras, camping in the desert, and trail running through endless canyons. In 2006, Landis returned to Richmond, reigniting his passion for performance. He began writing and directing his own films, including Kill Jar, Song of the Common Loon, and Manhammer. His acting credits include playing a cult leader in M. Night Shyamalan's Servant, a grim slave-catcher in Focus Features' Harriet, and a clueless suburban dad in American Dreamer opposite Jim Gaffigan. He also appeared as a cross-country bus driver alongside Alfre Woodard in the Netflix film Juanita and portrayed Warren Murphy in Apple's Swagger.