Miles Teller (born February 20, 1987) is an American actor acclaimed for his versatile performances in film and television, best known for his roles in *Whiplash* (2014), *Fantastic Four* (2015), and *Top Gun: Maverick* (2022).
Born in Downingtown, Pennsylvania, Teller developed an early interest in acting and attended the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University. His breakthrough came with the indie drama *Rabbit Hole* (2010), which opened doors to a wide range of roles in both drama and comedy.
Teller gained international recognition with his performance as a passionate jazz drummer in *Whiplash*, earning critical acclaim and several award nominations. He went on to star in blockbuster films, including *Divergent*, *Fantastic Four*, and *War Dogs*, showcasing his range as a leading man.
In 2022, he reached new levels of stardom portraying Lt. Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw in *Top Gun: Maverick*, a role that solidified his status as one of Hollywood's top contemporary actors.
Date of Birth: February 20, 1987
Place of Birth: Downingtown, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Nationality: American
Known for: *Whiplash*, *Fantastic Four*, *Divergent*, *Top Gun: Maverick*
Teller’s career is marked by critically acclaimed performances and blockbuster successes. His portrayal in *Whiplash* remains a defining moment, while his role in *Top Gun: Maverick* introduced him to a global audience.
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | Moonlighters (short) | Not specified | Student short film appearance prior to professional debut. |
| 2010 | Rabbit Hole | Jason | Feature debut opposite Nicole Kidman; received strong critical notice. |
| 2011 | Footloose | Willard Hewitt | Remake of 1984 musical drama; breakout supporting performance. |
| 2013 | 21 & Over | Miller | Comedy by writers of The Hangover; first lead role in a studio feature. |
| 2013 | The Spectacular Now | Sutter Keely | Critically acclaimed independent drama; won Sundance Special Jury Award (with Shailene Woodley). |
| 2014 | Divergent | Peter Hayes | Antagonist role in popular YA adaptation; returned for sequels. |
| 2014 | Whiplash | Andrew Neiman | Breakthrough role; Golden Globe nomination; film won 3 Oscars including Best Editing and Supporting Actor. |
| 2015 | Two Night Stand | Alec | Romantic comedy exploring digital dating culture. |
| 2015 | Insurgent | Peter Hayes | Second film in the Divergent series. |
| 2015 | Fantastic Four | Reed Richards / Mr. Fantastic | Reboot of Marvel superhero franchise; commercially unsuccessful but notable major-studio lead. |
| 2016 | Allegiant | Peter Hayes | Final installment of the Divergent trilogy. |
| 2016 | War Dogs | David Packouz | Dark comedy based on true story; co-starred with Jonah Hill. |
| 2016 | Bleed for This | Vinny Pazienza | Biographical sports drama; praised for physical transformation. |
| 2017 | Only the Brave | Brendan McDonough | Based on Granite Mountain Hotshots; ensemble cast with Josh Brolin and Jeff Bridges. |
| 2017 | Thank You for Your Service | Adam Schumann | PTSD war drama; strong critical acclaim for realism and empathy. |
| 2021 | Spiderhead | Jeff | Netflix sci-fi thriller directed by Joseph Kosinski; co-starred with Chris Hemsworth. |
| 2022 | Top Gun: Maverick | Lt. Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw | Major international hit; earned over $1.4 billion; praised for chemistry with Tom Cruise and aerial realism. |
| 2022 | The Offer (miniseries) | Albert S. Ruddy | Paramount+ limited series about the making of The Godfather; earned Golden Globe nomination. |
| 2023 | Top Gun: Rooster’s Return (in development) | Bradley Bradshaw | Confirmed sequel announced by Paramount; filming expected to start 2026. |
| 2024 | The Gorge | Lead role | Apple TV+ romantic action thriller directed by Scott Derrickson; praised for chemistry with Anya Taylor-Joy. |
Miles Teller has frequently collaborated with directors who emphasize realism and precision. His partnership with Damien Chazelle on Whiplash marked a critical turning point, earning global recognition. Later collaborations with Joseph Kosinski on Top Gun: Maverick and Spiderhead expanded his reach into high-budget action and science-fiction cinema. He continues to work with major studios including Paramount Pictures, Apple TV+, and Netflix, while remaining active in independent projects that emphasize psychological realism and character-driven storytelling.
Outside of acting, Teller is passionate about music and sports. He married model Keleigh Sperry in 2019, and the couple is often seen supporting philanthropic causes.
Miles Teller continues to be recognized for his dynamic acting skills and ability to bring depth to a wide range of characters. His contributions to contemporary cinema have established him as one of the most respected actors of his generation.