Ebon Moss-Bachrach's 7 Most Iconic Movies and TV Shows
With standout roles in The Bear and Girls, Ebon Moss-Bachrach is stepping back into the Marvel universe with The Fantastic Four and Avengers: Doomsday.
Ebon Moss-Bachrach, 48, has been quietly dominating Hollywood for almost two decades with his versatile performances. From indie dramas to prestige TV, the New York-born actor has built quite the varied career, often portraying characters who teeter on the edge—emotionally raw, deeply human, and unforgettable. His early work includes roles in acclaimed series like John Adams and Girls, but it’s in recent years that Moss-Bachrach has stepped into a new tier of the spotlight, earning critical praise and a devoted fanbase for his complex role as Richie in FX’s The Bear.
Now, Moss-Bachrach is taking his talents to the Marvel Cinematic Universe again. He’s set to star as Ben Grimm (a.k.a. The Thing) in the highly anticipated Fantastic Four reboot, hitting theaters later this year. This cast news was met with widespread excitement, as fans are eager to see what depth and grit Moss-Bachrach will bring to the iconic, rock-skinned superhero. The superpower momentum doesn’t stop there—Marvel recently announced that the actor will also star in the upcoming film Avengers: Doomsday, which is currently in production. His entry into the Marvel universe marks a thrilling new chapter within his career defined by dynamic range and character-driven storytelling.
Keep scrolling to see the seven must-watch Ebon Moss-Bachrach movies and TV shows, which showcase the actor's evolution from an indie favorite to blockbuster-ready force.
John Adams (2008)
In the 2008 HBO miniseries John Adams, Ebon Moss-Bachrach portrays John Quincy Adams, the son of the second U.S. president. Though his screen time is limited, Moss-Bachrach brought a thoughtful depth to the role. His performance added nuance to the later episodes, hinting at the complex leader he would eventually become. The series was so popular that it won an Emmy for Outstanding Limited Series.
Girls (2014-2017)
From 2014 to 2017, Ebon Moss-Bachrach played Desi Harperin in HBO's Girls, a moody, self-absorbed musician who becomes Marnie’s creative partner and love interest. With his intense gaze and unpredictable energy, Moss-Bachrach perfectly embodied Desi’s chaotic charm and emotional volatility. His portrayal brought comedic absurdity to the series, making Desi one of the show’s most memorable and frustratingly compelling characters.
The Punisher (2017)
In Marvel’s The Punisher (2017) series, Ebon Moss-Bachrach stars as David Lieberman, a former NSA analyst turned fugitive hacker known as “Micro.” Partnering with Frank Castle, Micro serves as the brains to Castle’s brawn, offering tech support, strategy, and a moral compass throughout their mission for justice.
NOS4A2 (2019-2020)
In AMC’s supernatural horror series NOS4A2 (2019–2020), Ebon Moss-Bachrach plays Chris McQueen, the father of protagonist Vic McQueen. As a working-class New Englander with a rough exterior and a complicated past, Chris struggles with addiction and fractured relationships, yet his love for his daughter remains unwavering.
The Dropout (2022)
In Hulu’s The Dropout (2022), Ebon Moss-Bachrach plays John Carreyrou, the real-life investigative journalist who helped expose the truth behind Theranos and its founder, Elizabeth Holmes. As a Wall Street Journal reporter, Carreyrou's relentless pursuit of the story becomes a turning point in the series, with Moss-Bachrach portraying him as sharp, composed, and quietly determined.
No Hard Feelings (2023)
In the 2023 comedy No Hard Feelings, Ebon Moss-Bachrach plays Gary, the ex-boyfriend of Jennifer Lawrence’s character, Maddie. As a tow truck driver tangled in Maddie’s messy financial and romantic history, Gary brings a dose of chaotic humor and lingering tension to the storyline. Moss-Bachrach leans into the role’s absurdity with deadpan delivery and offbeat charm, adding comedic depth to the film’s exploration of awkward relationships and growing up.
The Bear (2022-Present)
In FX’s The Bear, Ebon Moss-Bachrach delivers a standout performance as Richie Jerimovich, the abrasive yet fiercely loyal “cousin” to Carmy, the show's lead chef. As the loud-mouthed front-of-house manager at the family-run sandwich shop, Richie initially clashes with Carmy’s vision for change. But Moss-Bachrach masterfully peels back the layers of Richie’s bravado to reveal a man grappling with grief, purpose, and identity. His raw intensity, sharp comedic timing, and unexpected vulnerability make Richie one of the most complex—and ultimately beloved—characters in the series.
