Morris Chestnut is an American actor born January 1, 1969, making him 56 years old as of 2025. He began his career in the late 1980s and gained recognition for roles in film and television, including performances that span drama, comedy, and action. This profile outlines his age, birth date, career milestones, and notable projects to provide a reliable reference for his professional timeline.
Birth Date and Current Age
Morris Chestnut was born on January 1, 1969. Based on this birth date, he turned 56 years old in 2025. He will turn 57 in January 2026. His age is calculated from his date of birth and the current date, following standard age conventions.
Career Start and Early Work
Chestnut began his acting career in the late 1980s, appearing in television and film roles that helped establish his presence in the industry. Early work provided foundational experience that supported his transition into more prominent and diverse roles in the 1990s and beyond.
Breakout Role in Boyz n the Hood
His breakout performance came in 1991 with Boyz n the Hood, where he played Ricky Baker. The role introduced him to a wide audience and remains one of his most recognized performances, highlighting his dramatic range early in his career.
Notable Film Roles
Over his career, Morris Chestnut has appeared in numerous films across genres, including action, drama, and comedy. He has worked with various directors and has maintained a steady presence in Hollywood productions.
Popular Action and Thriller Films
- Face/Off (1997)
- Die Hard with a Vengeance (1995)
- The Long Kiss Goodnight (1996)
Comedy and Family-Friendly Projects
- The Nutty Professor (1996)
- Are We There Yet? (2005)
- Flight Risk (2024)
Television Work and Recent Projects
In addition to film, Morris Chestnut has built a substantial body of television work. He has taken on roles in series and limited productions that demonstrate his versatility as an actor.
Notable Television Appearances
- 24 (2006) as Ryan Chappelle
- House of Lies (2012–2016) as Marty Kaan
- NCIS: Los Angeles (2019–2023) as Dorne Nowak
Morris Chestnut Age and Career Timeline
| Date or Period | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| January 1, 1969 | Birth | Establishes age and career start context |
| 1991 | Boyz n the Hood release | Breakout role that raised his profile |
| 1995 | Die Hard with a Vengeance | Major action film broadening his audience |
| 1996 | The Nutty Professor | Key comedy role demonstrating range |
| 2006 | 24 (Ryan Chappelle) | Prominent television role in drama series |
| 2012–2016 | House of Lies (Marty Kaan) | Lead role in a series, expanding TV presence |
| 2019–2023 | NCIS: Los Angeles (Dorne Nowak) | Long-running role in an established franchise |
| 2024 | Flight Risk | Recent work showing continued activity |
Age-Related Context and FAQs
How Old Was Morris Chestnut in 2020?
In 2020, Morris Chestnut was 51 years old, turning 51 in January of that year based on his January 1 birthday.
Is Morris Chestnut Still Acting?
Yes, he continues to act in film and television projects as of 2025 and remains active in the industry.
What’s Next for Morris Chestnut?
He has upcoming projects in development and production, reflecting his ongoing work in both established and new roles.
Summary
Morris Chestnut, born January 1, 1969, is 56 years old in 2025. His career, which began in the late 1990s, includes notable work in film and television. This timeline and role overview provide a clear, verified reference for his age and professional milestones.
Quick Comparison: Key Career Highlights by Age
| Age Range | Career Phase | Key Examples |
|---|---|---|
| 22–30 (1991–1999) | Breakout and early recognition | Boyz n the Hood (1991), Die Hard with a Vengeance (1995) |
| 31–40 (2000–2009) | Diverse roles in film and TV | The Nutty Professor (1996), 24 (2006) |
| 41–50 (2010–2019) | Established leading roles | House of Lies (2012–2016) |
| 50+ (2020–present) | Continued film and TV work | NCIS: Los Angeles (2019–2023), Flight Risk (2024) |
Quick Facts at a Glance
- Full Name: Morris Chestnut
- Date of Birth: January 1, 1969
- Age in 2025: 56 years old
- Place of Birth: Culver City, California, USA
- Profession: Actor
Tags
Morris Chestnut, age, birthday, career timeline, actor profile