David Rysdahl

David Rysdahl is an American actor and screenwriter known for his work in television and feature films. He gained widespread recognition for his starring turn in the fifth season of the anthology series Fargo and his prominent roles in projects such as the fantasy drama Nine Days and the thriller No Exit. Additionally, he appeared in the biographical film Oppenheimer and the series Alien: Earth.

Rysdahl was raised in New Ulm, Minnesota, alongside three siblings by his parents, Gigi and Dr. Scott Rysdahl. He completed his secondary education at Cathedral High School in his hometown. Prior to committing to a professional acting path, he spent time working in the field of public health in Guatemala.

His early acting experience included performing on stage as part of a production of Hamlet hosted by the Great River Shakespeare Festival in Winona, Minnesota. Upon relocating to New York, he initially acted in short films before landing a role in the 2018 feature Dead Pigs. He subsequently built a steady screen portfolio with roles in independent films and television projects.

Over the course of his career, Rysdahl has appeared in diverse projects including the film Nine Days in 2020, the 2022 thriller No Exit, and the independent feature The Land of Owls. On television, his credits include the docuseries The Family as well as an episode during the sixth season of Black Mirror. In 2023, he portrayed historical figure Donald Hornig in the biographical drama Oppenheimer.

His recent work includes his lead role in season five of FX's Fargo and a supporting appearance as Arthur Sylvia in the series Alien: Earth. Outside of acting, Rysdahl co-founded the production company Sleepy Poppy with his partner, actress Zazie Beetz, whom he met at a professional workshop in 2014 and married in 2023.