Tim Blake Nelson returns to the Marvel Studios universe as Samuel Sterns, also known as the Leader, a character he first portrayed in The Incredible Hulk (2008). He is also known for his role as Delmar O’Donnell in O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000) and many other unique performances across film and television. In his career, Nelson was cast in Dune: Part Two but his scenes were cut from the final film, a decision he described as “heartbroken” yet without hard feelings.
Tim Blake Nelson was born on May 11, 1964 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to a Jewish family. His mother, Ruth Nelson, was a well-known social activist and philanthropist in Tulsa, and his father, Don Nelson, worked as a geologist and wildcatter. His maternal grandparents left Germany just before World War II, moving first to Britain and then to the United States. He graduated from Holland Hall School in Tulsa in 1982, then earned a degree in Classics from Brown University, before studying acting at the Juilliard School and completing that program in 1990.
Tim Blake Nelson is best known as a character actor who has appeared in many films over several decades. His role as Delmar O’Donnell in O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000) brought him wider attention, and since then he has taken parts in major films such as Lincoln (2012) and The Incredible Hulk (2008). He also played the title character in The Ballad of Buster Scruggs (2018), which highlighted his range as an actor.
In addition to acting, Nelson has worked behind the camera as a writer and director. He wrote and directed films like Eye of God (1997) and The Grey Zone (2001), both of which grew out of his earlier work as a playwright. He uses his skills in storytelling and filmmaking to create projects where he can explore deeper themes and personal visions.
Nelson’s career also spans television work and smaller independent movies alongside larger studio films. He continues to select roles that challenge him and work with directors he respects. He has maintained a steady presence in the industry for decades and remains active in new projects, showing his versatility across acting, writing, and directing.
As of 2025, Tim Blake Nelson’s net worth is estimated to be around US $5 million. He has earned this amount through his long career as an actor, writer, and director. Nelson made money from his roles in well-known films like O Brother, Where Art Thou?, The Ballad of Buster Scruggs, and The Incredible Hulk. He also gained income from directing and writing movies such as Eye of Godand The Grey Zone.