Anthony Carrigan is a distinguished American actor celebrated for his transformative roles on both the small and big screens. He is widely recognized for his Emmy-nominated portrayal of the affable Chechen mobster NoHo Hank in the HBO dark comedy series Barry. Carrigan has also garnered significant acclaim for his memorable performance as the hitman Victor Zsasz in the Fox series Gotham. His unique screen presence is partly defined by his experience with alopecia areata, a condition he has had since childhood that results in hair loss. Instead of hindering his career, Carrigan has embraced his distinctive look, turning it into a powerful asset and becoming a vocal advocate for body positivity and self-acceptance in the entertainment industry.
Anthony Carrigan Overview
| Full Name | Anthony Carrigan |
| Date of Birth | January 2, 1983 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 42 |
| Birthplace | Winchester, Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | Winchester High School, Carnegie Mellon University (B.F.A. in Theatre) |
| Profession | Actor |
| Known For | Barry (as NoHo Hank), Gotham (as Victor Zsasz), Superman (as Metamorpho) |
| Spouse | Gia Olimp (married 2018) |
| Net Worth (as of 2025) | Estimated $3 Million |
Early Life and Education of Anthony Carrigan
Anthony Carrigan was born on January 2, 1983, in Winchester, Massachusetts. From the young age of three, he was diagnosed with alopecia areata, an autoimmune disease that causes hair loss. Growing up, the condition was manageable, presenting as small, concealable bald spots. Carrigan discovered a passion for acting and self-expression through theater, particularly taking on Shakespearean roles during his time at Winchester High School. He pursued his passion for the craft at Carnegie Mellon University, where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Theatre in 2006. It was during his twenties that the alopecia progressed, leading to more significant hair loss, a development that initially challenged his confidence as he was beginning his professional acting career.
Anthony Carrigan’s Career
Early Career and Breakthrough
Anthony Carrigan began his professional acting career with guest roles in television shows like Law & Order: Criminal Intent in 2008. His first major role came in the 2009-2010 television series The Forgotten, where he played Tyler Davies. During this period, as his alopecia became more pronounced, he initially tried to conceal it with makeup and artificial eyebrows. A significant turning point in his career came when he was cast as the recurring villain Victor Zsasz in the Fox series Gotham (2014-2019). Carrigan’s portrayal of the charismatic and unhinged hitman was widely praised and brought him significant recognition. He embraced his complete lack of hair for the role, which became a defining feature of the character and a pivotal moment in Carrigan’s embrace of his condition as part of his artistic identity.
The Acclaim of ‘Barry’
In 2018, Carrigan was cast in what would become his most iconic role to date: the lovably polite and ambitious Chechen mobster NoHo Hank in the HBO series Barry. The character, originally intended to be killed off in the pilot episode, became a fan favorite due to Carrigan’s hilarious and nuanced performance. His portrayal earned him widespread critical acclaim, including three nominations for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series in 2019, 2022, and 2023. The role showcased his exceptional comedic timing and his ability to blend humor with pathos, solidifying his reputation as a standout talent. The complex and often heartfelt relationship between his character and Cristobal (played by Michael Irby) was a significant and celebrated storyline in the series.
Film Roles and Recent Projects
Alongside his television work, Anthony Carrigan has appeared in several films. He played the robot Dennis Caleb McCoy in Bill & Ted Face the Music (2020) and had a role in the Kevin Hart-led film Fatherhood (2021). In a major career milestone, Carrigan joined the DC Universe in a new capacity, being cast as the superhero Metamorpho in James Gunn‘s highly anticipated film Superman, released in July 2025. This role required an extensive transformation process, with Carrigan spending five to six hours in the makeup chair. He has described the character of Rex Mason/Metamorpho as a good person in a compromised position, a role he could relate to through his own life experiences. As of 2025, Carrigan is also set to appear as Calypso in the second season of the series Twisted Metal and has roles in the upcoming films Death of a Unicorn and McVeigh.
Anthony Carrigan Personal Life & Family
Anthony Carrigan is married to professional chess player Gia Olimp. The couple tied the knot in 2018. Carrigan has been very open about his life with alopecia totalis, an advanced form of alopecia areata that resulted in the complete loss of his hair, eyebrows, and eyelashes during his twenties. He has spoken candidly about the initial challenges this posed, including being told it would end his acting career. However, he has since described the experience as ultimately liberating, stating that it made him a better and more confident actor as he was no longer hiding. He is a vocal advocate for body positivity and uses his platform to inspire self-acceptance. Carrigan has shared that learning the late Christopher Reeve also had alopecia was a source of great inspiration for him as a child.
Awards and Achievements of Anthony Carrigan
Anthony Carrigan’s work, particularly his role as NoHo Hank in Barry, has been recognized with numerous award nominations.
- Primetime Emmy Awards: Nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series in 2019, 2022, and 2023.
- Screen Actors Guild Awards: Nominated for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series for Barry.
- Critics’ Choice Television Awards: Nominated for Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series.
- Gold Derby Awards: Won for Best Comedy Supporting Actor in 2023.
Anthony Carrigan Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Anthony Carrigan’s net worth is estimated to be around $3 million. His primary sources of income are his acting roles in television and film. His salary has likely seen a significant increase following the critical success and popularity of his role in the HBO series Barry. He also owns real estate in Los Angeles.
Legacy and Influence
Anthony Carrigan has built a legacy not only as a versatile and talented actor but also as an influential advocate for alopecia awareness and body positivity. By embracing his unique appearance and speaking openly about his journey with alopecia, he has challenged conventional Hollywood beauty standards and inspired many. He is often cited as an example of how perceived disadvantages can be turned into strengths. His performances, especially as NoHo Hank, are celebrated for their comedic brilliance and surprising emotional depth, leaving a lasting impact on audiences and critics alike. He has demonstrated a remarkable acting range, moving seamlessly from terrifying villains like Victor Zsasz to endearing, complex characters like NoHo Hank and heroic figures like Metamorpho.
Interesting Facts about Anthony Carrigan
- He was diagnosed with alopecia areata at just three years old.
- His character in Barry, NoHo Hank, was originally supposed to die in the first episode.
- He considers his alopecia to be his “superpower.”
- He was inspired as a child by learning that Superman actor Christopher Reeve also had alopecia.
- To prepare for his role as Victor Zsasz in Gotham, he read the comics and played the Arkham video games.
- He is a graduate of the prestigious Carnegie Mellon University School of Drama.
- The transformation into Metamorpho for the movie Superman took five to six hours of makeup and prosthetics application.
Controversies
In 2022, following the incident at the Academy Awards involving Jada Pinkett Smith, who also has alopecia, some of Carrigan’s comments on the condition and diversity were perceived by some as lacking a broader awareness of inclusion. He has also spoken about the early career rejection he faced, with industry professionals advising him to quit acting due to his hair loss, a challenge he openly discusses as part of his journey.
Social Media Presence
Anthony Carrigan is active on social media, where he connects with fans and shares updates about his work and advocacy. As of mid-2025, his Instagram account, @carriganagain, has a significant following where he shares behind-the-scenes content and personal insights.
Final Words about Anthony Carrigan
Anthony Carrigan’s career is a testament to talent, resilience, and the power of authenticity. From his early struggles with alopecia to becoming an Emmy-nominated star, his journey is as compelling as the characters he portrays. Having conquered television with unforgettable roles in Gotham and Barry, he has firmly established himself in the world of blockbuster films with his role as Metamorpho in Superman. With his unique ability to blend humor, menace, and heartfelt emotion, Carrigan continues to be one of the most interesting and dynamic actors working today. His future projects are highly anticipated, as he continues to challenge himself and surprise audiences with his incredible range and depth.
