Cole Kenneth Hauser is an American film and television actor, born in Santa Barbara, California. He is the son of Cass Warner, founder of the film production company Warner Sisters, and actor Wings Hauser. His paternal grandfather, Dwight Hauser, was an Academy Award–winning screenwriter. On his maternal side, Hauser comes from a prominent lineage in the entertainment industry—his great-grandfather was Harry Warner, one of the co-founders of Warner Bros., and his grandfather, Milton Sperling, was a noted Hollywood screenwriter and independent film producer.

Hauser’s maternal grandmother, Betty Mae Warner, was a sculptor, painter, gallery owner, and political activist. She later married Stanley Sheinbaum, an economist, philanthropist, political activist, and former commissioner of the Los Angeles Police Department. Hauser has Irish and German ancestry on his father’s side and is of Jewish descent on his mother’s side. He stands 6'1" tall (1.85 m).

Heritage in the Entertainment Industry

Coming from a lineage rooted deeply in the arts and entertainment world, Hauser was exposed to creative influence early in life. While he did not complete high school, his acting ambitions persisted despite a series of unsuccessful auditions. Drawing motivation from his family's creative background, he eventually carved a place for himself in the acting world.

Breakthrough Roles and Career Beginnings

Hauser made his acting debut in 1992 with the film School Ties, playing the role of Jack Connors. The film also featured future stars including Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, Brendan Fraser, and Chris O'Donnell. Hauser formed a lasting working relationship with Affleck, which would re-emerge in future collaborations.

Following School Ties, he appeared in Richard Linklater’s cult classic Dazed and Confused (1993) as Benny O’Donnell. In this film, Hauser delivered a compelling performance marked by a subtle but effective evolution of his character. He again worked with Affleck in the critically acclaimed film Good Will Hunting, further solidifying his place among rising Hollywood talent.