Menu
Paul Adelstein

Early Life and Education

Paul Adelstein was born on April 29, 1969, in Chicago, Illinois, into a Reform Jewish family. He attended the progressive Francis W. Parker School in Chicago, which is known for its emphasis on the arts and liberal education. He later enrolled at Bowdoin College in Maine, where he became a member of the Phi Beta Kappa honor society. Adelstein graduated summa cum laude with a major in English and a minor in music.

Related Biography: Sammi Hanratty

Early Career in Theater

Adelstein began his acting career with John Cusack’s production company, New Crime Productions. From there, he joined the renowned Steppenwolf Theatre Company, grounding his craft in stage performance before transitioning more heavily into television and film.

Breakthrough Roles: 'Prison Break' and 'Private Practice'

Paul Adelstein is best known for his role as Secret Service Agent Paul Kellerman in the television series Prison Break, a character who became iconic among fans of the show. He initially auditioned for the lead role of Lincoln Burrows but was instead cast as Kellerman, a government operative with a complex moral arc. His performance received critical praise and contributed significantly to his rising profile.

In 2007, Adelstein joined the cast of Private Practice, the medical drama and Grey’s Anatomy spin-off created by Shonda Rhimes. He played Dr. Cooper Freedman, a pediatrician, until the series concluded in 2013 after six seasons.


Quick Facts
Birth Date: 29 Apr, 1969
Age: 51 yrs
Citizenship: United States of America
Birth Place: Chicago
Education: Bowdoin College
Gender: Male
Description: American actor
Twitter Id: AdelsteinPaul
Spouse: Liza Weil [M. 2006]
Net Worth 2021: 2 million
Help us Edit this article and get a chance to win a $50 Amazon Gift card.
Last Modified: Apr 20 2025
You may also like