Ellen Adair Last updated June 26, 2025 Career Adair made her professional stage debut in 2005 as Thomasina in Tom Stoppard ’s Arcadia at The Publick Theatre in Boston , earning an IRNE Award nomination for Best Actress. [ 10] Over the next four years, she would prove a fixture in Boston theatre, appearing in numerous productions with Huntington Theatre Company , Lyric Stage Boston , Commonwealth Shakespeare Company , Actors' Shakespeare Project , SpeakEasy Stage Company , and New Repertory Theatre . [ 11]
In 2006 Adair made their television debut as a guest star on the Showtime crime series Brotherhood . [ 12] From 2009-2010 she appeared as Nurse Gretchen Taylor on the long-running CBS soap opera As the World Turns . [ 13] Adair's breakthrough role came in 2015, when they were cast as ADA Bridget Saltire in the NBC miniseries The Slap . [ 14] In 2017 Adair appeared in season 2 of the Showtime series Billions . [ 15] Their character Graff was a portfolio manager at Axe Capital, and an employee of Damien Lewis 's character Bobby Axelrod. The following year, Adair had a recurring arc as antagonist Janet Bayne on season 7 of the Showtime series Homeland . [ 16] Later that same year Adair appeared as Bess McTeer on season 2 of the USA anthology series The Sinner . [ 17]
Adair made her film debut as Jen in the 2013 horror film The Unwanted . [ 18] In 2019 she starred opposite Omar Epps in the slasher film Trick . [ 19] In 2022 Adair appeared the independent drama film Love and Communication , which explores parenting a young child on the autism spectrum . [ 20] In 2023 she starred in the horror films Cryptid [ 21] and Herd . [ 22] For the later film, Awards Daily included Adair among their "Best Horror Performances of 2023." [ 23]
In addition to acting, Adair is also a published poet and has been nominated for a Pushcart Prize . [ 24] Her debut poetry collection Curtain Speech was published by Pen & Anvil Press in 2015. [ 25]
Acting Credits Web Series Year Title Role Notes Ref. 2016 Detroit, I Love You Iris Maine role, 4 episodes [ 30] 2018 Roommating Vivian Maine role, 5 episodes [ 31] 2021 Joyland Karen Lapidus Maine role, 3 episodes [ 32]
Stage Year Title Role Playwright Venue Ref. 2005 Arcadia Thomasina Tom Stoppard The Publick Theatre [ 38] 2005 The Comedy of Errors Luce William Shakespeare The Publick Theatre [ 39] 2005 Carol Mulroney Carol Mulroney (u/s) Stephen Belber Huntington Theatre Company [ 40] 2005 A Doll's House Nora Helmer Henrik Ibsen Devanaughn Theatre [ 41] 2006 Five by Tenn Gladys/Girl Tennessee Williams SpeakEasy Stage Company [ 42] 2006 All's Well That Ends Well Diana William Shakespeare Actors' Shakespeare Project [ 43] 2006 The Beard of Avon Lady Lettice Amy Freed The Publick Theatre [ 44] 2006 Rabbit Hole Izzy (u/s) David Lindsay-Abaire Huntington Theatre Company [ 45] 2007 Arms and the Man Raina George Bernard Shaw Lyric Stage Boston [ 46] 2007 The Diary of Anne Frank Margot Frank Frances Goodrich & Albert Hackett New Repertory Theatre [ 47] 2007 Macbeth Lady Macbeth William Shakespeare New Repertory Theatre 2008 The Merchant of Venice Portia William Shakespeare American Shakespeare Center [ 48] 2008 Henry V Katherine /Boy William Shakespeare American Shakespeare Center [ 49] 2008 The Taming of the Shrew Bianca William Shakespeare American Shakespeare Center [ 50] 2008 A Christmas Carol Mrs. Cratchit Charles Dickens American Shakespeare Center 2008 Henry IV, Part 1 Lady Percy William Shakespeare Shakespeare Theatre Company [ 51] 2009 'Tis Pity She's a Whore Philotis John Ford Baltimore Center Stage [ 52] 2009 The Playboy of the Western World Sara Tansey John Millington Synge Pearl Theatre Company , Off-Broadway [ 53] 2009 The Yellow Leaf Mary Shelley Charles Morley Pioneer Theatre Company [ 54] 2010 Major Barbara Jenny Hill George Bernard Shaw Gingold Theatrical Group , Off-Broadway [ 55] 2010 The Playboy of the Western World Margaret Flaherty John Millington Synge Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival [ 56] 2010 Romeo and Hamlet Juliet R. Jonathan Chapman & Kevin Stefan Gayfest NYC , Off-Broadway [ 57] 2010 All's Well that Ends Well Helena William Shakespeare Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey [ 58] 2011 What the Public Wants Emily Vernon Arnold Bennett Mint Theater Company , Off-Broadway [ 59] 2011 Light Falling Ismay Teresa Deevy Mint Theater Company , Off-Broadway [ 60] 2011 Mary's Wedding Mary Stephen Massicotte Kitchen Theatre Company [ 61] 2012 Red Light Winter Christina Adam Rapp Kitchen Theatre Company [ 62] 2012 Marie Antoinette: The Color of Flesh Marie Antoinette Joel Gross Portland Stage Company [ 63] 2012 Victor Frange Presents Gas! Smokey Georg Kaiser & Dan O’Neil Incubator Arts Project , Off-Broadway [ 64] 2013 Ryan Landry's "M" The Woman Ryan Landry Huntington Theater Company [ 65] 2013 The Two Gentlemen of Verona Silvia William Shakespeare Commonwealth Shakespeare Company [ 66] 2013 The Mousetrap Mollie Ralston Agatha Christie The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis [ 67] 2014 As You Like It Rosalind William Shakespeare TheaterLab, Off-off-Broadway [ 68] 2014 Private Lives Amanda/Sybil (u/s) Noel Coward Shakespeare Theatre Company [ 69] 2014 Sleep No More Special Guest Performer William Shakespeare Punchdrunk / The McKittrick Hotel , Off-Broadway [ 70] 2014-2015 Cymbeline Imogen (u/s) William Shakespeare Theatre for a New Audience / Barrow Street Theatre , Off-Broadway [ 71] 2015 The Importance of Being Earnest Gwendolyn Fairfax Oscar Wilde Queens Theatre , Off-Broadway [ 72] 2016 the goodbye room Bex Eric Gilde Shetler Studios, Off-off-Broadway [ 73] 2017 Constellations Marianne Nick Payne The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis [ 74] 2017 The Suitcase Under the Bed Sara Meade/Doris Teresa Deevy Mint Theater Company , Off-Broadway [ 75]
References ↑ ElCinema. "Ellen Adair." Accessed June 20, 2025. https://elcinema.com/en/person/2205557/ . ↑ Sarkar, Barnana. “Bess Is a Woman with a Backbone: Ellen Adair on ‘The Sinner’ Season 2 and Much More.” MEAWW, updated September 3, 2018. https://meaww.com/the-sinner-season-2-ellen-adair-says-acting-is-like-taking-care-of-someone-relatable . ↑ Stewart, Vaughn. “Ellen Adair Takes Life in Her Own Hands.” Cool America Magazine, November 16, 2021. https://coolamericamag.com/ellen-adair/ . ↑ Miska, Brad. “Ellen Adair Shambles to Zombie Horror ‘Herd’; Exclusive Poster Art.” Bloody Disgusting, March 31, 2022. https://bloody-disgusting.com/movie/3709275/ellen-adair-shambles-to-zombie-horror-herd-exclusive-poster-art/ . ↑ Hamer, Robert. “Sunday Scaries Interview: Ellen Adair on How ‘Herd’ Reflects the Best and Worst of Humanity.” Awards Radar, October 15, 2023. https://awardsradar.com/2023/10/15/sunday-scaries-interview-ellen-adair-on-how-herd-reflects-the-best-and-worst-of-humanity/ . ↑ The Actors Center. “Ellen Adair.” The Actors Center, accessed June 19, 2025. https://theactorscenter.org/bio/ellen-adair/ . ↑ The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales. “Ep302 – Ellen Adair: Rosalind Is My Gender Identity.” January 2, 2024. In The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales. Broadway Podcast Network. https://broadwaypodcastnetwork.com/podcasts/the-theatre-podcast-with-alan-seales/ep302-ellen-adair-rosalind-is-my-gender-identity/330 ↑ Veasey, Matt. “10 Questions With Ellen Adair.” The Bell (Matt Veasey), May 9, 2020. https://mattveasey.com/2020/05/09/philadelphia-phillies-10-questions-with-ellen-adair/ . ↑ Noelle. “Interview: Ellen Adair Talks ‘The Sinner’ Season 2 Finale – Exclusive.” Pop City Life, September 21, 2018. https://popcitylife.com/2018/09/21/interview-ellen-adair-talks-sinner-season-2-finale/ . ↑ The State of Shakespeare. “About Ellen Adair.” The State of Shakespeare. Accessed June 19, 2025. https://www.stateofshakespeare.com/TSS/Ellen_Adair.html . ↑ About the Artists. “Ellen Adair.” About the Artists. Accessed June 19, 2025. https://www.abouttheartists.com/artists/270871-ellen-adair . ↑ IMDb. Brotherhood: “Matthew 22:10.” Season 1, Episode 11. Directed by Ed Bianchi. Written by Blake Masters and Henry Bromell. 53 min. Showtime, September 24, 2006. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0532780/fullcredits/ . ↑ Block, Michael. “Spotlight On... Ellen Adair.” Theater in the Now, February 29, 2016. https://www.theaterinthenow.com/2016/02/spotlight-onellen-adair.html . ↑ TV Guide. “The Slap - Full Cast & Crew.” TV Guide. Accessed June 19, 2025. https://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/the-slap/cast/1030571949/ . ↑ TV Guide. “Billions - Full Cast & Crew.” TV Guide. Accessed June 19, 2025. https://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/billions/cast/1000601182/ . ↑ TV Guide. “Homeland - Full Cast & Crew.” TV Guide. Accessed June 19, 2025. https://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/homeland/cast/1030528064/ . ↑ TV Guide. “The Sinner - Full Cast & Crew.” TV Guide. Accessed June 19, 2025. https://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/the-sinner/cast/1000706882/ . ↑ Rotten Tomatoes. “The Unwanted (2014).” Rotten Tomatoes. Accessed June 19, 2025. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_unwanted_2014 . ↑ Rotten Tomatoes. “Trick (2019).” Rotten Tomatoes. Accessed June 19, 2025. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/trick_2019 . ↑ Rotten Tomatoes. “Love and Communication (2022).” Rotten Tomatoes. Accessed June 19, 2025. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/love_and_communication . ↑ Rotten Tomatoes. “Cryptid (2022).” Rotten Tomatoes. Accessed June 19, 2025. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/cryptid . ↑ Rotten Tomatoes. “Herd (2023).” Rotten Tomatoes. Accessed June 19, 2025. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/herd_2023 . ↑ Hamer, Robert. “Sunday Scaries Interview: Ellen Adair on How ‘Herd’ Reflects the Best and Worst of Humanity.” Awards Radar, October 15, 2023. https://awardsradar.com/2023/10/15/sunday-scaries-interview-ellen-adair-on-how-herd-reflects-the-best-and-worst-of-humanity/ . ↑ Whyte, Thomas. “Ellen Adair : Part One.” poetry mini interviews, March 29, 2021. https://poetryminiinterviews.com/2021/03/ellen-adair-part-one.html . ↑ Pen and Anvil Press. Curtain Speech. By Ellen Adair. First privately printed 2015; published January–December 2018 (published broadly Dec. 2018). Accessed June 19, 2025. https://penandanvil.com/curtain-speech-by-ellen-adair/ . ↑ Repertory Theatre of St. Louis. “Five Questions with the Real‑Life Married Couple of Constellations.” Repertory Theatre of St. Louis News & Updates, January 31, 2017. https://www.repstl.org/news/detail/five-questions-with-the-real-life-married-couple-of-constellations . ↑ MLB.com. “Ellen Adair Joins Hot Stove.” Los Angeles Dodgers – MLB.com, November 10, 2021. https://www.mlb.com/dodgers/video/ellen-adair-joins-hot-stove . 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Rotten Tomatoes. Ellen Adair – Movies & TV. Accessed June 19, 2025. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/ellen_adair . 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 TV Guide. Ellen Adair – Credits. Accessed June 19, 2025. https://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/ellen-adair/credits/3030180207/ . ↑ IMDb. Detroit, I Love You. 2016. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5946770/fullcredits/ . ↑ IMDb. Roommating. 2018. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8479482/fullcredits/ . ↑ IMDb. Joyland. 2021–2022. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14347300/fullcredits/ . ↑ Behind the Voice Actors, “Ellen Adair (visual voices guide),” accessed June 22, 2025, Behind the Voice Actors, https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/Ellen-Adair/ . ↑ Verducci, Joe. Why We Love Baseball: A History in 50 Moments. Narrated by Ellen Adair. New York: Random House Audio, 2023. Audiobook. https://www.audible.com/pd/Why-We-Love-Baseball-Audiobook/B0BR8HRYC1 . ↑ Somerville, Shana Feste, dir. Dirty Diana. Performed by Demi Moore, Claes Bang, Mackenzie Davis, Carmen Ejogo, Betsy Brandt, and Ellen Adair. Audible Originals, 2024. Audiobook. https://www.audible.com/pd/Dirty-Diana-Audiobook/B0CZ7N3B3L . ↑ Klavens, Ben. The History of Sound. Narrated by Vikas Adam, Ellen Adair, Daniel Henning, and Pete Cross. New York: OrangeSky Audio, 2023. Audiobook. https://www.audible.com/pd/The-History-of-Sound-Audiobook/B0CNFDPHZN . ↑ Giglio, Keith O’Brien. Charlie Hustle. Narrated by Ellen Adair. Nashville: RB Media, 2023. Audiobook. https://www.audible.com/pd/Charlie-Hustle-Audiobook/B0CBCXPRLY . ↑ Arcadia. Directed by David Esbjornson. TheaterMania. Accessed June 19, 2025. https://www.theatermania.com/shows/boston-theater/arcadia_111325/ . ↑ Comedy of Errors. Directed by Diego Arciniegas. The Publick Theatre, Inc., July 21–September 10, 2005. Outdoors at Christian Herter Park, Mid-Cambridge, MA. Accessed June 19, 2025. https://www.theatermania.com/shows/massachusetts-theater/boston-theater/comedy-of-errors_111328/ . ↑ Hernandez, Ernio. “Playwright Stephen Belber Discusses World Premiere Carol Mulroney in Boston, Oct. 18.” Playbill, October 17, 2005. https://playbill.com/article/playwright-stephen-belber-discusses-world-premiere-carol-mulroney-in-boston-oct-18-com-128646 . ↑ IbsenStage. “A Doll's House.” Directed by Sarah Friedberg. Devanaughn Theatre, Boston, December 2–11, 2005. https://ibsenstage.hf.uio.no/pages/event/77045 . ↑ Tufts Daily. “Theater Review | 'Five by Tenn' Measures Up to Previous Williams Works.” The Tufts Daily, February 6, 2006. https://www.tuftsdaily.com/article/2006/02/theater-review-five-by-tenn-measures-up-to-previous-williams-works . ↑ Evett, Benjamin, dir. All’s Well That Ends Well. Actors’ Shakespeare Project. April 20–May 14, 2006. YMCA Family Theater, Cambridge, MA. https://www.abouttheartists.com/productions/80638-alls-well-that-ends-well-at-cambridge-ymca-family-theatre-april-29-may-14-2006 . ↑ The Beard of Avon. Christian Herter Park, Boston. July 5–September 9, 2006. https://www.abouttheartists.com/productions/26222-the-beard-of-avon-at-christian-herter-park-july-5-september-9-2006 . ↑ Goodman, Jillian J. “Huntington’s ‘Rabbit Hole’ Might Be Better in an Alternative Universe.” The Harvard Crimson, November 19, 2006. https://playbill.com/article/rabbit-hole-added-to-huntington-line-up-in-boston-com-132984 . ↑ Andrews, David Brooks. “Lyric’s Arms-Man Charms.” SouthCoastToday, May 16, 2007. https://www.southcoasttoday.com/story/entertainment/local/2007/05/16/lyric-s-arms-man-charms/52894397007/ . ↑ The Diary of Anne Frank. Boston area schools. 2006–2007. https://www.abouttheartists.com/productions/30585-the-diary-of-anne-frank-at-boston-area-schools-2006-2007 . ↑ American Shakespeare Center. The Merchant of Venice. Piercing Eloquence Tour, Blackfriars Playhouse, Staunton, VA, 2008. https://americanshakespearecenter.com/events/the-merchant-of-venice-2008/ . ↑ American Shakespeare Center. Henry V. Piercing Eloquence Tour, directed by Giles Block; Blackfriars Playhouse, Staunton, VA; 2008. https://americanshakespearecenter.com/events/henry-v-2008/ ↑ American Shakespeare Center. The Taming of the Shrew. Piercing Eloquence Tour, directed by Jemma Alix Levy; Blackfriars Playhouse, Staunton, VA; 2008. https://americanshakespearecenter.com/events/the-taming-of-the-shrew-2008/ ↑ Shakespeare Theater Company. Henry IV, Part 1. Directed by Paul Mason Barnes. Folger Theatre, Staunton, VA, October 8–November 16, 2008. https://folgerpedia.folger.edu/1_Henry_IV_%28Folger_Theatre%2C_2008%29 . ↑ “Full Cast Set for ‘Tis Pity She’s a Whore at Baltimore’s CENTERSTAGE.” TheaterMania, March 9, 2009. https://www.theatermania.com/news/full-cast-set-for-tis-pity-shes-a-whore-at-baltimores-centerstage_17994/ . ↑ Thielman, Sam. “The Playboy of the Western World.” Variety, 2009. https://variety.com/2009/legit/reviews/the-playboy-of-the-western-world-3-1200476893/ . ↑ Hansen, Erica. “Solid Performances Bring ‘Yellow Leaf’ to Life.” Deseret News, January 13, 2009. https://www.deseret.com/2009/1/13/20296034/solid-performances-bring-yellow-leaf-to-life/ . ↑ Gans, Andrew. “Project Shaw’s Major Barbara to Feature Plunkett, Greer, Rodriguez, Davis and More.” Playbill, April 30, 2010. Accessed June 17, 2025. https://playbill.com/article/project-shaws-major-barbara-to-feature-plunkett-greer-rodriguez-davis-and-more-com-168080 . ↑ Fagan, Shawn. “Ellen Adair, Shawn Fagan, et al. Set for Pennsylvania Shakespeare’s Playboy of the Western World.” TheaterMania, May 13, 2010. https://www.theatermania.com/news/ellen-adair-shawn-fagan-et-al-set-for-pensylvania-shakespeares-playboy-of-the-western-world_27387/ . ↑ Hetrick, Adam. “Romeo and Hamlet Opens 2010 GayFest NYC.” Playbill, May 6, 2010. https://v.playbill.com/article/romeo-and-hamlet-opens-2010-gayfest-nyc-com-168221 . ↑ Siegel, Naomi. "Chicanery Abounds in a New ‘All’s Well’." The New York Times, September 26, 2010. https://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/26/nyregion/26playnj.html . ↑ Mint Theater Company. What the Public Wants. By Arnold Bennett. Directed by Matthew Arbour. The Mint Theater, New York City, January 14–March 13, 2011. https://minttheater.org/production/what-the-public-wants/ . ↑ Light Falling. Staged reading. Directed by Jonathan Bank. Mint Theater Company. The Players Club, New York, NY, April 11, 2011. https://www.abouttheartists.com/productions/41171-light-falling-at-the-players-club-april-11-2011 . ↑ Denette, Kelsey. “Kitchen Theatre Company Presents Mary’s Wedding, 6/8–26.” BroadwayWorld, May 11, 2011. https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Kitchen-Theatre-Company-Presents-MARYS-WEDDING-68-26-20110511 . ↑ Walker, Lucy. “Red Light Winter: Passionate Play Radiates Desire.” The Ithacan, February 29, 2012. https://theithacan.org/20731/life-culture/accent/red-light-winter-passionate-play-radiates-desire/ . ↑ Portland Press Herald. “Theater Review: Portland’s Marie Antoinette Sizzles with Wordplay.” Portland Press Herald, May 5, 2012. https://www.pressherald.com/2012/05/05/theater-review-portlands-marie-antoinette-sizzles-with-wordplay/ . ↑ Webster, Andy. “Fuel Factory Explodes, Then Comedy Ensues.” The New York Times , August 28, 2012. Accessed June 22, 2025. https://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/28/theater/reviews/victor-frange-presents-gas-at-st-marks-church.html . ↑ MetroWest Daily News. “Review: Ryan Landry’s M.” MetroWest Daily News, April 15, 2013. https://www.metrowestdailynews.com/story/news/2013/04/15/review-ryan-landry-s-m/41114250007/ . ↑ Commonwealth Shakespeare Company. The Two Gentlemen of Verona. Directed by Steven Maler. July 6–28, 2013. Parkman Bandstand, Boston Common. https://commshakes.org/production/the-two-gentlemen-of-verona/ . ↑ Repertory Theatre of St. Louis. The Mousetrap. Directed by Paul Mason Barnes. December 4–29, 2013. https://www.repstl.org/archive/detail/the-mousetrap-2013 . ↑ Rickwald, Bethany. “Happy Few Theatre Company Will Present Its Inaugural Production of As You Like It at Theaterlab.” TheaterMania, March 5, 2014. Accessed June 22, 2025. https://www.theatermania.com/news/happy-few-theatre-company-will-present-its-inaugural-production-of-as-you-like-it-at-theaterlab_67750/ . ↑ Horwitz, Jane. “Theater Review: ‘Private Lives’ at Shakespeare Theatre.” Washingtonian, June 11, 2014. https://www.washingtonian.com/2014/06/11/theater-review-private-lives-at-shakespeare-theatre/ . ↑ Adair, Ellen. "Ellen Adair." Broadway Podcast Network. Last modified January 2, 2024. https://broadwaypodcastnetwork.com/people/ellen-adair . ↑ Fiasco Theater. 2014–2015. Cymbeline. Directed by Noah Brody and Ben Steinfeld. https://www.fiascotheater.com/cymbeline . ↑ BWW News Desk. “Photo Flash: First Look at Titan Theatre Company’s The Importance of Being Earnest.” BroadwayWorld, October 26, 2015. Accessed June 22, 2025. https://www.broadwayworld.com/off-off-broadway/article/Photo-Flash-First-Look-at-Titan-Theatre-Companys-THE-IMPORTANCE-OF-BEING-EARNEST-20151026 . ↑ Marie, Courtney. “The Goodbye Room.” TheaterScene, March 14, 2016. Accessed June 22, 2025. https://www.theaterscene.net/plays/the-goodbye-room/archive/ .. ↑ Repertory Theatre of St. Louis. Constellations. Directed by Steven Woolf. February 3–5, 2017. https://www.repstl.org/events/detail/constellations . ↑ Webster, Andy. “Review: Ireland in Four Dimensions, by a Pioneering Playwright.” The New York Times , August 25, 2017. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/25/theater/the-suitcase-under-the-bed-review.html . This page is based on this
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