Sebastian Stan was born on August 13, 1982, in the port city of Constanța, Romania. He grew up under a repressive and conservative communist regime, where art was not always a national priority. His mother, Georgeta Orlovschi, a classical pianist, played a crucial role in introducing Sebastian to the world of art from a young age. In those days, TV shows and the Western film industry were restricted, and young Sebastian often heard dramatic stories rather than watching them.
After communism collapsed in late 1989, Georgeta took Sebastian to another country. First, she took him to Vienna, Austria, then to Rockland County, New York, after she married the principal of a private school. Being an immigrant as a child in America is tough. He faced language barriers and quite extreme cultural differences. However, Stan actually found an escape and strength in the world of acting.
At school, Stan discovered his passion on the theater stage. He acted in various productions such as West Side Story, Harvey, and Cyrano de Bergerac. In addition, he attended Stagedoor Manor, a summer theater camp renowned as a training ground for future stars. This experience instilled discipline, respect for the script, and a passion for thoroughly understanding characters.
He then attended Mason Gross School of the Arts, Rutgers University, and studied acting professionally. As part of the program, he studied at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in London, immersing himself in classical theater and the traditions of English performance. He learned that being an actor is not just about memorizing lines, but also about understanding character psychology, emotional intensity, and physical dynamics.
Stan began his acting career with minor roles in television series such as Law & Order and independent films. He first gained widespread attention through his role as Carter Baizen in the popular series Gossip Girl. Although it was only a supporting role, it helped him gain recognition in Hollywood.
His desire to avoid stereotypes led him to darker and more complex roles. He appeared in the 2009 series Kings, a modern retelling of the story of King David, though the show was unfortunately canceled after just one season. However, critics began to recognize his ability to convey the character’s inner turmoil.
In 2010, Stan auditioned for the role of Steve Rogers (Captain America). He didn’t get it, but Marvel was impressed and offered him the role of James Buchanan “Bucky” Barnes, Steve’s childhood friend. This role became a milestone in his career.
The film Captain America: The First Avenger (2011) introduces Bucky as a loyal soldier. However, what made his character truly iconic was the transformation into The Winter Soldier the tragic, brainwashed assassin in Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014). Stan brought the character’s inner conflict to life with powerful intensity, skillfully balancing physical strength, deep psychological pain, and the humanity concealed behind his stoic expression.
He continued the role in Captain America: Civil War (2016), Avengers: Infinity War (2018), and Avengers: Endgame (2019). Stan also took on a leading role in the Disney+ series The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (2021), which delves into Bucky’s post-war experiences with trauma, guilt, and healing. His portrayal adds greater depth to the character, addressing themes like PTSD and the struggle to come to terms with a troubled past.
Marvel gave him global exposure. However, Stan did not want to stagnate. He actually leveraged his popularity to pursue bolder independent projects.
In 2015, Stan appeared in the science fiction film The Martian, directed by Ridley Scott, where he played Dr. Chris Beck, a NASA scientist and member of the Ares III mission crew. This film gave him recognition as an ensemble actor in a major project that was not superhero-based.
The year 2017 marked a pivotal moment in his career when he portrayed Jeff Gillooly, the ex-husband and abuser of figure skater Tonya Harding, in the critically acclaimed film I, Tonya. His performance was both terrifying and sad, showcasing the complex manipulative side of the real-life character. This film received critical acclaim and solidified his position as a serious actor.
In 2022, Stan surprised audiences with his transformative performance as Tommy Lee in the miniseries Pam & Tommy. He underwent intense physical and emotional changes, learning to play the drums, using prosthetics, and exploring the volatile and toxic relationship between the famous couple. His portrayal earned him a nomination for a Primetime Emmy Award.
The year 2024 marked the peak of his dramatic acting career. In the film A Different Man, he portrays a man with neurofibromatosis who undergoes radical facial reconstruction surgery. The film explores themes of identity and self-acceptance, and Stan received widespread acclaim for his fully committed performance. His role earned him the Silver Bear at the Berlinale and the Golden Globe for Best Actor.
Not long after that, he played young Donald Trump in the film The Apprentice, which delves into the ambition, morality, and manipulation at the beginning of Trump’s career. Many critics described his performance as “daring, unexpected, and very powerful,” earning him his first Academy Award nomination for the role.
Stan is renowned for fully immersing himself in his characters. He extensively researches, collaborates closely with directors, and undergoes both physical and psychological training. For example, to portray Bucky, he practiced martial arts and studied documentaries about veterans with PTSD. For Tommy Lee, he dedicated months to learning the drums. He described creating a character as “shedding the ego to discover the truth of others.”
In an interview with Vanity Fair, he said, “I don’t just want to look good. I want to be honest. If the character is painful, I want to feel the pain.” This dedication has made him a favourite among independent filmmakers and leading actors alike.
Sebastian Stan has crafted a career that strikes a balance between major blockbuster films and more artistic, independent projects. He is not just a handsome actor with a Marvel legacy, but a true artist who dares to take risks for his characters.
Many young actors view him as a role model for building a lasting career without compromising integrity. Known for his professionalism, humility, and strong work ethic, Stan has become a sought-after collaborator for directors in both Hollywood and the festival circuit.
Sebastian Stan’s journey from the child of Romanian immigrants to an internationally acclaimed actor is a testament to his dedication, humility, and sincerity in his craft. He has succeeded not just in one genre or type of character but has also explored diverse facets of humanity through his performances. He proves that great stars don’t always need to shine loudly, they can also shine quietly, yet profoundly.
By: Diva Yunita Eka Putri
Write and Win: Participate in Creative writing Contest & International Essay Contest and win fabulous prizes.
About the Author
