James Patrick Nelson
Acting
Biography
A dynamic and versatile character actor with a distinctive voice and a powerful emotional facility, James Patrick Nelson has written and starred in numerous award-winning films, which have been widely praised on the festival circuits, and screened theatrically on both coasts. Born and raised in Los Angeles, he trained at the Boston University School of Theatre, and began his New York theatre career in Off-Broadway productions of Chekhov and Shakespeare, working opposite Maggie Gyllenhaal, Peter Sarsgaard, Ethan Hawke, Joely Richardson, Bebe Neuwirth, Christina Ricci, Taylor Mac, Austin Pendleton, and many others. He was nominated for an Innovative Theatre Award for Best Actor for the world premiere of "Old Familiar Faces" in the New York City Fringe. He and his cast mates won the Helen Hayes Award for Outstanding Ensemble for "Sense and Sensibility" at the Folger Theatre. He later reprised his role in Bedlam's production at the American Repertory Theatre. He most recently starred in the world premiere of "Immortal Longings," the final play by Terrence McNally. As an actor-screenwriter, James most recent work has focused solely on LGBTQ+ protagonists and communities. His original series "For Years to Come" goes into production in 2021, and he is developing several queer-centric feature screenplays.
Known For
A festive gathering in a secluded small-town farmhouse in the mountains is brought to a halt when a bright burst of light explodes from the barn. Stranded in the middle of nowhere, they carefully investigate, making a discovery not of this world.
Being
Two lost souls meet one cold night in Post-war Manhattan. Before dawn deep rooted secrets will be revealed. And this man and woman, will believe in life, love, and most importantly miracles again. The human spirit can survive anything.
The Second Sun
Two immigrants living on the fringes of American society hit the road in search of the truth about a shared UFO abduction.
We Are Living Things
A young gay man visits his uncle in the hospital, to discuss all the hilarity and the challenges of LGBT experiences across the generations.
Waking Up
The elderly residents of a small remote town panic when the EPA announces mandatory changes to their chemical plant could cause a dramatic increase in sexual libido. The sheriff tries to maintain order and decency but mayhem ensues.
Love in Kilnerry
Late 70s, downtown NYC, bar scene. Fara, the bar keeper’s young wife, falls in love with her beautiful step son, Po, just back from California. Early 80s, a filmmaker goes back to the witnesses and players, who tell the story of the tragedy. It’s Phaedra and Hippolytus, shot in a cool-tempered No Wave style.
The Sky is Blue with Lies: Tribeca Phaedra
A gay man falls in love with his dead mother's hospice nurse, while struggling to reconcile with his elderly father...who's secretly a porn director.
For Years to Come
A self-destructive porn star navigates immortality 10 years after people have mysteriously stopped dying.
Deathless
A young man learns to practice self-love after two months with no physical contact.