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Dylan Bruno

Dylan Bruno (born September 6, 1972) is an actor and former model, best known for his portrayal of FBI agent on the crime drama series Numb3rs from 2005 to 2010. Born in , to actor Scott Bruno and schoolteacher Nancy Mendillo Bruno, he is the younger brother of actor and producer Chris Bruno. Bruno graduated from the with a in , where he also excelled as a nationally ranked wrestler and played linebacker on the football team. Prior to his acting career, Bruno modeled for Calvin Klein and appeared in national commercials for brands including Chevrolet, Coors Light, and Jeep, while making his television debut in the 1995 series High Sierra Search and Rescue. He transitioned to film with a supporting role as Private First Class Toynbe in Steven Spielberg's World War II epic Saving Private Ryan (1998), followed by his role as Willy Jack Pickens in the comedy-drama Where the Heart Is (2000). Other notable film credits include The One (2001) as Yates, Quid Pro Quo (2008) as Scott, and Taken 3 (2014) in a supporting role. On television, beyond Numb3rs, Bruno has guest-starred or recurred on series such as The Mentalist, SEAL Team, Major Crimes, and Magnum P.I. (2018). Bruno has also worked as a on independent projects and won a competition on the reality series in 1995. He married actress Emmeli Hultquist on June 24, 2006, and the couple has two children.

Early life and education

Family background

Dylan Bruno was born on September 6, 1972, in . His father, Scott Bruno, is an actor known for minor roles in films during the and later projects such as Last of the Romantics (2007). His mother, Nancy Mendillo Bruno, was a schoolteacher who died from in 2005. Bruno grew up with an older brother, Chris Bruno, who is also an actor, best known for his role as Sheriff Walt Bannerman on the television series The Dead Zone. The family's connection to the entertainment industry provided Dylan with early exposure to and through his father's profession, influencing his interest in the arts from a young age. This familial environment shaped Bruno's upbringing in Milford before he transitioned to attending .

Academic pursuits

Bruno attended , a private college preparatory institution in , where he graduated in the class of 1990. During high school, Bruno was a nationally ranked wrestler and competed in the several times. Following high school, Bruno enrolled at the () in . He graduated in 1994 with a degree in from the university's Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. At , Bruno participated in varsity football, playing as a linebacker for the team, which allowed him to channel his athletic interests alongside rigorous academic demands. Despite hailing from a family with connections to the entertainment industry, Bruno prioritized his engineering education, successfully balancing coursework in and engineering with his sports involvement.

Acting career

Modeling and initial roles

Dylan Bruno transitioned into modeling as a means to explore creative pursuits beyond his technical background. He briefly worked in before entering the , where he gained prominence through high-profile campaigns. In the mid-1990s, Bruno became a sought-after model, most notably appearing in advertisements for , including underwear campaigns that highlighted his athletic physique. This period marked his initial foray into the entertainment world, blending commercial work with emerging opportunities. Bruno's acting debut occurred in 1995 while he was still modeling for ; he guest-starred as Scott in the episode "Past, Present" of the adventure series High Sierra . This television role served as his entry point into professional , followed by his debut in 1997 as a in the independent drama Naked Ambition, directed by Tom Lazarus. These connections provided early exposure and encouragement, facilitating his pivot toward on-screen work in the late .

Film breakthrough

Dylan Bruno's breakthrough in film came with his supporting role as Toynbe, a member of the , in Steven Spielberg's epic Saving Private Ryan (1998). In this alongside and , Bruno portrayed a involved in the intense D-Day invasion and subsequent search for Private Ryan, contributing to the film's realistic depiction of combat that earned it five , including Best Director for Spielberg. The high-profile production marked his first major cinematic appearance and helped elevate his visibility in , opening opportunities for more prominent parts. Following this, Bruno secured a lead role as Mark Bing, the manipulative football captain and primary antagonist, in the supernatural horror sequel The Rage: Carrie 2 (1999), directed by . His performance as the charismatic yet cruel jock who targets a telekinetic highlighted his ability to convey menace in a teen thriller setting, though the film received mixed reviews for its execution. Bruno continued building his film presence with the role of Willy Jack Pickens, the unreliable ex-boyfriend and aspiring musician, in the dramedy Where the Heart Is (2000), adapted from ' novel and directed by Matt Williams. In this ensemble piece starring , he depicted a flawed Southern character whose abandonment leads to the protagonist's unconventional journey, showcasing his range in heartfelt, character-driven narratives. The following year, he took the lead as Jake Taylor, a reserved college freshman navigating fraternity life and personal growth, in the comedy Going Greek (2001), which he also co-produced. These mid-to-late and early films collectively solidified Bruno's reputation for delivering authentic performances in both dramatic ensembles and lead roles, transitioning him from modeling to a recognized capable of ensemble dynamics and emotional depth.

Television prominence

His career reached a significant milestone with the portrayal of Colby on the Numb3rs, where he appeared as a main cast member from 2005 to 2010 across 93 episodes. , a disciplined FBI agent and military veteran, collaborated with a team using mathematical models to solve crimes, contributing to the series' blend of and that ran for six seasons. This role established Bruno as a staple in network television, highlighting his ability to embody authoritative yet relatable figures in high-stakes environments. Following Numb3rs, Bruno guest-starred or recurred on series such as , Major Crimes, and SEAL Team. After Numb3rs concluded, Bruno continued in the procedural genre with guest appearances on in 2010, playing the antagonistic Jason Paul Dean in the season seven finale episodes "Patriot Down" and "Rule Fifty-One." He also guest-starred as Griffin Lewis on in 2011, appearing in the episode "Dark Was the Night," where his character navigated a medical crisis at Seattle Grace Hospital. Through these performances, Bruno solidified his contributions to the landscape, often depicting or in tense, narrative-driven scenarios that underscored themes of duty and moral complexity.

Recent projects and narration

In 2014, Bruno portrayed the role of Detective Smith in the action thriller , directed by , where he played a supporting detective investigating a high-profile murder case alongside lead actor . The following year, he appeared in the romantic drama A Remarkable Life (2016), taking on the character of Max, a friend to the protagonist navigating personal crises including job loss and family challenges. These roles marked Bruno's continued involvement in feature films during the mid-2010s, showcasing his versatility in both action and dramatic genres. Bruno's television work in the late and early included a lead role as Johnny McFury in the 2020 dark comedy series Thumb Runner, a 10-episode production centered on a man entangled with a quirky mob boss after his wife's disappearance. He also made a in the 2023 ", Out of Mind" of the reboot series , portraying the character Agitator in a storyline involving a investigation. These projects highlighted his shift toward episodic and series-based formats post his earlier sustained television commitments. In addition to acting, Bruno served as a producer on Thumb Runner, collaborating with director Kasper Vejlø Kristensen to bring the series to fruition, which premiered at film festivals and earned recognition for its unique blend of humor and action. Bruno has sustained a parallel career in voice-over narration and commercials. He provides ongoing narration for the automotive documentary series Rides on TLC and Discovery Channel, a role that began in the early 2000s and continues to feature his distinctive voice guiding viewers through custom vehicle builds and restorations. Furthermore, he has lent his voice to major brand campaigns, including advertisements for Chevrolet vehicles—such as the 2014 Malibu spots—and Bacardi Silver, emphasizing rugged, aspirational narratives in automotive and beverage sectors.

Personal life

Marriage and family

Dylan Bruno married actress Emmeli Hultquist on June 24, 2006, in a private ceremony in . The couple welcomed their first son, Demian Axel, in 2007 and a second son several years later; details about the younger son remain private. Bruno and Hultquist have resided primarily in since establishing their family, a relocation aligned with Bruno's career in the entertainment industry hub. Throughout his professional commitments, Bruno has emphasized prioritizing family time, integrating his sons into outdoor activities and collaborating with Hultquist on environmental initiatives like their joint involvement with the board.

Hobbies and interests

Dylan Bruno developed a passion for during his early career travels, particularly in Baja, , which deepened his affinity for the ocean, described as a central source of in his free time. In addition to , Bruno enjoys and as key outdoor pursuits that allow him to connect with nature. He took a year off from his post-college job specifically to ski, highlighting his long-standing interest in . Spearfishing, often practiced off coasts like Island, combines elements of and for him, providing a challenging and rewarding way to engage with marine environments. Bruno's environmental interests trace back to his degree in from , fostering a commitment to . He serves on the board of the alongside his wife. Bruno maintains a low-profile lifestyle, prioritizing privacy and a balanced approach to work and personal time away from the public eye. This deliberate choice allows him to focus on his recreational activities without seeking widespread attention.

Filmography

Feature films

Dylan Bruno's feature film debut came in 1998 with a supporting role in Steven Spielberg's war epic , where he portrayed Pvt. First Class Toynbe. In 1999, he appeared as Mark, the jock boyfriend, in the horror sequel The Rage: Carrie 2. Bruno earned a lead role in 2000's dramedy Where the Heart Is as Willy Jack Pickens, the aspiring musician and father figure. That same year, he played Billy Rice in the independent drama The Simian Line. In 2001, Bruno starred as Jake in the comedy Going Greek, a role he also produced. Also in 2001, he had a supporting part as Yates in the action sci-fi film The One. 2002 saw him as Johnny Black in the dark comedy . In 2002, he also appeared as Tony Torrenni in Fresh Cut Grass, which he co-produced. In 2003, Bruno portrayed Blaine Mayhugh in the TV movie The Pennsylvania Miners' Story. In 2004, Bruno portrayed John Niles in the biographical comedy Grand Theft Parsons. In 2007, he played Chet Dickman in The Last of the Romantics. He took on the lead role of Scott in the 2008 psychological thriller Quid Pro Quo. Bruno appeared as Smith, a supporting antagonist, in the 2014 action thriller Taken 3. In 2016, he played Hollander in the romantic drama A Remarkable Life. The 2018 thriller Sin Cielo featured Bruno as The American. In 2018, he also appeared as Richard in A Stolen Life.

Television series

Bruno began his television career with guest appearances in the mid-1990s. His early roles included portraying Scott in the adventure series High Sierra Search and Rescue in 1995 (1 episode). He also appeared as Sgt. Talbot in the 1998 TV movie . In 1996, he had a recurring role as Officer Andy Lightner in the police drama (10 episodes). That same year, he guest-starred as Mickey Wallace in (1 episode). Bruno continued with guest spots in 1997, playing Brad Armitage in (1 episode). In 2001, he appeared as Zack in (1 episode). His television work expanded in the early 2000s with a guest role as Todd in in 2003 (1 episode). In 2004, he recurred as Tyler Peters in North Shore: Hotel of the Stars (9 episodes). Also in 2004, he guest-starred in (1 episode, role: uncredited). By 2005, Bruno took on a recurring role as Billy Garrity in (6 episodes). That year marked the start of his most prominent series role as Colby Granger in Numb3rs, which he played from 2005 to 2010 across 93 episodes. In 2006, he guest-starred as Felps/Massey in The Dead Zone (1 episode). Following the end of Numb3rs, Bruno appeared in multiple guest roles in 2010, including Jason Paul Dean in (3 episodes) and Trevor Bartlett in Bones (1 episode). The following year, 2011, saw guest appearances as Griffin Lewis in (1 episode) and Dean Puttock in (1 episode). In 2011, he also starred as Pete in the TV movie Fixing Pete. In 2012, he played in Major Crimes (1 episode). Bruno returned to guest roles in 2014 as Rooster in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (1 episode). His 2015 role was as in (1 episode). In 2016, he guest-starred as Bryce in (1 episode) and had a recurring role as Coach Phil Ryder in (3 episodes). Bruno appeared as Deke in SEAL Team in 2017 (1 episode). In 2020, he played Johnny McFury in the web series Thumb Runner (10 episodes). From 2019 to 2025, Bruno has served as the narrator for the automotive series . In 2023, he made a guest appearance as Agitator in Magnum P.I. (1 episode).

References

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