Josh Radnor
Joshua Thomas Radnor (born July 29, 1974) is an American actor, filmmaker, author, and musician, best known for portraying Ted Mosby, the protagonist and narrator, on the long-running CBS sitcom How I Met Your Mother from 2005 to 2014.[1][2] Born in Columbus, Ohio, to Alan Radnor, a medical malpractice lawyer, and Carol Radnor, a high school guidance counselor, Radnor was raised in a Jewish family with two sisters and attended Orthodox Jewish day schools, including the Columbus Torah Academy, before graduating from Bexley High School.[3] He earned a Bachelor of Arts in drama from Kenyon College in 1996, where he received the Paul Newman Award, and subsequently obtained a Master of Fine Arts in acting from New York University's Tisch School of the Arts.[3][4] Radnor began his professional career on Broadway with a role in the 2002 revival of The Graduate, succeeding Jason Biggs as Benjamin Braddock opposite Kathleen Turner and Alicia Silverstone.[3][5] Radnor's television breakthrough came with How I Met Your Mother, where he starred as the romantic and idealistic architect Ted Mosby across nine seasons, earning critical acclaim and contributing to the show's status as an Emmy Award-winning series.[1] He expanded into directing and screenwriting with his feature debut Happythankyoumoreplease (2010), which he wrote, directed, and starred in, winning the Audience Award at the Sundance Film Festival; this was followed by Liberal Arts (2012), another self-directed project that premiered at Sundance and explored themes of education and personal growth.[1][3] Subsequent notable roles include Dr. Jedediah Foster in the PBS Civil War drama Mercy Street (2016–2017), music teacher Lou Mazzuchelli in NBC's Rise (2018), comedian Lonny Flash in Amazon's Hunters (2020–2023), and Adam Epstein in the FX limited series Fleishman Is in Trouble (2022).[1][2][6] In addition to acting, Radnor has pursued music as part of the duo Radnor & Lee with singer-songwriter Ben Lee, releasing albums including their self-titled debut (2017) and Golden State (2020). He released his solo debut albums Eulogy, Vol. I (2023) and Eulogy, Vol. II (2024), which delve into themes of grief, identity, and redemption.[7] Radnor has written essays and maintains a Substack newsletter on personal reflections. As of November 2025, Radnor continues to be active, having appeared in Ramona at Midlife (2025) and the short film The Sacrifice (2025), toured for Eulogy, Vol. II, and attended events including the Broadway opening of Punch.[8][7][9]Early life
Family background
Joshua Thomas Radnor was born on July 29, 1974, in Columbus, Ohio, to Alan Radnor, a medical malpractice lawyer, and Carol Radnor (née Hirsch), a high school guidance counselor.[10][11] The family resided in Bexley, a suburb of Columbus, where Radnor spent much of his early years.[3] Radnor was raised in a Jewish family of Ashkenazi descent, with his upbringing rooted in Conservative Judaism, though he attended the Orthodox Jewish day school Columbus Torah Academy for religious education during his youth.[3][12] This environment instilled a strong sense of cultural and spiritual heritage that influenced his personal development.[13] He has two older sisters, Melanie Radnor (now Melanie Silverman) and Joanna Radnor Vilensky, who were part of the close-knit family dynamic in Bexley.[10] From an early age, Radnor showed interest in the performing arts, participating in school plays and drawing creative inspiration from his family's supportive environment and the local Jewish community's emphasis on storytelling and expression.[14][15]Education
Radnor attended Bexley High School in Bexley, Ohio, where he actively participated in theater as a member of Thespian Troupe 2512, and graduated in 1992.[14] His Jewish family background and spiritual interests influenced his decision to attend Kenyon College, a liberal arts institution in Gambier, Ohio, over other options like Cornell University.[16] At Kenyon, Radnor majored in drama and immersed himself in campus theater productions, including performances with the improv comedy troupe Fools on the Hill, Stage Femmes, and other student groups; he also spent a semester at the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center's National Theater Institute, where he began exploring playwriting, and received the Paul Newman Acting Trophy for his role in the play Sight Unseen.[17][14] He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in drama from Kenyon in 1996.[17] Following college, Radnor pursued graduate studies at New York University's Tisch School of the Arts, where he obtained a Master of Fine Arts degree in acting in 1999.[10] Upon completing his MFA, he relocated to New York City to audition for and secure professional theater roles, landing his first Off-Broadway part shortly thereafter.[14]Career
Acting roles
Radnor began his acting career with small guest roles on television. He appeared as a patient in an episode of the medical drama ER in 2003. In 2002, he guest-starred as a suspect in an episode of Law & Order. In 2005, Radnor had a guest role as Justin Barr, a troubled teenager, on the legal drama Judging Amy, in the episode "Too Little, Too Late". Radnor achieved his breakthrough with the lead role of Ted Mosby in the CBS sitcom How I Met Your Mother, which aired from 2005 to 2014 across nine seasons.[18] As Ted, an architect and hopeless romantic narrating his quest to find true love to his future children, Radnor portrayed a character defined by earnest optimism and emotional vulnerability, evolving from a wide-eyed bachelor to a family man amid comedic mishaps with friends in New York City.[19] The series received praise for its ensemble chemistry and heartfelt storytelling, earning 12 Emmy nominations, though Ted's arc drew mixed critical reception for its romantic idealism, particularly after the controversial series finale.[18] The role catapulted Radnor to stardom, making him a household name but also leading him to seek diverse parts to avoid typecasting as a "lovesick guy."[18] Following How I Met Your Mother, Radnor took on more dramatic television roles. In the PBS Civil War miniseries Mercy Street (2016–2017), he played Dr. Jedediah Foster, an idealistic Northern doctor navigating moral dilemmas in a Confederate hospital, earning acclaim for his nuanced portrayal of ethical conflict in a historically grounded drama.[20] He starred as Lou Mazzuchelli, a passionate high school theater teacher revitalizing a struggling drama program, in the NBC musical series Rise (2018), which highlighted themes of inspiration and community through his committed performance.[21] In Amazon's Hunters (2020–2023), Radnor portrayed Lonny Flash, a charismatic but troubled 1970s actor turned Nazi hunter, showcasing a darker, more intense side in the thriller's ensemble.[22] He recurred as Adam, the supportive yet flawed husband of a central character, in the FX limited series Fleishman Is in Trouble (2022), contributing to the adaptation's exploration of midlife crisis and friendship.[6] In 2025, Radnor appeared as Jayson in the comedy Ramona at Midlife and starred in the short film The Sacrifice.[23][24] Radnor's early film work included a minor role as a tour guide in the 2001 parody Not Another Teen Movie, marking one of his first on-screen appearances. He later starred as Sam Wexler, a publishing assistant grappling with love and purpose in New York, in the 2010 independent comedy-drama Happythankyoumoreplease. In 2012's Liberal Arts, Radnor played Jesse Fisher, a jaded admissions counselor reconnecting with his college alma mater and a younger woman, delivering a introspective performance centered on personal growth. In 2024, Radnor returned to the stage in the Off-Broadway premiere of The Ally at The Public Theater, directed by Lila Neugebauer and written by Itamar Moses. He starred as Asaf, a Jewish American professor and playwright caught in escalating campus conflicts over activism, identity, and morality, in a production that ran from February to March.[25] Critics described the play as an intense, thorny examination of contemporary issues, with Radnor's performance praised for capturing the character's internal turmoil amid heated debates, though some noted the script's unwieldy scope.[26]Directing and screenwriting
Josh Radnor made his directorial and screenwriting debut with the 2010 comedy-drama Happythankyoumoreplease, which he wrote, directed, and starred in, weaving together interconnected stories of young adults navigating love, friendship, and personal growth in New York City.[27][28] The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, where it won the Audience Award in the U.S. Dramatic Competition, highlighting Radnor's ability to capture generational anxieties through ensemble narratives.[29] In 2012, Radnor followed with Liberal Arts, another self-written and directed project in which he starred alongside Elizabeth Olsen as a jaded New Yorker reconnecting with his college alma mater, exploring themes of nostalgia, intellectual romance, and the challenges of emotional maturity in adulthood.[30][31] The film premiered at Sundance and received praise for its witty, introspective dialogue and character-driven exploration of post-college life, drawing from Radnor's own experiences at Kenyon College to infuse authenticity into the script.[32] Radnor's screenwriting often emphasizes personal, reflective narratives shaped by his background as an actor, allowing him to craft intimate character studies that prioritize emotional depth and relational dynamics over plot-driven spectacle.[32] In both films, his style reflects a focus on vulnerability and growth, influenced by real-life observations and a desire to examine the nuances of human connection without overt sentimentality.[33]Music career
In 2016, Josh Radnor formed the indie folk duo Radnor and Lee with Australian singer-songwriter Ben Lee, whom he had known for over a decade through mutual connections in the entertainment industry.[34] The collaboration began casually as a creative outlet, evolving into a full musical partnership that produced multiple albums and extensive touring. Their folk-indie sound, characterized by heartfelt lyrics and acoustic arrangements, drew from Radnor's longstanding interest in songwriting, which he had pursued alongside his acting career.[35] This duo marked Radnor's formal entry into music performance, allowing him to blend narrative-driven composition with live energy.[36] Radnor and Lee's live performances emphasized intimate, storytelling-focused concerts in the folk-indie vein, including appearances at festivals such as Bhakti Fest in 2018 and Love Street Festival in 2017.[37][38] They embarked on notable tours, such as an Australian East Coast run in May 2018 and U.S. dates in venues like City Winery and The Des Moines Social Club, where they connected with audiences through sets blending humor, vulnerability, and melodic introspection.[39][40] These shows highlighted Radnor's transition from screen to stage, incorporating elements of character-driven narrative reminiscent of his role as Ted Mosby on How I Met Your Mother, where he honed skills in emotional delivery and relational themes.[41] Radnor has noted that his acting background informs his music, viewing songs as "three- to four-minute stories set to music," a direct extension of the episodic storytelling he mastered on the series.[41] Following the duo's second album in 2020, Radnor pursued solo endeavors, releasing his debut EP One More Then I'll Let You Go in 2021 and the albums Eulogy, Vol. I (2023) and Eulogy, Vol. II (2024), both via Flower Moon Records.[34] These works center on themes of personal growth, exploring love, loss, identity, and existential reflection through introspective songwriting that Radnor describes as a process of self-examination and emotional processing.[42] His solo output emphasizes grounded narratives and minor-chord vulnerability, produced in Nashville to capture raw, autobiographical depth.[43] In 2025, he toured in support of Eulogy, Vol. II. As of November 2025, Radnor continues to engage fans through live solo performances, such as his May 2025 concert at the Woodward Theater in Cincinnati, supporting his evolving catalog.[44] He also shares ongoing music reflections, demos, and song inspirations via his Substack newsletter Museletters, fostering a direct connection with listeners on topics blending creativity, spirituality, and personal insight.[45]Writing and hosting
Radnor contributed a six-word memoir to the 2010 anthology Six-Words Memoirs on Jewish Life, edited by Larry Smith, which collected brief personal reflections from notable Jewish figures including Larry David and Jonathan Safran Foer.[46] In 2023, Radnor launched his Substack newsletter Museletters, where he publishes essays exploring personal and philosophical topics such as wisdom, storytelling, and enduring human experiences.[45] The newsletter has featured writings on themes like identity, grief, and spirituality, often drawing from Radnor's Jewish background to reflect on loss, surrender, and cultural heritage.[47][48] In late 2025, Radnor began hosting The People of the Book, a 12-episode television series and podcast produced by the Jewish Life Foundation and airing on Jewish Life Television (JLTV).[49] The program features interviews with Jewish authors and celebrities, discussing their works in relation to literature, food, life, identity, spirituality, history, and pop culture.[50] Radnor has also narrated audiobooks, including the multi-voice production of Craig Thomas's 2025 novel That's Not How It Happened, reuniting him with former How I Met Your Mother co-star Cobie Smulders.Personal life
Marriage and relationships
Radnor married photographer and clinical psychologist Jordana Jacobs on January 6, 2024, in a low-key outdoor ceremony at Cedar Lakes Estate in Port Jervis, New York, attended by 164 guests amid a snowstorm that turned the event into an impromptu sleepover.[51] The couple first met in February 2022 at a three-day sound meditation retreat in upstate New York, where they experienced an immediate connection.[52] Prior to his marriage, Radnor maintained a relatively private romantic life, including a relationship with actress Minka Kelly from 2016 to 2017.[53] He has publicly reflected on finding lasting love later in life, drawing parallels to his character Ted Mosby from How I Met Your Mother, a hopeless romantic who pursued meaningful connections well into adulthood.[54] In a 2024 interview, Radnor described his marriage at age 49 as "fantastic," emphasizing the joy of shared mornings and nights with Jacobs.[55] The couple has no children.[56] The pair mutually supports each other's creative pursuits, with Jacobs contributing her photography skills to complement Radnor's work in acting, directing, and music.[51]Spiritual practices
Josh Radnor has maintained a long-term practice of Transcendental Meditation (TM) since his late twenties, beginning around 2004 following a difficult breakup.[57][47] He practices it daily for approximately 20 minutes, using a mantra-based technique rooted in Vedic traditions, which he credits with providing a profound shift in his life by allowing him to pause, close his eyes, and turn inward for relief.[57][58] This routine has helped him manage stress, particularly during the unstable early years of his television career, keeping him sane amid rapid changes, and enabling him to process successes and challenges in a balanced manner.[47][57] Radnor has also noted that TM fosters creativity by creating a still, centered mental space that enhances his effectiveness and readiness in daily life, while reducing overall melancholy and promoting emotional stability.[59][60] Radnor's Jewish spirituality forms another core aspect of his personal practices, influenced by his upbringing in an observant family. He recites the traditional Jewish morning prayer Modeh Ani daily, thanking God for restoring his soul, a habit learned in childhood that he has continued into adulthood.[16] Since the mid-2010s, he has incorporated daily meditation alongside prayer as part of a broader spiritual routine, describing himself as culturally Jewish and spiritually open to wisdom from various sources.[16][61] Radnor has participated in several wellness retreats focused on mindfulness and personal growth, including a meditation retreat in 2005 and a sound meditation retreat in upstate New York in 2022, where participants engaged in guided sessions involving breathwork and psychedelics to deepen self-awareness.[62][63] These experiences have emphasized introspection and emotional healing for him, with the 2022 retreat notably leading to a significant personal connection that culminated in his marriage.[51] He has also attended a ten-day silent meditation retreat as recently as late 2024, underscoring his commitment to immersive practices for inner clarity.[64] Through public interviews and writings on his Substack newsletter Museletters, Radnor advocates for meditation as a tool for personal transformation, sharing how it cultivates kindness, patience, and resilience against modern stressors.[59][65] In discussions, he encourages others to adopt simple daily practices like closing one's eyes for 20 minutes to access profound benefits, drawing from his own journey to promote mindfulness as essential for well-being.[57][58]Filmography
Film
Radnor made his film debut as the tour guide in the comedy Not Another Teen Movie (2001).[66] In Happythankyoumoreplease (2010), he starred as Sam Wexler, a young writer navigating relationships in New York City, while also serving as director and writer.[67] Radnor again wrote, directed, and acted as Jesse Fisher, a college admissions officer reconnecting with his past, in the romantic comedy Liberal Arts (2012).[68] He acted as Jeff, a documentary filmmaker, in the dramedy Afternoon Delight (2013).[69] Radnor portrayed the father in the musical drama The Seeker (2016), a film tied to his musical collaborations.[70] As Paul in the comedy Social Animals (2018), he played a love interest to the protagonist.[71] In 2023, Radnor starred as Rob, an academic, in the drama Three Birthdays.[72] In the family dramedy All Happy Families (2024), Radnor starred as Graham Landry, an actor dealing with family tensions during a home renovation.[73] In 2013, he provided voice work as John Garth in the documentary The Galapagos Affair: Satan Came to Eden.[74] Upcoming projects include Ramona at Midlife (2025), in which he plays Jayson, and The Sacrifice (2025), as Jason.[8]| Year | Title | Role/Credit |
|---|---|---|
| 2001 | Not Another Teen Movie | Tour Guide (actor) |
| 2010 | Happythankyoumoreplease | Sam Wexler (actor, director, writer) |
| 2012 | Liberal Arts | Jesse Fisher (actor, director, writer) |
| 2013 | Afternoon Delight | Jeff (actor) |
| 2013 | The Galapagos Affair: Satan Came to Eden | John Garth (voice) |
| 2016 | The Seeker | Father (actor) |
| 2018 | Social Animals | Paul (actor) |
| 2023 | Three Birthdays | Rob (actor) |
| 2024 | All Happy Families | Graham Landry (actor) |
| 2025 | Ramona at Midlife | Jayson (actor) |
| 2025 | The Sacrifice | Jason (actor) |