Nicholas Braun has become one of Hollywood’s most recognizable faces, blending quirky charm with an unexpected physical presence. Standing at 6’7”, the actor has carved a niche for himself as the lovable underdog in projects ranging from cult classics to prestige television. Best known as Succession’s bumbling Cousin Greg, Braun’s career is a masterclass in reinvention—from child actor to Emmy-nominated star.
Quick Bio
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Nicholas Joseph Braun |
| Birthdate | May 1, 1988 |
| Birthplace | Bethpage, New York |
| Age (2024) | 36 years old |
| Height | 6 feet 7 inches (201 cm) |
| Profession | Actor, Producer, Musician |
| Breakthrough Role | Cousin Greg (Succession) |
| Education | St. Mark’s School, Massachusetts |
| Awards/Nominations | Primetime Emmy Nominee (2020, 2022) |
Early Life and Background
Born and raised in Bethpage, Long Island, Nicholas Braun grew up in a middle-class family. His father worked in insurance, while his mother pursued a career in real estate. Despite their non-industry backgrounds, Braun’s parents encouraged his creative pursuits. His early exposure to theater came through school plays, where his natural comedic timing and towering height made him stand out even as a child.
Braun’s childhood was marked by a love for performing—whether mimicking characters from The Simpsons or staging living-room skits. “I was always the class clown,” he later recalled in interviews. This blend of humor and vulnerability would become his trademark in Hollywood.
Education and Early Interests
At St. Mark’s School, a prestigious boarding school in Massachusetts, Braun honed his craft in drama club productions. Roles in Our Town and Romeo and Juliet showcased his range, though his height often landed him in physically exaggerated parts. By high school graduation, Braun faced a crossroads: pursue acting full-time or attend college. He chose the former, moving to Los Angeles at 18 with little more than a headshot and determination.
His early interests weren’t limited to acting. Braun dabbled in filmmaking, directing short films with friends, and nurtured a passion for music—skills that would later complement his on-screen work.
Career Beginnings
Braun’s first professional role came at age 12 in the indie film Walter and Henry (2001). Throughout the 2000s, he became a familiar face on Disney Channel, appearing in Sky High (2005) and Princess Protection Program (2009). These roles, while fun, pigeonholed him as the “awkward teen” archetype.
Transitioning to adult roles proved challenging. Braun struggled with typecasting, later admitting, “I had to fight to show I could do more than play the goofy best friend.” His persistence paid off with indie films like Chronicle (2012), where he began shedding his Disney image.
Breakthrough Role
Everything changed in 2018 when Braun landed the role of Greg Hirsch (aka Cousin Greg) in HBO’s Succession. As the hapless nephew of media mogul Logan Roy, Braun delivered a performance that balanced slapstick humor with subtle pathos. Critics praised his ability to make Greg both laughably inept and heartbreakingly relatable.
The role earned him two Primetime Emmy nominations and transformed him from a working actor to a household name. Braun’s improvised line deliveries—like Greg’s infamous “If it is to be said, so it be”—became viral moments, cementing his place in pop culture.
Rise to Recognition
Succession catapulted Braun into the spotlight, turning him into a meme icon and social media darling. Fans dubbed him “Tall Greg,” celebrating his lanky physicality and awkward charm. Off-screen, Braun leaned into the humor, posting self-deprecating jokes about his height and viral moments from the show.
Post-Succession, Braun transitioned smoothly into leading roles. Films like Zola (2020) and Cat Person (2023) showcased his range, proving he could anchor darker, more complex narratives.
Notable Film and TV Roles
- The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012): As Patrick, Braun brought warmth to a LGBTQ+ coming-of-age story.
- How to Be Single (2016): His turn as lovelorn bartender Josh highlighted his rom-com chops.
- Zola (2020): Braun’s portrayal of Derrek, a naive boyfriend caught in a chaotic road trip, earned critical praise.
- Cat Person (2023): He played Robert, a manipulative date turned sinister, showcasing his darker side.
Age and Physical Appearance
At 36, Braun’s age and 6’7” frame uniquely position him in Hollywood. Directors often use his height for comedic effect (like Greg’s ill-fitting suits in Succession), but Braun also leverages it to convey vulnerability. “Being tall doesn’t mean you’re invincible,” he’s noted. His lanky build and boyish grin have become part of his brand, challenging traditional leading-man aesthetics.
Health and Fitness Journey
Maintaining his health as a vertically gifted actor isn’t easy. Braun focuses on flexibility training (yoga and Pilates) to avoid joint strain. He avoids heavy weightlifting, preferring functional workouts that accommodate his frame. Nutrition-wise, he prioritizes protein and hydration, joking, “I’m basically a giraffe—I need to eat constantly to stay upright.”
Personality and Public Image
Braun’s self-deprecating humor and approachable social media presence (especially on Instagram) have endeared him to fans. Colleagues describe him as “genuinely kind,” a rarity in cutthroat Hollywood. Despite his fame, he avoids celebrity gossip, stating, “I’d rather let my work speak for itself.”
Personal Life and Relationships
Braun keeps his private life under wraps. He’s been linked to a few partners over the years but rarely discusses relationships publicly. Close friendships with co-stars like Kieran Culkin (Succession) and Dakota Johnson (Persuasion) hint at his tight-knit industry circle.
Philanthropy and Charitable Efforts
An advocate for arts education, Braun supports programs like The Trevor Project and Young Storytellers. He’s also vocal about environmental issues, partnering with nonprofits to promote sustainability in film production.
Legacy and Impact on the Entertainment Industry
Braun’s success has redefined Hollywood’s perception of leading men. By embracing his unconventional looks and comedic timing, he’s paved the way for actors who don’t fit the “chiseled hero” mold. His work in Succession also elevated prestige TV, blending satire with emotional depth.
Future Projects and Career Aspirations
Upcoming projects include the thriller Hunters and a producing role in the comedy Cuckoo. Braun also plans to release music with his band, **Bleeding Palm*. Long-term, he aims to direct, inspired by mentors like Jesse Armstrong.
Conclusion
Nicholas Braun’s journey—from Disney Channel alum to Emmy nominee—proves that authenticity trumps convention. With his towering talent and everyman appeal, he’s redefining what it means to be a Hollywood star. As he ventures into producing and music, one thing remains clear: Braun is just getting started.
FAQs about Nicholas Braun
Who is Nicholas Braun?
Nicholas Braun is an American actor best known for his role as Cousin Greg in the HBO series Succession.
How tall is Nicholas Braun?
Nicholas Braun is 6 feet 7 inches (2.01 meters) tall, making him one of the tallest actors in Hollywood.
What other projects has Nicholas Braun worked on?
Aside from Succession, he has appeared in The Perks of Being a Wallflower, Sky High, and Zola.
Is Nicholas Braun related to the Braun family of Braun Corporation?
No, there is no known relation between Nicholas Braun and the Braun Corporation family.
Does Nicholas Braun have any upcoming projects?
Yes, he continues to explore new roles in TV and film, though specific projects may vary. Check his IMDb for updates.
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