Harold Perrineau is an American actor and musician best known for portraying Michael Dawson on the ABC television series Lost and for his role as Mercutio in Baz Luhrmann’s 1996 film Romeo + Juliet. Active in the entertainment industry since the late 1980s, he has built a long-running career across television, film, and theater, primarily within ensemble-driven productions and serialized storytelling.
Quick Bio
- Full Name: Harold Williams Perrineau Jr.
- Date of Birth: August 7, 1963
- Age: 61 (as of 2025)
- Birthplace: Brooklyn, New York, United States
- Nationality: American
- Profession: Actor, Musician
- Education: Juilliard School (Drama Division)
- Years Active: 1989–present
- Height: Approx. 5 ft 10 in (178 cm)
- Marital Status: Married
- Spouse: Brittany Perrineau
- Children: Three daughters
Early Life & Education
Harold Perrineau was born on August 7, 1963, in Brooklyn, New York.
He grew up in an urban environment that exposed him to a wide range of cultural and artistic influences.
During his early years, he developed an interest in performance through music and theater.
He later enrolled at the Juilliard School in New York City, where he studied drama in the institution’s selective training program.
His education focused on classical acting techniques, voice work, movement, and character analysis. This training provided the technical foundation for his professional acting career.
Career
Perrineau began his professional acting career in the late 1980s, initially working in theater and television guest roles.
Throughout the 1990s, he gradually transitioned into recurring and ensemble roles across television and film.
His career is characterized by continued involvement in long-form television series and adaptations that require sustained character development rather than short-term appearances.
Television Work
In 1997, Perrineau was cast as Augustus Hill in HBO’s prison drama Oz. His character served as the show’s narrator and appeared throughout its six-season run, which concluded in 2003.
In 2004, he joined the cast of ABC’s Lost as Michael Dawson. The series ran until 2010 and achieved international success.
Perrineau appeared across multiple seasons, with his character’s storyline focusing on survival and parental responsibility.
Beginning in 2022, Perrineau took on the role of Sheriff Boyd Stevens in the MGM+ series From. The show centers on a town isolated by unexplained forces, with his character serving as the primary authority figure.
- Oz (1997–2003)
- Lost (2004–2010)
- From (2022–present)
- Claws
- Wedding Band
Film & Theater
In 1996, Perrineau appeared as Mercutio in Baz Luhrmann’s film adaptation of Romeo + Juliet. The production retained Shakespeare’s original dialogue while placing the story in a modern setting.
In 2003, he portrayed Link in The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions. These roles placed him within a large-scale science-fiction franchise produced by Warner Bros.
Alongside film and television work, Perrineau has continued to participate in stage productions, maintaining a connection to theater throughout his career.
Music Work
In addition to acting, Perrineau is a musician. He has released music independently, outside of major record labels. His music projects are produced on a smaller scale and are treated as personal creative work rather than commercial releases.
Personal Life
Harold Perrineau is married to Brittany Perrineau, and the couple has three daughters.
He maintains a private personal life and rarely discusses family matters in public interviews.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram: @haroldperrineau — approximately 230,000 followers (early 2025)
- X (formerly Twitter): @HaroldPerrineau — active account; follower counts fluctuate and are not consistently displayed
- Facebook: Official page exists; follower metrics vary
Net Worth
Harold Perrineau’s estimated net worth is between $7 million and $9 million. This estimate is based on earnings from long-running television roles, film appearances, and continued professional work in the entertainment industry.
Trivia & Facts
- Harold Perrineau was trained at the Juilliard School’s Drama Division, an institution known for accepting only a small percentage of applicants each year.
- His role as Augustus Hill in HBO’s Oz was written as the show’s narrative anchor, with Perrineau appearing in voiceover and on-screen segments throughout all six seasons.
- Perrineau was part of the original main cast of Lost when the series premiered in 2004, appearing in the pilot episode that introduced the survivors of Oceanic Flight 815.
- In Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet (1996), Perrineau performed Shakespeare’s original text while adapting the role of Mercutio to a modern, stylized setting.
- He replaced the character Tank in The Matrix sequels after the original actor did not return, taking on the role of Link in both The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions (2003).
- Since 2022, Perrineau has played Sheriff Boyd Stevens in From, a role that places him at the center of nearly every major storyline in the series.
- In addition to acting, he records and releases music independently, without affiliation to major record labels.
- Perrineau has maintained continuous professional work in film and television since the late 1980s, with no extended career breaks.
- He is married to Brittany Perrineau and is the father of three daughters, keeping his family life largely out of the public eye.
- Across his career, Perrineau has worked in network television, premium cable, and streaming platforms, reflecting shifts in the television industry over multiple decades.
FAQs
Who is Harold Perrineau?
An American actor and musician known for roles in Lost, Oz, and From.
Where was Harold Perrineau born?
Brooklyn, New York, United States.
What is Harold Perrineau’s education?
He studied drama at the Juilliard School in New York City.
What role did he play in Lost?
Michael Dawson.
Who does he play in From?
Sheriff Boyd Stevens.
Is Harold Perrineau married?
Yes, he is married to Brittany Perrineau.
Does he have children?
Yes, three daughters.
Is Harold Perrineau also a musician?
Yes, he releases music independently.
What films is he known for?
Romeo + Juliet (1996) and The Matrix sequels.
What is his estimated net worth?
Between $7 million and $9 million.
