As a huge movie and TV fan, I’ve always been impressed with Jon Bernthal. He’s consistently delivered strong performances, and there are five roles that really stick out to me. He started acting back in 2002, but most people first noticed him in 2010 when he played Shane Walsh on The Walking Dead. That show was brand new at the time, and it quickly became a total phenomenon – a real part of pop culture!
Even though that role was a high point, Jon Bernthal’s career has continued to flourish. He often plays strong, intimidating characters – like tough guys and criminals – but he brings such depth to them that you can’t help but be captivated, even by the villains he portrays.
I’ve been noticing Jon Bernthal really hit his stride lately. He’s taking on roles that show a softer side, and honestly, it’s amazing – he’s just so good at creating characters who feel completely real, flaws and all. You genuinely understand where they’re coming from, even if you don’t agree with them. He’s become a legit star in both TV and film, and he’s proven he can handle any genre thrown his way.
5. Show Me A Hero
Michael H. Sussman
HBO’s miniseries Show Me a Hero is a compelling but often overlooked show from David Simon. It’s based on a book by New York Times writer Lisa Belkin and tells the true story of Nick Wasicsko, who served as mayor of Yonkers, New York, from 1987 to 1989. The series, starring Oscar Isaac as Wasicsko, focuses on his efforts to integrate the city and improve housing, despite strong opposition in the predominantly white community.
Jon Bernthal portrays Michael H. Sussman, a lawyer who actually existed and worked with the NAACP. This role is different for Bernthal, as he plays a sympathetic and worn-down character. However, in the courtroom, Sussman is just as strong and imposing as many of the roles Bernthal is known for.
4. The Walking Dead
Shane Walsh
I remember first noticing Jon Bernthal when I started watching The Walking Dead. He played Shane Walsh, and honestly, he was one of the first really compelling villains on the show. Seeing Shane become increasingly unhinged really helped me understand how messed up everything must have been for people after the world fell apart because of the zombies. He wasn’t just a bad guy; he showed how the apocalypse was breaking people down.
Shane starts as Rick Grimes’ close friend, but their relationship deteriorates into rivalry and ultimately, animosity. Jeffrey Dean Morgan’s intense portrayal brilliantly shows how easily someone’s principles can crumble when faced with extraordinary circumstances. While Shane’s actions become villainous, Morgan’s authentic performance makes his downward spiral surprisingly relatable.
3. The Bear
Michael “Mikey” Berzatto
As the show The Bear progresses, we see more and more of Jon Bernthal’s character, Mikey Berzatto. With each appearance, it becomes clearer why his loved ones grieve him so deeply, even with his imperfections. The series begins with the aftermath of Mikey’s suicide, which leaves his brother, Carmy (Jeremy Allen White), to deal with the family business, “The Beef.”
Mikey Berzatto, the oldest sibling, is a magnetic and well-liked character, but he secretly struggles with a serious drug and alcohol addiction. Actor Jon Bernthal brilliantly portrays this complexity, especially in the episode “Fishes,” showcasing an incredible ability to shift between humor, anger, and vulnerability, keeping viewers completely engaged.
2. The Punisher
Frank Castle/The Punisher
Let me tell you, Jon Bernthal is Frank Castle, The Punisher. This role is what really cemented him as a powerhouse actor. He doesn’t just look the part – bringing a seriously intimidating physicality – but he delivers a performance with so much depth and nuance that it genuinely elevates the Marvel series. Honestly, it’s one of the few times a performance feels like it pushes a Marvel show to another level. And if you liked him as The Punisher, you might remember he also brought that same intensity to his role in Daredevil.
Jon Bernthal brilliantly portrays the inner turmoil of Frank Castle. He conveys the deep pain of a man who has lost everything, showing it beneath the character’s anger and brutality. Bernthal doesn’t make The Punisher likable or charming; instead, he delivers a performance that’s unsettling enough to make you both support and fear him.
1. We Own This City
Wayne Jenkins
Jon Bernthal delivers a captivating and intense performance in We Own This City, portraying a compelling villain in modern television. The series is based on the true story of a Baltimore police task force and its criminal activity during the 2010s, with Bernthal playing Sgt. Wayne Jenkins, the central figure behind the corruption.
Wayne Jenkins, a real-life criminal currently serving a 25-year prison sentence, is portrayed as a truly menacing figure. Jon Bernthal delivers a terrifying performance, perfectly capturing Jenkins’ manipulative, violent, and volatile nature, as well as his complete refusal to take responsibility for his actions. Bernthal’s intense gaze has never been more effectively used on screen.
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2026-01-16 22:41