Christopher Carley

With his piercing blue eyes, red hair and round face, actor Christopher Carley makes a memorable impression on both the big and small screen. Carley, sometimes billed as Chris Carley, is best known for his role in the 2008 Clint Eastwood starrer, "Gran Torino" as a young priest struggling to provide counsel to Eastwood's aging, crotchety war veteran. Carley's career began over a decade earlier when he made his debut in a bit role in the comedy feature film "Colin Fitz." Long interested in the theater, Carley made an impressive Broadway debut in 1998, taking over the role of Ray in "The Beauty Queen of Leeane." Continuing to hone his craft, Carely appeared in television series including "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" in 1999 and in several short films, including "Gnome" and "Anna in the Neck." The experience paid off when Carely secured roles in the high profile feature films "Garden State" in 2004 and "Homecoming" the following year. In 2005, Carley found unexpected success in a series of commercials for Verizon Wireless as a hapless character "Schmitty" tormented by calls from friends and roommates. Carley followed this achievement with appearances in acclaimed and high profile television series including "The Sopranos" and "House" in 2006. The next year, Carley had a significant role in the Robert Redford production "Lions for Lambs" which was followed by the work with Eastwood.