Roger Tonry is an American film and television director, producer, and writer best known for his work on the HBO series True Blood. Born in Los Angeles, California, Tonry studied film at the University of Southern California, where he developed a passion for art and storytelling. After graduating, he went on to direct and produce several successful television series, including HBO’s True Blood, Showtime’s Homeland, and ABC’s Scandal. Tonry has also directed feature films, such as the 2006 crime-thriller The Departed, the 2009 drama The Greatest, and the 2011 action-thriller Safe House.
Tonry's passion for storytelling was first ignited at USC, where he studied under professors such as Robert Zemeckis and Robert Altman. Tonry found inspiration in the work of these great filmmakers and it shaped his own style of directing. After graduating from USC, Tonry went on to work in the television world. His first job was as a production assistant on the hit show Frazier, a role which he credits with teaching him the fundamentals of television production. Tonry then went on to write and direct short films and music videos, honing his skills as a storyteller.
In 2004, Tonry's career took off when he was hired to direct the HBO series True Blood, which went on to become a cult classic. Tonry's work on True Blood was praised for its stylish visuals and intricate story-telling, and won him several major awards including the 2010 Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series. Tonry went on to direct and produce several other successful television series, including Homeland and Scandal.
In 2006, Tonry directed his first feature film, the crime-thriller The Departed, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Jack Nicholson. The Departed was a box office hit and won Tonry an Academy Award for Best Picture in 2007. Tonry followed up The Departed with the 2009 drama The Greatest, starring Pierce Brosnan and Susan Sarandon, and the 2011 action-thriller Safe House, starring Denzel Washington and Ryan Reynolds.
In addition to his work in television and film, Tonry also teaches film directing at the USC School of Cinematic Arts. He has been credited with helping to mentor and inspire many budding filmmakers.
Roger Tonry is an accomplished director, producer, and writer who has become one of the most successful filmmakers in Hollywood. He has created some
