Brett Cullen was born in Houston, Texas, and graduated with a drama degree from the University of Houston. During college, he spent four years touring with the Houston Shakespeare Festival, and then moved to Los Angeles, where he landed his first television series role in
The Chisholms. In 1983, Cullen was cast opposite
Richard Chamberlain and
Rachel Ward in the mini-series
The Thornbirds. Three years later, he landed a two-year stint on the series
Falcon Crest, and in 1989 starred in the series
Young Riders.
Cullen's additional television credits include series regular roles in Legacy, Orleans and a recurring role on Suddenly Susan. Among his numerous guest starring roles are Ally McBeal, Arli$$ and The Outer Limits. He has also appeared in the made-for-television movies Something Borrowed, Something Blue, Danielle Steel's Family Album, Gambler V: The Last Days of the Wild Bunch, The Hired Heart, Perfect Body, Keys, Dead Solid Perfect and The Image. More recently, Cullen appeared in Tom Hanks' acclaimed HBO series From the Earth to the Moon, and starred in the USA Network action film, The Expendables.
His numerous feature film credits include roles in Leaving Normal, Courage Under Fire, Apollo 13, The Killing Jar, Something to Talk About and The Calling.