American actor and filmmaker Cosmo Pfeil has made a remarkable transition from Hollywood sets to humanitarian missions, demonstrating that career reinvention knows no bounds. The multi-talented artist, best known for his roles in Take Shelter and Shotgun Stories, has successfully pivoted to nursing and humanitarian work while maintaining his creative passions.
From Vermont to Hollywood: Pfeil's Early Beginnings
Born on 9 December 1977 in Shoreham, Vermont, Cosmo Colyer Pfeil has maintained a relatively private personal life despite his public career. Now 47 years old, the Sagittarius native pursued higher education at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts between 1996 and 2000, earning a bachelor's degree in Fine and Studio Arts. He further expanded his knowledge with Spanish Language and Literature studies at Instituto Forester Internacional.
Standing at 5 feet 7 inches (170 centimeters) tall, Pfeil began his entertainment career in the early 2000s with roles in Company K, where he played Private Nate Mountain, and The Northern Kingdom, which proved fateful for both his professional and personal life.
A Hollywood Romance and Family Life
Pfeil's most public relationship began on the set of The Northern Kingdom in 2009, where he met actress Betty Gilpin. The couple married in 2016 and have since welcomed two children between 2020 and 2024. Gilpin, a three-time Emmy-nominated actress known for her role in GLOW, has publicly shared insights into their relationship dynamics.
In her book All the Women in My Brain: And Other Concerns, Gilpin revealed charming details about Pfeil's innovative nature, noting how he fashioned slippers from paper grocery bags and blue duct tape. She described their contrasting personalities, highlighting his deep knowledge of nature and cooking skills compared to her more practical approach to life.
Career Evolution: From Camera to Humanitarian Missions
Pfeil's professional journey showcases remarkable versatility. Beyond acting, he established himself as an accomplished assistant director and director in American film and television. His technical production credits include serving as first and second assistant director on projects like Take Shelter (2011) and Providence (2015).
In 2012, Pfeil made his directorial debut with the documentary Acceptable Limits, which he also cinematographed. The film explores the health and environmental impacts of an aging nuclear fuel processing facility in East Tennessee, demonstrating his early interest in socially conscious storytelling.
The Pivot: Nursing and Humanitarian Leadership
The most significant transformation in Pfeil's career came with his shift toward healthcare and humanitarian work. According to a 2022 New York Times report, he became a registered nurse, though details about his hospital practice remain private.
Currently, Pfeil serves as the director of operations for Give Love Haiti - Eco-Sanitation, an organization providing affordable sanitation solutions in Haiti. His LinkedIn profile confirms this role, along with previous positions as director of operations for CanDo.org and One-Truck.org in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.
His filmmaking expertise continues to serve his humanitarian work, as he films live and edited content documenting various projects and missions. Between 2006 and 2017, he also worked as a senior sales specialist for MindBody, Inc., showcasing his diverse professional capabilities.
Balancing Privacy and Purpose
Despite his work in the entertainment industry, Pfeil maintains a notably private life. He has an inactive presence on social media platforms like Instagram, choosing to focus on his family and humanitarian efforts rather than public visibility.
With an estimated net worth between $200,000 and $500,000, Pfeil has built his financial foundation through his entertainment industry work and humanitarian positions. As of 2025, his humanitarian work takes center stage, marking a full-circle journey from Hollywood actor to dedicated humanitarian and nurse.
Cosmo Pfeil's career arc demonstrates that professional reinvention can successfully blend creative passions with humanitarian purpose. His journey from acting roles to life-saving work in Haiti serves as an inspiring example of how diverse skills can converge to create meaningful impact.
