Sam Jaeger portrays Joel Graham on NBC's drama series "Parenthood." Joel is Julia's (Erika Christensen) estranged husband and father to Sydney (Savannah Paige Rae) and Victor (Xolo Maridueña). Jaeger's inherent talent and carefully selected roles have him poised to arrive as a major leading man in Hollywood.

Sam will be seen in two upcoming films: Paul Thomas Anderson's "Inherent Vice" and Clint Eastwood's "American Sniper," both arriving in theaters this December. Other films include "Catch and Release" opposite Jennifer Garner and Kevin Smith, "The Truth About Emanuel" opposite Jessica Biel and Alfred Molina, and "Lucky Number Slevin," opposite Bruce Willis and Josh Hartnett.

Jaeger got his start in television with a series of strong guest roles, and eventually landed as a series regular on the popular legal drama for ABC titled "Eli Stone." Jaeger starred opposite Victor Garber and Johnny Lee Miller in the enlightening series, playing an arrogant and combative co-worker of Miller's. Success has also found Jaeger behind the camera with his award-winning feature film "Take Me Home." Jaeger wrote, directed and starred in his feature film directorial debut along with Amber Jaeger, Victor Garber and Bree Turner. The film was met with great critical acclaim.

Jaeger began his professional career in New York while attending college, landing a guest-starring role on "Law & Order." He also spent several seasons doing theater in New York before making the move to Los Angeles. Once in Los Angeles, he landed parts in two feature films, "Traffic" and "Behind Enemy Lines." After those standout roles, he won a powerful role opposite Bruce Willis and Colin Farrell in "Hart's War." In the years following, Jaeger built an impressive television resume, including roles in such hits as "ER," "CSI," "The West Wing," "NYPD Blue," "Scrubs," "That's Life" and "Girls Club."

In addition to his film and small screen credits, Jaeger has also co-written and co-produced two short films. The first, "Quiz Bowl," caught the eye of actress Kate Bosworth, who later agreed to star in his next short, "Advantage Hart." "Hart" had its premiere at the Hollywood Film Festival, and toured on the film festival circuit.

Jaeger enjoys engaging with his community and focuses much effort towards the conservation of our environment. He currently resides in Los Angeles.