You probably know him as the guy who looked exactly like the dollar bill, just with more grit and a better wig. For four seasons on AMC, Ian Kahn didn't just play George Washington; he basically became the guy. It was intense. But honestly, if you only look at his time in the Revolutionary War, you’re missing out on a massive chunk of a career that spans everything from mid-90s teen dramas to high-stakes legal thrillers.
Kahn has this weirdly specific superpower: he can play a high-powered executive, a romantic interest for Sarah Jessica Parker, and a 1700s general without any of it feeling like a stretch. He’s a chameleon, but not the kind that disappears. He’s the kind that makes you say, "Wait, I know that guy from somewhere," every time he pops up on screen.
The Washington Effect and the TURN Legacy
Most people searching for Ian Kahn movies and tv shows are coming off a binge of TURN: Washington's Spies. It makes sense. His portrayal of George Washington was a masterclass in controlled intensity. He didn't play the "Father of His Country" like a statue; he played him like a man who was constantly one bad day away from losing an entire revolution.
To get that performance right, Kahn actually spent hours on the phone with historians like Daniel Shippey. He wanted to know the tiny details, like how Washington’s teeth (which weren't wood, by the way, they were ivory and other materials) affected his speech. That level of obsession shows. He moved from a recurring role in Season 1 to a series lead because the producers realized the show needed his gravity to ground the spy antics of the Culper Ring.
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Before the Boots: Sex and the City and Dawson’s Creek
Before he was leading the Continental Army, Kahn was a staple of late-90s and early-2000s television. You might remember him as Ben in the Sex and the City episode "The Freak Show." He played the "normal guy" Carrie actually liked, which, in that show, was a rare occurrence. It’s a fun piece of trivia: the man who would become the first President once had to survive a romantic encounter with Carrie Bradshaw.
He also had a solid run on Dawson's Creek as Danny Brecher. If you’re a fan of the show, you know Danny was the chef who mentored Pacey. Kahn actually took cooking lessons to make the role look authentic. It’s a recurring theme with him—he doesn't just show up and say lines. He learns the trade of whatever character he’s playing.
A Quick Look at the TV Resume
It’s honestly kind of exhausting to look at how many major shows he’s guest-starred in.
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- Bull: He played Marty Decker for 20 episodes.
- The Unusuals: A brief but memorable stint as Davis Nixon.
- Shameless: He appeared as Jason in a couple of episodes during the show’s peak years.
- Homeland and Billions: He played Roger and Fred Reyes respectively, holding his own against heavyweights like Claire Danes and Paul Giamatti.
- The Procedurals: He’s hit the "Trifecta"—Law & Order, Law & Order: SVU, and Law & Order: Criminal Intent. Plus CSI: Miami, Castle, and Bones.
Movies You Might Have Missed
While Kahn is definitely a king of the small screen, his film work is worth a look if you want to see his range outside of episodic TV.
In 2021, he starred in The Magnificent Meyersons as Roland Meyerson. It’s a smaller, more intimate film about a family in New York dealing with faith and connection. It’s a far cry from the battlefield, showing a much more vulnerable, contemporary side of his acting.
Then there’s Day Zero (2007), where he played Ben Goldman. This was a gritty look at the draft being reinstated in the U.S., and it’s one of those movies that feels even more relevant now than it did when it came out. He also had a role in the sci-fi thriller The Box (2009), which was a wild, polarizing Cameron Diaz movie that people still argue about today.
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Why He Still Matters in 2026
Acting is a tough gig. Most people have a five-year window before they vanish. Ian Kahn has been working steadily since 1994. That’s over 30 years in the industry. He’s transitioned from the "young heartthrob" roles to the "authoritative leader" roles with a grace that most actors fail to manage.
Beyond the screen, he’s also leaned into his historical connection, often speaking at places like Mount Vernon about the leadership lessons he learned while playing Washington. He’s also a huge fantasy baseball nut—he co-hosts the Under the Radar podcast and does dynasty rankings for The Athletic. It’s a cool reminder that even the guys we see in period wigs have normal, geeky hobbies like the rest of us.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
If you want to see the best of Ian Kahn, don't just stop at TURN. Here is how to actually dive into his filmography:
- Watch "The Freak Show" episode of Sex and the City: It’s a hilarious contrast to his later serious work.
- Stream The Magnificent Meyersons: It’s his best recent film work and shows his range as a dramatic lead.
- Check out his guest spot on Suits: He plays Tom Klapperich in the episode "The Choice," and it’s a great example of him playing the "smartest guy in the room" archetype.
- Listen to his podcast: If you’re into sports, hearing him talk baseball is a great way to see the actual person behind the characters.
He isn't just a historical footnote in television history. He’s a working actor who has survived multiple eras of Hollywood by being consistently prepared and genuinely talented. Whether he's a chef, a spy, or a president, Kahn always brings something real to the table.