Sean Gunn
A versatile character actor who stole scenes as Stars Hollow's quirky Kirk before becoming a linchpin of the Guardians of the Galaxy's cosmic crew.
Born 1974 (age 52)·American actor·Birthday: May 22·Generation X
Biography
Sean Gunn's path in Hollywood is a testament to the power of specificity and collaboration. While he gained a devoted fanbase for his portrayal of the endearingly odd Kirk Gleason on 'Gilmore Girls', his most significant creative partnership has been with his brother, director James Gunn. This collaboration launched him into the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Kraglin, the loyal first mate to Yondu, a role he infused with heart and humor across multiple blockbusters. Beyond playing the character, Gunn served as the on-set physical reference for Rocket Raccoon, bringing the CGI creature to life with his movements and timing. His career balances mainstream franchise work with indie projects, showcasing a range that goes far beyond his most famous, eccentric roles.
Generation X
1965–1980
The latchkey kids. Raised during divorce, recession, and the end of the Cold War. Skeptical, self-reliant, media-literate. They invented indie culture, grunge, and the early internet — then watched the Boomers take credit.
Sean was born in 1974, placing them squarely in the Generation X. The events that shaped this generation — economic uncertainty, the end of the Cold War, and the rise of personal computing — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Sean Was Born
The biggest hits of 1974
#1 Movie
The Towering Inferno
Best Picture
The Godfather Part II
#1 TV Show
All in the Family
Sean's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1974Born
Nixon resigns the presidency
Gas: $0.53/galHome: $22,600Min wage: $2.00/hrPresident: Gerald Ford"The Way We Were" — Barbra StreisandBest Picture: The Godfather Part II
1979Started school
Iran hostage crisis begins; Three Mile Island accident
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $37,900Min wage: $2.90/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"My Sharona" — The KnackBest Picture: Kramer vs. Kramer
1987Became a teenager
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1990Could drive
Hubble Space Telescope launched; Germany reunifies
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.80/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Hold On" — Wilson PhillipsBest Picture: Dances with Wolves
1992Could vote
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
1995Turned 21
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
2004Turned 30
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2014Turned 40
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
2024Turned 50
AI reshapes industries; Paris Olympics
Gas: $3.31/galHome: $372,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Espresso" — Sabrina CarpenterBest Picture: Anora
2026Age 52 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Portrayed Kirk Gleason across all seven seasons of the beloved series 'Gilmore Girls'.
- Played Kraglin Obfonteri in the 'Guardians of the Galaxy' film series and other Marvel Cinematic Universe projects.
- Served as the on-set performance reference for the character Rocket Raccoon in the 'Guardians of the Galaxy' films.
- Appeared in multiple projects directed by his brother James Gunn, including 'The Suicide Squad' as Weasel.
Did You Know?
He is the older brother of filmmaker James Gunn.
He performed the physical movements for Rocket Raccoon on set, with Bradley Cooper later providing the voice.
He had a recurring role on the sitcom 'Angel' from The WB.
He graduated from the Catholic University of America with a degree in History.
“I'm not a character actor; I'm an actor who plays characters.”
