St. Louis Park, Minnesota, U.S.

Joel and Ethan Coen, known as the Coen brothers, are American filmmakers. They were born in 1954 and 1957 in Minnesota. The Coen brothers make movies together and have worked on various genres. Some of their popular films are Blood Simple, Raising Arizona, Fargo, and No Country for Old Men.

They usually write, direct, and produce their films together. However, Joel directed “The Tragedy of Macbeth” in 2021, and Ethan directed “Jerry Lee Lewis: Trouble in Mind” in 2022 and “Drive-Away Dolls” in 2024.

The Coen brothers have been successful in the film industry, winning awards for their work. They have made both well-received and lesser-known films, and their unique style sets them apart. They often explore American culture, especially in the South and West.

Background:

Joel and Ethan grew up in Minnesota with their mother, who was an art historian, and their father, who was an Economics professor. Their family had Eastern European Jewish roots. They developed a love for movies from an early age, watching a variety of films on TV.

Education:

Both brothers graduated from St. Louis Park High School. Joel attended New York University for film, while Ethan studied philosophy at Princeton University.

Personal Lives:

Joel is married to actress Frances McDormand, and they have an adopted son. Ethan is married to Tricia Cooke, and they have a daughter and a son.

Career:

In the 1980s, they started with films like “Blood Simple” and “Raising Arizona.” The 1990s brought successes like “Fargo” and “The Big Lebowski.” In the 2000s, they made “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” and “No Country for Old Men,” which won them Academy Awards.

In the 2010s, they continued with films like “True Grit” and “Inside Llewyn Davis.” They also ventured into television with the series “Fargo.” Their more recent projects include “Hail, Caesar!” and “The Ballad of Buster Scruggs.”

In the 2020s, Joel directed “The Tragedy of Macbeth,” while Ethan directed “Jerry Lee Lewis: Trouble in Mind” and “Drive-Away Dolls.”

Planned and Uncompleted Projects:

They have been involved in various projects and have their own film production company, Mike Zoss Productions.

Directing Distinctions:

Initially, Joel received sole credit for directing and Ethan for producing, but since 2004, they share the director credit. They have received numerous Academy Award nominations, and their films have left a significant impact on the film industry.