A prolific character actor in film, Fichtner is recognized for memorable performances in Contact (1997), Armageddon (1998), Go (1999), The Perfect Storm (2000), Black Hawk Down (2001), Crash (2004), and The Longest Yard (2005).

He later appeared as Alexander Mahone in Prison Break, Carl Hickman in Crossing Lines, and Adam Janikowski in Mom.

Fichtner was born on Mitchel Air Force Base[3] on Long Island and raised in Cheektowaga, New York, a suburb of Buffalo.

[8] In his acceptance address, he credited Farmingdale admissions counselor Don Harvey with his decision to study acting.

He has also appeared in the films Contact, Heat, Armageddon, Go, Equilibrium, Black Hawk Down, The Perfect Storm, The Longest Yard, Crash, Ultraviolet, Drive Angry and The Dark Knight.

Mainly a character actor, one of his few leading roles is in Passion of Mind, also starring Demi Moore and Stellan Skarsgård.

He also had a role as the corrupt Gotham National Bank manager in the feature film The Dark Knight and as the resistance leader Jurgen in Equilibrium.