Multifaceted actor Jesse Eisenberg has significantly influenced the entertainment industry. Known for his wit, intelligence and versatility in portraying complex characters, he has established himself as one of the most talented Hollywood actors. The Queens native successfully navigated various genres, excelling in comedies, dramas, action films and even horror movies. Read more about the star at queenski.com.
The beginning of a film career
Jesse Eisenberg was born on October 5, 1983, in Queens. His father was a professor of sociology and mother was a professional clown. The boy became interested in acting at the age of 9 when he started performing in plays. To hone his acting skills, he attended the Professional Performing Arts School in New York.
As a teenager, Jesse turned his hobby into a professional activity. In 1996, he made his Broadway debut as an understudy and three years later appeared in the comedy-drama TV series Get Real. The show depicts a dysfunctional family in which parents experience a midlife crisis and children face teenage problems. The actor’s curly hair became his trademark, which added a unique charm and attractiveness to his persona.
In 2002, Eisenberg played his first leading role in the film Roger Dodger. He played a 16-year-old boy seeking advice from his featherheaded uncle on seducing women. Although the movie did not achieve commercial success, Jesse’s performance was praised by critics. He also received his first award at the San Diego Film Festival. In the same year, he appeared in the drama The Emperor’s Club, which shows the mistakes teachers make when educating children and how they affect their lives as adults.
His other major role on TV was in the 2005 comedy-drama film The Squid and the Whale. It tells the story of two boys in Brooklyn whose parents are getting divorced. In the same year, Eisenberg tried a new repertoire by starring in the horror movie Cursed. Jesse appeared in another horror-comedy film called Zombieland in 2009. This is a parody of apocalyptic films, where most of the Earth’s population turns into zombies.
In 2007, Jesse played a college student who has to deal with a bully in the drama The Education of Charlie Banks. Three years later, he starred in the crime drama Holy Rollers, based on the true story of an Orthodox Jewish man who became involved in international drug trafficking in the late 1990s.
Breakthrough Roles
Eisenberg achieved real success after his role in a film about the creation of Facebook, The Social Network (2010). 27-year-old Jesse portrayed Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg. The film instantly became a hit, surpassing box office expectations. Eisenberg’s impeccable performance earned him numerous offers from directors, as well as a nomination for a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor, a BAFTA Award, a Critics’ Choice Award and his first Academy Award.
A year later, the New Yorker acted in the action-comedy 30 Minutes or Less, inspired by a true story. He got the part of Nick, a pizza delivery guy. The slow-paced life of the boy was disturbed by two bandits who kidnapped him and attached a bomb to his chest. Nick has only 30 minutes to rob a bank. His best friend Chet helps him, and they both come up with a plan to outsmart the kidnappers.
In 2013, Eisenberg starred in the British black comedy The Double. The film is based on the 1846 novella of the same name by Fyodor Dostoyevsky. It tells about a man who was driven to a nervous breakdown after his doppelganger took over his life. He also starred in the legendary thriller Now You See Me that same year. The main characters team up to create a grand show that blurs the line between reality and fiction.
Two years later, Jesse appeared in another significant film, the drama Louder Than Bombs. It’s a complex movie that accurately conveys the pain of a man and his sons following the death of their wife and mother, who was a war photographer.
Jesse played Mike Howell, a corner shop clerk, in the action-comedy American Ultra (2015). Mike lives a carefree life and plans to propose to his girlfriend, Phoebe. Everything changes when he discovers he is a special agent. To match his character, Eisenberg deliberately mastered martial arts.
The sci-fi movie Vivarium, with Eisenberg in the lead role, was released in 2019. A year later, Jesse starred in the dramatic biopic Resistance, which depicts the life of French actor and artist Marcel Marceau. He finds himself in painting and refuses to follow the Nazi regime.
Eisenberg’s dedication to the cinema is evident in the depth of his performances and his ability to fully connect with each character he portrays. Jesse literally “dives” into his characters.
Personal life
From 2002 to 2012, the actor had a romance with Anna Strout. They met on the set of The Emperor’s Club, where Strout worked as an assistant to one of the actresses.
From 2013 to 2015, he dated his colleague Mia Wasikowska. Later, the actor got back together with Strout. The couple got married in 2017. In April of the same year, they welcomed a son.
10 interesting facts
- Eisenberg is an experienced writer and playwright. He wrote several plays and issued various publications, showcasing his literary prowess. The actor even opened his own online bookstore to share favorite books.
- In addition to his acting and writing skills, Jesse is also a talented musician. He plays several instruments, including the guitar and drums.
- Jesse is an avid chess player. The actor even participated in professional tournaments, where he demonstrated his analytical thinking.
- He is a public activist. Eisenberg leveraged his reputation to raise awareness about important issues and secure funding for charities. The actor contributed to organizations focused on education and healthcare.
- Eisenberg had the honor to work with the famous director Woody Allen, known for his cynical, witty parodies and eccentric humor. Their collaboration resulted in the films Café Society and To Rome with Love.
- The New Yorker also worked as a voice actor. For example, he voiced the character Blu in the popular animated comedy Rio. He also provided his voice for recording documentaries and audiobooks.
- In addition to English, Jesse speaks French and Hebrew.
- In 2022, Eisenberg debuted as a director, presenting the comedy-drama When You Finish Saving the World.
- The actor is an environmental activist. He has repeatedly supported organizations focused on environmental conservation and sustainable living.
- Although Jesse achieved real success with the role of Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, the actor knew nothing about this social network during the filming of The Social Network in 2009. Since his character needed to mention his status on Facebook, the film crew had to familiarize Eisenberg with the platform.
Jesse Eisenberg is a talented actor who has left a significant mark in the entertainment industry with his unique performances and diverse roles. Starting from childhood to his breakthrough role as Mark Zuckerberg in The Social Network, he captivated the hearts of fans around the world.