Jesse Eisenberg Quick Facts
Full Name: Jesse Adam Eisenberg
Age: 39 (Birthday: October 5, 1983)
Born: Queens, New York, United States
Relationship Status: Married (Anna Strout)
Height: 5′ 7′′
Net Worth: $10 million
Social Media:
Jesse Adam Eisenberg is an American actor best known for his Academy Award-nominated role in The Social Network and other films like Zombieland and Now You See Me. With witty, neurotic charm and an ability to disappear into diverse characters, Eisenberg has proven himself as one of the most talented actors of his generation.
As a longtime fan who has followed Eisenberg‘s career for over 15 years, I‘m excited to provide an in-depth look at his background, acclaimed performances, unique sensibilities as an artist, and what makes him so compelling to watch on screen!
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Jesse Eisenberg was born in Queens, New York on October 5, 1983. His mother Amy was a professional clown (which explains Eisenberg‘s knack for humor!) and his father Barry was a college professor. Eisenberg started acting at age 10, appearing in plays before moving onto professional theater at 15 when he was cast in the off-Broadway play "The Gathering."
As a teenager, Eisenberg was described as "unnervingly bright" and had an intense intellectual curiosity. He studied anthropology and contemporary architecture at The New School in New York while continuing to act in productions like "The Importance of Being Earnest."
Critical Breakthrough in "The Squid and the Whale" (2005)
Eisenberg‘s witty, cerebral sensibilities as an actor were perfectly matched to the 2005 indie film The Squid and the Whale. His breakthrough performance as anxious teen Walt coping with his parents‘ divorce earned Eisenberg well-deserved praise. Legendary film critic Roger Ebert notably raved about Eisenberg‘s skills, saying he and his co-star "are so watchable and convincing as bright teenage brothers."
This role put Eisenberg firmly on the radar of indie film fans, with Best Supporting Actor nominations from the Chicago Film Critics Association and Online Film Critics Society. It was clear a major talent had arrived.
Mainstream Success in "Zombieland" and "The Social Network"
In 2009, Eisenberg expanded into more mainstream movies, starring in the hit zombie comedy Zombieland opposite Woody Harrelson. As anxious, neurotic zombie apocalypse survivor Columbus, Eisenberg injected his trademark humor and vulnerability into the role. Zombieland became a sleeper box office smash and introduced Eisenberg to a wider audience.
However, it was his Oscar-nominated turn as Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg in 2010‘s The Social Network that catapulted Eisenberg into the A-list. As the arrogant, socially awkward tech genius, he completely embodied the real-life Zuckerberg. His intense, tightly-wound performance earned widespread acclaim and nominations for Best Actor at the Academy Awards, Golden Globes, and BAFTAs.
Showing His Range in Blockbusters and Indies Alike
Since his star-making turn in The Social Network, Eisenberg has proven his versatility in everything from quirky indies to major blockbusters. He returned to his fan-favorite role as Columbus in 2019‘s Zombieland: Double Tap, reprised his neurotic gift for comedy in American Ultra opposite Kristen Stewart, and took on the iconic villain role of Lex Luthor in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.
But he has also shone in projects like offbeat wrestling drama The Art of Self-Defense, Noah Baumbach‘s The Squid and the Whale reunion The Meyerowitz Stories, and the mind-bending Now You See Me movies. Jesse continues to choose a mix of mainstream and thought-provoking indies that show off his impressive range.
Acclaim and Oscar Buzz for Brilliant Performances
While a box office draw, Eisenberg earned his reputation in independent film for his portrayals of complex, neurotic young men. His ability to embody characters with such emotional depth and nuance continues to draw praise from critics and Oscar buzz:
- The Squid and the Whale – Nominated for Best Supporting Actor awards from the Chicago Film Critics Association and Online Film Critics Society
- Adventureland – Nominated for Best Ensemble by the Gotham Awards
- The Social Network – Nominated for Oscar, Golden Globe, BAFTA and SAG Best Actor awards
- The Art of Self-Defense – Named Best Actor by the National Board of Review
Jesse inhabits his characters so fully that you forget you are watching one of the most acclaimed actors of today. His ability to convey complex emotions and elevate any script or scene is mesmerizing to watch.
Upcoming Projects
Luckily for fans, Eisenberg shows no signs of slowing down. He will star alongside Vanessa Redgrave (who he acted with on Broadway) in the upcoming independent drama Manodrome. He is also attached to several high-profile films like the healthcare industry satire American Sickness and Burning Men where he will play a civil rights lawyer.
While promoting the Zombieland sequel in 2019, Eisenberg hinted he may be open to returning for a third installment. As someone who has loved watching his performances as Columbus, my fingers are crossed!
Why I Appreciate Eisenberg as an Artist
As a longtime fan, here are just some of the reasons I love Jesse Eisenberg‘s work:
- He fully inhabits even the smallest roles – there is never a weak or superficial performance.
- He conveys volumes about a character through subtle facial expressions and body language.
- He brings an endearing sense of humor and vulnerability to both comedies and dramas.
- He chooses projects with emotional depth and complex themes.
- He challenges himself with each new role and avoids stereotyping or repetition.
Jesse Eisenberg is that rare combination of critical respect and audience popularity. Roles are crafted for his persona, yet he still disappears convincingly into them. He elevates any film or TV project lucky enough to have him. As he continues to take on exciting roles in his 30s, Eisenberg is sure to remain one of the most compelling and gifted actors out there.