Jesse Eisenberg

Biography

Jesse Adam Eisenberg was born on October 5, 1983, in Queens, New York City, and raised in East Brunswick, New Jersey. His mother, Amy, was a professional clown and later a cultural sensitivity teacher, while his father, Barry, worked at a hospital and later ran a college. Jesse grew up in a secular Jewish household alongside his two sisters, including Hallie Eisenberg, a former child actress.

Eisenberg began acting at a young age and made his professional debut in a children's theater production. He later attended The New School in New York City, studying liberal arts with a focus on democracy and cultural pluralism, all while actively working in film and theater.

Career Breakthrough and Major Roles

Eisenberg's screen debut came with the 1999 television series Get Real, but his film breakthrough arrived with Roger Dodger (2002), where his performance garnered critical acclaim. He followed it with strong roles in The Squid and the Whale (2005) and Adventureland (2009), both of which highlighted his knack for portraying introspective, intelligent, and awkward characters.

In 2009, Eisenberg reached broader audiences with the hit horror-comedy Zombieland, playing the nerdy but resourceful Columbus. However, his most iconic role came in 2010, when he portrayed Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg in The Social Network. Directed by David Fincher and written by Aaron Sorkin, the film earned Eisenberg an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor, as well as Golden Globe and BAFTA nods.

Versatility and Later Work

After The Social Network, Eisenberg continued to balance independent films with big-budget projects. He starred in the thriller Now You See Me (2013) and its sequel, playing illusionist J. Daniel Atlas. He also voiced Blu, the main character in the animated hit Rio (2011) and its sequel.

In 2016, Eisenberg took on the role of Lex Luthor in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, a controversial but high-profile casting. Although reactions were mixed, it showcased his willingness to tackle unconventional interpretations.

Writing, Theater, and Directing

Beyond acting, Eisenberg is an accomplished playwright and author. His plays, such as Asuncion and The Revisionist, have been performed off-Broadway, often featuring him in lead roles. He has also written essays and fiction for The New Yorker and, in 2015, published a short story collection titled Bream Gives Me Hiccups.

In 2022, he made his directorial debut with When You Finish Saving the World, a drama starring Julianne Moore and Finn Wolfhard, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival.

Personal Life

Eisenberg is known for his private nature and deep interest in psychology, writing, and humanitarian issues. He supports various nonprofit organizations and animal rights causes. He married actress Anna Strout, and the couple has one child together.