Biography

Native of Worcester, Massachusetts. Attended Doherty High School in Worcester. third child of four boys and one sister. Both parents were teachers. Graduate of Norwich University in Northfield Vermont. Jake was member of the Corps of Cadets, majored in Communications and played Football for the "Cadets." Jake burst onto the Hollywood scene in the 2000 hit film "Spring Break Lawyer" playing Ox, America's favorite "meathead." The film kicked off the MTV coverage of spring break in Daytona, and it also served as one of MTV's most successful TV movies. Jake was the discovery of casting agent Gary M. Zuckerbroad and Director Alan Cohen. Jake received his first critical acclaim when he was cast by Lori Openden and Donald P. Belisario to star in the premiere episode of the CBS court Drama "First Monday". Jake had millions of viewers across the nation in tears as he delivered the heart-breaking portrayal of a mentally retarded man on death row. After the success of "First Monday" Jake earned the lead from director Mike Cargile to star in the award-winning film "Lay It Down" playing the movie's antagonist. The movie was a huge success domestically and internationally. After studying with The Groundlings and acting Coach Aaron Speiser, Jake guest starred on "Grounded for Life" with Donald Logue. Shortly after, Jake played a supporting role on the FOX Pilot "Blitt Happens", directed by Peter Farrelly. After much exploration and development as a character actor, Jake recently took his career in a new direction - a leading man. Being the lead in two plays, "A Bed and A Bar" and in the LA Times Critics Pic "Our Lady of 121 Street" by Stephen Adley Guirgis as "Balthazaar", Jake's film career took off. In 2009 Jake will open theaters as a leading man, with the release of "Buying Time" and the super-natural/horror "The Open Door". Jake has been cast in other blockbusters like: "Spider-Man 3 (omitted)," "The Holiday," "Finishing the Game" and was featured on multiple episodes of Pretend Time with Nick Swardson, which replaced the Dave Chapelle show on Comedy Central. He's recently become the "go to guy" for his Boston accent in the Voice-Over industry. He can now be seen opposite Time Robbins in the cult classic film VhYES.
- IMDb mini biography by: By: O'neal Public Relations