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Connor Jessup
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Connor William Jessup (born June 23, 1994) is a Canadian actor.[1][2][3] He is known for his roles as Ben Mason on the TNT science fiction television series Falling Skies (2011–2015), Taylor Blaine and Coy Henson in the ABC anthology series American Crime (2016–2017), and Tyler Locke in the Netflix series Locke & Key (2020–2022).[4] He has also starred in feature films, most notably in Blackbird (2012) and Closet Monster (2015).[5][6]
Key Information
Career
[edit]Acting
[edit]Jessup began acting at the age of 11 as a child actor. After various early jobs, including a role in a stage adaptation of The Full Monty, Jessup got a lead role in the children's television series The Saddle Club, for which he is also credited with conceptualizing the plot of one episode.[7] He served as executive producer for the independent film Amy George, which played at the 2011 Toronto International Film Festival.[8]

In 2011, Jessup was cast as a main character in the TNT science fiction series Falling Skies.[9] He starred on the show for five seasons.[9]
In 2012, Jessup starred in the Canadian independent film Blackbird, in which he played a troubled teen falsely accused of planning a school shooting.[5] Jessup's performance received positive reviews and the film won various awards, including the Best Canadian First Feature Film award at the 2012 Toronto International Film Festival.[10] The film won three awards at the Atlantic Film Festival and won the Vancouver International Film Festival award for Best Canadian Feature Film.[11] It also screened at the Cannes Film Festival.[12]
In 2015, Jessup also starred in the feature film Closet Monster, which won the Best Canadian Film Award at the 2015 Toronto International Film Festival, and screened at various film festivals around the world, before subsequently being released nationwide in July 2016.[6]
In 2016, Jessup starred in the Emmy-winning ABC series American Crime as Taylor Blaine.[4] His performance was praised by critics.[13][14] He returned for the third season as Coy Henson.[15]
In 2018, Jessup was cast as Tyler Locke, one of the main roles in the Netflix series Locke & Key, an adaptation of Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodriguez's popular comic series of the same name.[16]
Jessup will star in Apichatpong Weerasethakul's upcoming film Jengira's Magnificent Dream.[17]

Filmmaking
[edit]Jessup has stated in numerous interviews that his intention is to work in the film industry beyond acting, as a director and filmmaker.[18][19] In an interview with the Toronto Star, Jessup said that directing "is where my mind and heart [are] at the moment".[20] In 2014, Jessup starred in the short film Fragments, and in 2015, Jessup's short film Boy, which he wrote and directed, and was funded by bravoFACT, premiered at the 2015 Toronto International Film Festival.[21][22]
In 2016, Jessup was included in Filmmaker Magazine's annual list of the 25 New Faces of Independent Film.[1] His short film Lira's Forest, which he wrote and directed, premiered at the 2017 Toronto International Film Festival.[23] Jessup wants to expand this story with a feature film, Simon's Forest.[1]
In 2017, it was announced that Jessup would be directing a documentary profile of Thai filmmaker Apichatpong Weerasethakul for FilmStruck and The Criterion Collection.[24] The film was released in the second quarter of 2018.[3]
In 2019, he produced the omnibus film 30/30 Vision: 3 Decades of Strand Releasing, which included short films by Ira Sachs, Catherine Breillat, Cindy Sherman, Athina Rachel Tsangari, Brady Corbet, Rithy Pahn, Lulu Wang and more.[25][26] He contributed his own film to the program, Night Flight, inspired by the book by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry.[27]
Julian and the Wind, a short film written and directed by Jessup, premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2024.[28] Jessup directed the music videos for Frances Whitney's "Biggest Fan" and Sebastian Croft's debut single "Tokyo", which were both released in 2025.[29][30]
Influences
[edit]As a director, Jessup has expressed a particular fascination with Japanese film and culture and has stated in interviews that he is highly influenced by East Asian cinema, including directors Hirokazu Kore-eda, Edward Yang, Yasujirō Ozu, Hayao Miyazaki, Isao Takahata, and Apichatpong Weerasethakul.[1][31][32][33] He has also expressed admiration for directors Abbas Kiarostami, Andrew Haigh, and Ira Sachs.[1][34]
Personal life
[edit]Filmography
[edit]Film
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Blackbird | Sean Randall | |
| 2014 | Skating to New York | Casey Demas | |
| 2015 | Closet Monster | Oscar Madly | |
| 2019 | Strange But True | Ronnie | |
| Disappearance at Clifton Hill | |||
| White Lie | Owen | ||
| 2025 | Peak Everything (Amour Apocalypse) | Tom | |
| TBA | Jengira's Magnificent Dream | TBA |
Television
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | The Jon Dore Television Show | Bat Throwing Kid #3 | Episode: "Jon Gets Scared" |
| 2008–2009 | The Saddle Club | Simon Atherton | Main role (series 3) |
| 2011 | King | Ben Moser | Episode: "Eleni Demaris" |
| 2011–2015 | Falling Skies | Ben Mason | Main role Nominated—Saturn Award for Best Performance by a Younger Actor in a Television Series Nominated—Young Artist Award for Best Younger Supporting Actor in a Television Series |
| 2016 | American Crime | Taylor Blaine | Main role (season 2) |
| 2017 | American Crime | Coy Henson | Recurring role (season 3) |
| 2020–2022 | Locke & Key | Tyler Locke | Main role |
| 2021 | Canada's Drag Race | Himself | Guest judge, episode "Snatch Game" |
Filmmaking credits
[edit]| Year | Title | Director | Writer | Producer | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Boy[22] | Yes | Yes | Yes | Short film |
| 2017 | Lira's Forest[23] | Yes | Yes | Yes | Short film |
| 2018 | A.W. A Portrait of Apichatpong Weerasethakul | Yes | Yes | No | Documentary |
| 2019 | Night Flight[27] | Yes | Yes | No | Short film |
| 2024 | Julian and the Wind[28] | Yes | Yes | Yes | Short film |
| 2025 | Frances Whitney – "Biggest Fan"[29] | Yes | No | Yes | Music video |
| 2025 | Sebastian Croft – "Tokyo"[30] | Yes | No | No | Music video |
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e Rizov, Vadim (July 25, 2016). "Connor Jessup | Filmmaker Magazine". Retrieved August 4, 2016.
- ^ "Connor Jessup – Interview Magazine". Interview Magazine. June 5, 2016. Retrieved November 21, 2018.
- ^ a b "Mysterious Impressions: Connor Jessup on Apichatpong Weerasethakul". The Criterion Collection. Retrieved November 21, 2018.
- ^ a b "TIFF: Breakout Star Connor Jessup on American Crime and Teen Sexuality". Entertainment Tonight. Retrieved February 5, 2016.
- ^ a b "Blackbird gets into TIFF12, Lead Connor Jessup gets honored". August 8, 2012.
- ^ a b "Closet Monster wins big at TIFF 2015 | Daily Xtra". www.dailyxtra.com. September 29, 2015. Retrieved February 5, 2016.
- ^ "Connor Jessup biography and filmography | Connor Jessup movies". Tribute.
- ^ "Q&A: Connor Jessup talks TIFF film Amy George". September 15, 2011.
- ^ a b Ngwije, Americ (2011). "Connor Jessup Opens Up About Noah Wyle, Alien Invasions and Game Of Thrones". DaemonsTV. Archived from the original on September 16, 2011. Retrieved August 10, 2011.
- ^ "Chester filmmaker wins TIFF award for Blackbird". The Chronicle Herald. September 17, 2012. Archived from the original on March 11, 2014.
- ^ "Blackbird director Jason Buxton earns Claude Jutra Award for debut film". Toronto Star, January 29, 2013.
- ^ "Q&A with Jason Buxton". The Chronicle Herald. Retrieved February 19, 2016.
- ^ "Performer of the Week: Connor Jessup". TVLine. February 20, 2016. Retrieved August 4, 2016.
- ^ Wagmeister, Elizabeth (January 6, 2016). "American Crime Star Connor Jessup Discusses Season 2, 'Staggering' Scope of Male Sexual Assault". Retrieved August 4, 2016.
- ^ Prudom, Laura (August 17, 2016). "American Crime Brings Back Connor Jessup for Season 3". Retrieved September 20, 2016.
- ^ Andreeva, Nellie; Petski, Denise (December 19, 2018). "Locke & Key: Connor Jessup & Emilia Jones To Play Tyler & Kinsey Locke In Netflix Series From Carlton Cuse & Joe Hill". Deadline. Retrieved December 24, 2018.
- ^ Pearce, Leonard (September 26, 2025). "Apichatpong Weerasethakul to Reteam With Tilda Swinton for Jengira's Magnificent Dream". Retrieved November 12, 2025.
- ^ "Connor Jessup: Toronto actor sees future as director | Toronto Star". thestar.com. July 15, 2016. Retrieved August 4, 2016.
- ^ Houpt, Simon (July 14, 2016). "Canadian actor Connor Jessup easing into his right to tell stories". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved August 4, 2016.
- ^ "Connor Jessup: Toronto actor sees future as director | Toronto Star". thestar.com. July 15, 2016. Retrieved September 20, 2016.
- ^ "TIFF: Breakout Star Connor Jessup on American Crime and Teen Sexuality". Retrieved August 4, 2016.
- ^ a b "TIFF.net | Boy". Toronto International Film Festival. Archived from the original on May 29, 2016. Retrieved August 4, 2016.
- ^ a b "Lira's Forest". www.tiff.net. Retrieved September 16, 2017.
- ^ "MEET THE FILMMAKERS: JOSH AND BENNY SAFDIE – The Hollywood 360". thehollywood360.com. October 5, 2017. Retrieved November 18, 2017.
- ^ Macaulay, Scott (October 22, 2019). "Strand Releasing's "30/30 Vision": Premiering New iPhone Shorts by Ira Sachs, James Schamus and Elisabeth Subrin". Filmmaker Magazine. Retrieved November 20, 2019.
- ^ Kohn, Eric (September 18, 2019). "30 Major Filmmakers Salute Strand Releasing's 30 Years of Arthouse Distribution With New Short Films". IndieWire. Retrieved November 20, 2019.
- ^ a b "Connor Jessup on Instagram: "I made a little iPhone movie called NIGHT FLIGHT, inspired by the beautiful book by Saint-Exupéry. It's part of the omnibus project 30/30…"". Instagram. Archived from the original on December 24, 2021. Retrieved November 20, 2019.
- ^ a b Anderson, Erik (August 9, 2024). "AwardsWatch - 2024 TIFF Lineups for Primetime and Shorts Include Alfonso Cuarón's 'Disclaimer,' New Films from Dakota Johnson, Maika Monroe, Connor Jessup". AwardsWatch. Retrieved August 10, 2024.
- ^ a b Frances Whitney - Biggest Fan (Official Video). March 20, 2025. Retrieved November 10, 2025 – via YouTube.
- ^ a b Sebastian Croft - Tokyo (Official Music Video). November 7, 2025. Retrieved November 10, 2025 – via YouTube.
- ^ "Film Captures the Spirit in BOY | Graphic Communications". Archived from the original on January 1, 2017. Retrieved September 20, 2016.
- ^ "Interview: Connor Jessup talks Falling Skies, New Projects & Life Experiences | Three If By Space". August 6, 2015. Retrieved August 4, 2016.
- ^ nurun.com. "Short film about a boy – and his ghost". Brantford Expositor. Archived from the original on August 21, 2016. Retrieved August 4, 2016.
- ^ Houpt, Simon (July 14, 2016). "Canadian actor Connor Jessup easing into his right to tell stories". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved September 20, 2016.
- ^ Megarry, Daniel (June 24, 2019). "American Crime star Connor Jessup comes out as gay". Gay Times. Archived from the original on June 24, 2019. Retrieved June 24, 2019.
External links
[edit]Connor Jessup
View on GrokipediaEarly life
Childhood and family background
Connor Jessup was born on June 23, 1994, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, to parents of Canadian descent.[12][1] Public information about Jessup's family remains limited, with few details available regarding his parents or siblings. He was raised in Toronto, where he grew up in a supportive environment that fostered his early creative inclinations, though no one in his immediate family was involved in the arts.[13] As a child, Jessup was profoundly unsporty and lacked traditional hobbies, instead channeling his energy into reading fantasy books such as the Harry Potter series and the Prydain Chronicles, as well as watching films extensively.[14] He developed an early interest in drama and film during his youth, which laid the groundwork for his later pursuits, and participated in school plays to explore performance.[15][16] These exposures prior to age 11 highlighted his affinity for imaginative storytelling over more conventional activities.[17]Entry into acting
Jessup began his acting career at the age of 11 in Toronto, Canada, without any formal training.[18] His debut came in a stage adaptation of The Full Monty around 2005, marking his initial foray into professional performance.[12] Jessup transitioned to screen acting with his first substantial television role as Simon Atherton in the children's series The Saddle Club (2008–2009), where he appeared in 26 episodes during the third season and gained foundational experience in the industry.[3][19][20]Career
Acting roles
Jessup gained prominence with his role as Ben Mason, the resilient teenage son of resistance leader Tom Mason, in the TNT science fiction series Falling Skies (2011–2015), where he portrayed a character grappling with the psychological scars of alien abduction and harnessing enhanced abilities in a post-apocalyptic world. Critics noted his ability to convey the emotional turmoil of a young survivor evolving from naivety to fierce determination, adding depth to the ensemble-driven narrative of human-alien conflict.[21] His performance as Ben, who navigates family bonds and moral dilemmas amid invasion chaos, was praised for its authenticity in capturing adolescent vulnerability under extreme pressure.[22] In film, Jessup starred as Sean Randall in the coming-of-age drama Blackbird (2012), depicting a troubled 15-year-old in rural Nova Scotia who befriends a newcomer while confronting bullying, isolation, and fleeting hopes of escape. Reviewers commended his restrained portrayal of Sean's quiet dignity and internal conflict, highlighting how Jessup's subtle expressions elevated the indie film's exploration of adolescent angst and unlikely connections.[23] Building on this early film work, Jessup led as Oscar in the queer coming-of-age film Closet Monster (2015), embodying a young man's turbulent journey of self-discovery amid familial dysfunction, first love, and repressed identity in suburban Canada. His performance was lauded for visceral emotional authenticity, blending surreal elements with heartfelt realism to explore themes of queerness and personal growth.[24] Reviewers praised Jessup's ability to make Oscar's inner conflicts palpably urgent, solidifying his reputation for nuanced portrayals of identity struggles.[25] Jessup's television work continued with American Crime (2016–2017), where he played Taylor Blaine in season 2, a high school student accusing a peer of sexual assault in a story unpacking privilege, race, and institutional bias. His depiction of Taylor's trauma and isolation drew acclaim for its raw emotional intensity, contributing to the anthology's unflinching examination of social fractures.[26] In season 3, he portrayed Coy Henson, an undocumented immigrant youth entangled in labor exploitation and deportation fears, further demonstrating his range in addressing systemic injustices through vulnerable, multifaceted characters. Critics highlighted his persuasive handling of Coy's quiet desperation and resilience, enhancing the series' thematic depth on inequality.[27] In supporting roles, Jessup appeared as Ronnie Chase in the supernatural thriller Strange but True (2018), playing the deceased brother whose memory haunts a family unraveling around a mysterious pregnancy claim.[28] His brief but poignant flashbacks were noted for adding emotional weight to the film's themes of grief and deception, with solid ensemble chemistry underscoring the domestic suspense.[29] He followed this as Owen in White Lie (2019), the supportive boyfriend to a law student fabricating a cancer diagnosis, contributing to the psychological drama's tense exploration of manipulation and moral erosion.[30] Critics appreciated his subtle conveyance of Owen's growing unease, enhancing the film's jittery character study.[31] Jessup took the lead as Tyler Locke in Netflix's fantasy series Locke & Key (2020–2022), portraying the eldest sibling who uncovers magical keys in their ancestral home while coping with their father's murder and family trauma.[32] His interpretation of Tyler's protective instincts and internal guilt was acclaimed for balancing supernatural action with profound emotional layers, particularly in navigating sibling dynamics and personal loss.[33] Reviewers highlighted Jessup's excellent depth in scenes blending horror, mystery, and heartfelt coming-of-age elements.[34] In 2025, Jessup appeared as Tom in Anne Émond's romantic comedy Peak Everything, a climate-anxiety dramedy following a kennel owner navigating existential dread and unexpected romance amid apocalyptic fears.[9] His portrayal of Tom as a chaotic yet endearing figure was described as a bright spot, infusing the film's absurdist tone with relatable vulnerability and humor.[35] Critics noted how Jessup's performance grounded the narrative's blend of personal crisis and environmental satire, providing emotional resonance in the overcrowded ensemble.[36]Filmmaking projects
Connor Jessup made his directorial debut with the short film Boy in 2015, a poignant exploration of youth, mortality, and identity through the perspective of a young boy's ghost wandering the world on the day of his death.[37] Shot on 35mm film, the 14-minute narrative premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and screened at additional festivals including Clermont-Ferrand and Palm Springs ShortsFest, earning praise for its atmospheric cinematography and emotional restraint. Jessup wrote and directed the piece under his production company, Big & Quiet Pictures, which he co-founded in 2014 with producer Ashley Shields-Muir to support personal, auteur-driven projects.[38] In 2017, Jessup wrote and directed Lira's Forest, a 9-minute 35mm short delving into themes of loss, aging, and the mystical bond between humanity and nature, where an elderly woman encounters a forest spirit in her final days.[39] The film world-premiered at TIFF, receiving a jury mention at the Festival du nouveau cinéma, and was selected for over 50 international festivals, highlighting Jessup's growing reputation for visually poetic storytelling.[40] Produced again by Big & Quiet Pictures, it underscored his interest in liminal spaces and quiet introspection, influences drawn subtly from his acting experiences in character-driven dramas.[41] In 2018, Jessup directed the documentary A.W. A Portrait of Apichatpong Weerasethakul, a 47-minute intimate profile of the acclaimed Thai filmmaker during a location scouting trip in the Colombian jungle for his next project. The film explores Weerasethakul's creative process and philosophical approach to cinema, blending observational footage with personal reflections. It premiered on the Criterion Channel as part of the Meet the Filmmakers series in March 2018, receiving praise for its tender and insightful portrayal of one of contemporary cinema's most enigmatic artists.[42] Produced by Big & Quiet Pictures, the documentary marked Jessup's expansion into nonfiction filmmaking.[43] Jessup expanded into producing with 30/30 Vision: 3 Decades of Strand Releasing in 2019, an omnibus of 30 short films shot on iPhones by acclaimed directors including Ira Sachs, Catherine Breillat, and Lulu Wang, commemorating the independent distributor's 30th anniversary.[44] As lead producer, he curated the project, contributed his own segment Night Flight—a whimsical adaptation inspired by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's The Little Prince—and oversaw editing, resulting in a collaborative tribute to indie cinema that screened at festivals like MoMA's Doc Fortnight.[45] This endeavor marked a pivotal step in his multifaceted career, blending production logistics with creative input.[38] Jessup's most recent short, Julian and the Wind (2024), which he wrote and directed, examines vulnerability and unspoken connection through the story of two boarding school roommates navigating a sleepwalking episode that bridges their emotional distance.[46] Shot on 16mm, the 15-minute film world-premiered in TIFF's Short Cuts program, where it was named one of Canada's Top Ten, and had its international premiere in the Generation section at the 2025 Berlinale, earning acclaim for its tender portrayal of adolescent intimacy. Produced by Big & Quiet Pictures, it reflects Jessup's ongoing focus on queer-tinged coming-of-age narratives.[10] In 2025, Jessup served on the TIFF Short Cuts jury alongside cinematographer Ashley Iris Gill and Annecy Festival artistic director Marcel Jean, evaluating international and Canadian shorts to select winners including the Best International Short Film award for Talk Me.[47] This role positioned him as a key contributor to emerging filmmakers, aligning with his festival circuit experience. Later that year, he directed the music video for Sebastian Croft's debut single "Tokyo," a visually intimate piece capturing themes of longing and urban isolation, expanding his work into music visuals while maintaining his signature stylistic subtlety.[48]Artistic influences
Cinematic inspirations
Connor Jessup has frequently cited Japanese cinema as a profound influence on his artistic approach, particularly the family dramas of Hirokazu Kore-eda and the subtle emotional storytelling of Yasujirō Ozu. Kore-eda's work, such as Still Walking (2008), resonates with Jessup for its patient exploration of familial bonds, everyday rituals, and understated grief, often employing non-professional actors to capture authentic, humane interactions.[49][50] He has described the film as his favorite, praising its flawless craft and emotional precision, which he has viewed over 50 times.[49] Similarly, Ozu's films like Late Spring (1949) exemplify for Jessup a "glacial humanist" style, using static shots and low-angle compositions to convey quiet domestic tensions and inevitable change with cumulative emotional depth.[49][50] These techniques inform Jessup's directorial style, as seen in his short film Lira's Forest (2017), where minimalism and serene pacing evoke a similar patience in depicting personal and supernatural encounters.[51] Beyond Japanese cinema, Jessup draws inspiration from Abbas Kiarostami's poetic realism in Iranian film, valuing the director's ability to blend philosophical inquiry with everyday landscapes. Films such as Taste of Cherry (1997) struck Jessup with their contemplative pace and existential themes, slowing attention to wind, dust, and fleeting human connections, while The Wind Will Carry Us (1999) moved him to tears through its lyrical portrayal of life and loss.[49][52] He has also cited the Thai director Apichatpong Weerasethakul as a key influence shaping his teenage perspective on cinema, leading him to direct the documentary A.W. A Portrait of Apichatpong Weerasethakul (2018) for the Criterion Collection.[53] In American independent cinema, Ira Sachs' intimate narratives on queer identity and relationships have shaped Jessup's appreciation for emotionally raw, character-driven storytelling. Sachs' films, with their focus on vulnerability and relational nuance, align closely with Jessup's interest in subtle, personal dramas akin to those in Asian cinema.[51][54] These influences converge in Jessup's filmmaking, where he seeks to merge Ozu's static restraint and Kore-eda's naturalistic performances to create quiet, immersive worlds, as evident in the restrained supernatural elements of Lira's Forest.[51] In interviews, he has emphasized how such directors prioritize small gestures and rhythmic subtlety over overt drama, guiding his own pursuit of sincere, contradiction-embracing narratives.[55][54]Broader creative influences
Jessup's literary influences extend to classic works that explore human endeavor and introspection, notably Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's 1931 novel Night Flight, which he adapted into a 2019 short film of the same name. In this directorial effort, Jessup captures the novella's themes of isolation and risk through a pilot navigating a perilous storm, reflecting his interest in narratives that blend adventure with emotional depth.[56] Music plays a significant role in Jessup's creative process, particularly through his work in sound design and directing music videos for indie artists. He has collaborated with Canadian musician Casey MQ, directing the 2018 video for "The Constant," where the eerie, atmospheric score inspired a dreamlike visual style emphasizing sensuality and mystery, shot on 35mm film without digital effects. Additionally, Jessup directed videos for his brother, indie artist ELJAY (Liam Jessup), including pieces that highlight personal and experimental soundscapes, underscoring how music informs his approach to rhythm and tone in filmmaking.[57][52] Growing up queer in Toronto's supportive, urban environment has subtly shaped Jessup's thematic explorations of identity and vulnerability, fostering a creative lens attuned to queer joy and community resilience. Raised in a liberal family in a city known for its inclusive arts scene, he credits this backdrop with easing his navigation of personal authenticity, which permeates his projects without overt autobiography. This foundation influences his emphasis on emotional openness in storytelling, as seen in collaborative works like the animated series Queer Was Always Here, where queer narratives promote healing and representation.[58][53][59]Personal life
Identity and public coming out
In June 2019, during Pride Month, Connor Jessup publicly came out as gay through a lengthy Instagram post, marking a significant moment in his personal and professional life. In the essay, he revealed that he had known he was gay since age 13 but concealed it for years due to internalized shame, despite his privileged background as a white, cisgender man from an upper-middle-class liberal family. Jessup described the process of self-acceptance as ongoing and airless under the weight of discretion, emphasizing that he had been out privately for years but avoided public acknowledgment to maintain professional neutrality. He expressed gratitude for his queerness, viewing it as a "solution" that enriches life against clichés and blandness, and extended support to others in the LGBTQ+ community who might feel isolated or in pain.[60][61] Jessup reflected on how his closeted status had previously shaped his approach to queer roles, admitting to a detached, "anthropological" distance in discussions about characters he portrayed, which he now finds embarrassing and evasive. This introspection particularly ties to his lead performance in the 2015 film Closet Monster, where he played Oscar Madly, a closeted gay teenager grappling with internalized homophobia and family trauma through surreal body horror elements symbolizing repression. Post-coming out, Jessup has noted that his queer identity informs the vulnerability central to his acting and directing, allowing for more authentic explorations of emotional exposure and self-censorship in storytelling. For instance, he has highlighted how queerness influences his creative affinities, drawing him to art, people, and narratives within the community that emphasize release from tension.[60][53][62] Following his public announcement, Jessup has engaged in advocacy for LGBTQ+ causes, using his platform to promote visibility and support. In interviews, he has discussed the importance of queer representation and the relief of living openly, crediting his coming out with fostering deeper connections in his professional life. Notably, in 2023, he co-created the initiative Queer Was Always Here with actor Sebastian Croft, a multimedia project featuring queer art and history—such as illustrated gay dinosaurs—to raise funds and awareness for LGBTQIA+ refugees and displaced individuals fleeing conflict.[63] The initiative continued in 2025 with pop-up shops and events, including partnerships during Pride Month to support displaced LGBTQIA+ individuals.[64] Jessup has also participated in queer-focused programming, including the CBC Arts Here & Queer interview series, and supported events at festivals like the Toronto International Film Festival, where his directorial works and advocacy align with LGBTQ+ highlights.[59][65]Private life and interests
Jessup resides primarily in Toronto, Canada, where he has returned after periods away for work and considers it his home base. He frequently travels for film festivals, including attending the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) as a local event and participating in international showcases like the Berlinale, where his short films have screened.[52][66][10] In his personal time, Jessup pursues interests such as reading, having cited a childhood passion for fantasy literature that continues to influence his creative pursuits. He also enjoys photography, particularly capturing moments during travels, though he has noted a desire to incorporate it more into his daily routine at home. Additionally, Jessup has discussed his focus on creating comfortable and personalized living spaces, reflecting an interest in hands-on projects that enhance his domestic environment.[14][58][67] Jessup maintains a high level of privacy concerning his relationships, with limited public information available and no confirmed long-term partners discussed as of 2025. He has emphasized the importance of balancing public visibility with personal boundaries in interviews.[68][67]Filmography
Film acting credits
| Year | Title | Role | Director | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Blackbird | Sean Randall | Jason Buxton | Independent drama about a bullied teenager falsely accused of planning a school attack. [69] |
| 2013 | Skating to New York | Casey Demas | Charles Minsky | Coming-of-age adventure following five teenage hockey players skating across Lake Ontario. [70] |
| 2015 | Closet Monster | Oscar Madly | Stephen Dunn | Acclaimed body horror film exploring themes of internalized homophobia through a closeted gay teenager's story; Jessup's performance received praise for its emotional depth. [71] |
| 2018 | Strange but True | Ronnie Chase | Rowan Athale | Thriller adaptation of John Searles' novel, where Jessup plays the deceased brother central to the plot's mystery. [28] |
| 2019 | Disappearance at Clifton Hill | Alex | Albert Shin | Mystery thriller involving a woman's investigation into a childhood memory of a kidnapping in Niagara Falls. [72] |
| 2019 | White Lie | Owen | Yonah Lewis, Calvin Thomas | Psychological drama about a student faking cancer; Jessup portrays Owen, a drug dealer aiding the protagonist. [30] |
| 2025 | Peak Everything | Tom | Anne Émond | Romantic comedy set against climate crisis, featuring Jessup as Tom in a story of love and anxiety in a collapsing world. [9] |
Television acting credits
Jessup began his television career with guest appearances before landing recurring roles in major series. His notable television acting credits are presented below in chronological order.| Year(s) | Title | Role | Episodes | Network/Platform |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008–2009 | The Saddle Club | Simon Atherton | 26 | ABC (Australia) [73] |
| 2011 | King | Ben Moser | 1 | Showcase [74] |
| 2011–2015 | Falling Skies | Ben Mason | 49 | TNT [75] |
| 2015–2016 | American Crime (Season 2) | Taylor Blaine | 10 | ABC [76] |
| 2016–2017 | American Crime (Season 3) | Coy Henson | 4 | ABC [76] |
| 2020–2022 | Locke & Key | Tyler Locke | 28 | Netflix [32] |
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