Jake Borelli

Jake Borelli (born May 13, 1991) is an American actor recognized primarily for his portrayal of Dr. Levi Schmitt, a surgical intern later elevated to resident, on the ABC medical drama Grey's Anatomy from 2017 to 2024.^[1] Born in Columbus, Ohio, to parents Linda and Mike Borelli, he is the youngest of three brothers, including Ben and Zack, and began performing at a young age with the Columbus Children's Theatre.^[2][3] After graduating from Upper Arlington High School in 2009, where he won a national art competition during his senior year, Borelli opted against attending accepted universities and relocated to Los Angeles to pursue acting professionally.^[4][5] Borelli's early career included guest appearances and supporting roles, such as Wolfgang in the Nickelodeon series The Thundermans (2015–2018) and the lead in the Netflix teen comedy #RealityHigh (2017), before his breakthrough as Schmitt, a character initially nicknamed "Glasses" for comedic clumsiness that evolved into a more central figure amid the show's ensemble.^[1][6] He has also appeared in the Lifetime romantic comedy The Thing About Harry (2020), directed short films, and maintains an openly gay personal life, though his professional trajectory centers on television drama and light ensemble work without major awards or box-office milestones beyond the sustained visibility from Grey's Anatomy's longevity.^[1][7]

Early life

Childhood and family background

Jake Borelli was born on May 13, 1991, in Columbus, Ohio.^{[2] [8]} Raised in a typical Midwestern suburban setting, Borelli experienced an average American childhood marked by local community activities and family-oriented routines.^[9] His early exposure to theater came through the Columbus Children's Theatre, where he began performing as young as age 9, participating in over a dozen productions including roles in Cheaper by the Dozen and other community shows.^{[10] [11] [9]} This involvement reflected an innate interest in acting that emerged without evident formal parental pressure, as Borelli later described starting in local theater simply through youthful curiosity and opportunity in his Ohio hometown.^{[12] [13]} Public information on his parents and any siblings remains limited, with Borelli maintaining privacy around immediate family details amid his rise to prominence.^[14] These formative years in Ohio fostered a grounded perspective, contrasting with the later demands of Hollywood, as evidenced by his sustained emphasis on personal hobbies like painting and art alongside professional pursuits.^[11]

Education and initial interests

Borelli attended Upper Arlington High School in Columbus, Ohio, where he demonstrated early artistic talent by earning a silver medal in the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards during his high school years.^[15] This national recognition highlighted his skills in visual arts, particularly painting, which he pursued as a primary interest growing up.^[16] His artistic pursuits extended to creating visual works, fostering a foundation in creative expression that influenced his later career decisions.^[16] Initially drawn to fine arts, Borelli considered attending art school to focus on painting but ultimately shifted toward acting after engaging in community theater productions in Columbus starting at a young age.^[12] This early involvement with the Columbus Children's Theatre provided foundational performance skills and ignited his passion for stage work, leading him to prioritize acting over visual arts by his senior year of high school.^[3] The decision marked a pivotal transition, as he weighed professional paths in painting against the performative demands of theater, ultimately favoring the latter for its immediate creative outlet.^[16] Foregoing formal higher education, Borelli graduated high school and relocated to Los Angeles immediately thereafter to pursue acting through practical training and auditions rather than academic programs. This self-directed approach emphasized hands-on experience over a college degree, aligning with his early theater background and artistic self-motivation.^[14]

Personal life

Family and relationships

Borelli was born on May 13, 1991, in Columbus, Ohio, to parents Mike Borelli and Linda Borelli.^[2][5] He grew up as the youngest of three sons, with older brothers Ben and Zack, in a suburban family setting marked by traditions such as collaborative holiday baking of cutout cookies with his mother and siblings.^[17][11] Public details about his immediate family remain limited, reflecting a preference for privacy despite their described supportiveness in personal milestones.^[18] Borelli exercises significant discretion in discussing romantic relationships, with no verified records of prior partnerships disclosed in interviews or public statements.^[19] He has alluded to a committed partner through social media, including an April 9, 2024, Instagram post wishing a "Happy Birthday to the BEST partner on this crazy rollercoaster," accompanied by an affectionate caption but no identifying details.^[20] Speculation about specific individuals, such as photographer Chase Williamson—with whom he attended events like the 2022 Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party—remains unconfirmed by Borelli himself and stems primarily from joint public appearances and tagged posts rather than direct statements.^[21] This approach aligns with his overall reticence on personal matters beyond family origins.

Sexuality and public coming out

Borelli publicly disclosed his homosexuality on November 1, 2018, through an Instagram post immediately following the West Coast airing of a Grey's Anatomy episode in which his character, Levi Schmitt, came out as gay.^[22][23] In the post, he stated, "As a gay guy myself, tonight's episode was so special to me. This is exactly the kind of story I craved as a young gay kid growing up," emphasizing the personal significance of portraying such representation.^[24] Although privately out to family and friends, Borelli had not previously made a public professional announcement, and he cited the storyline's alignment with his experiences as a key motivator for the disclosure rather than personal necessity.^[25] Prior to the announcement, Borelli harbored significant apprehensions that openly identifying as gay would terminate his acting career, a fear rooted in perceived Hollywood dynamics where such disclosures historically limited opportunities for male actors.^[26] He revealed in later interviews that these concerns nearly prompted him to decline the coming-out arc for Levi Schmitt, fearing it would force a parallel real-life revelation with irreversible professional consequences.^[27][16] Empirically, however, his career sustained and advanced post-disclosure, including seven additional seasons as a series regular on Grey's Anatomy until 2024, alongside directing credits and public engagements, demonstrating that the anticipated backlash did not materialize.^[28] Borelli has since participated in LGBTQ+ visibility initiatives, serving as celebrity grand marshal for the San Francisco Pride Parade on June 25, 2023.^[29] In March 2023, he commented on emerging legislative restrictions targeting drag performances and same-sex marriage recognitions, describing them as "horrifying" and indicative of societal regression.^[30] These statements reflect individual responses to policy shifts, prioritizing personal agency in advocacy over broader collective framing.

Acting career

Early roles and breakthrough

Borelli's acting career commenced with minor guest roles on established television series, including appearances on NCIS in 2014, NCIS: Los Angeles in 2013, and Suburgatory in 2012.^[31] These early credits provided initial exposure but did not yield widespread recognition, reflecting the competitive landscape of Hollywood where aspiring actors often secure sporadic work through persistent auditions after relocating to Los Angeles in their early twenties.^[32] A more substantial opportunity arose with his recurring role as Wolfgang, the antagonistic leader of a biker gang, in the Nickelodeon sitcom The Thundermans, spanning 2015 to 2018 across multiple episodes.^[1] This youth-oriented comedy series, which followed a family of superheroes, offered Borelli steady on-screen presence and experience in ensemble comedy, appearing in key installments such as "Thundermans: Secret Revealed" in 2016.^[33] The role, while not a lead, marked his first extended television commitment, contributing to resume-building in family entertainment without reliance on industry connections. In 2017, Borelli appeared as Freddie in the Netflix original film #RealityHigh, a teen comedy directed by Fernando Lebrija that satirized social media influence and high school dynamics.^[34] Featuring a cast including Nesta Cooper and Keith Powers, the film received mixed reviews and modest viewership but represented a step toward feature-length projects, further diversifying his portfolio ahead of more prominent dramatic work.^[35] These pre-2018 endeavors underscored Borelli's foundational persistence in a field dominated by brief opportunities, laying groundwork through varied genres without achieving breakout acclaim at the time.

Grey's Anatomy tenure

Jake Borelli joined the cast of Grey's Anatomy in its fourteenth season, which premiered on September 27, 2018, portraying Dr. Levi Schmitt, a first-year surgical intern at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital. Introduced as a recurring character known for his competence overshadowed by anxiety and a tendency to second-guess decisions, Schmitt quickly became a fixture in the resident cohort, often nicknamed "Glasses" by colleagues for mishaps involving his eyewear during procedures.^[36] Borelli's role expanded, with promotion to series regular prior to the sixteenth season in 2019, reflecting the character's integration into core ensemble dynamics.^[36] Schmitt's arc traces a progression from tentative intern to seasoned professional, culminating in his appointment as Chief Resident alongside Taryn Helm for seasons 19 and 20, where he managed resident schedules and oversaw training amid high-stakes surgical cases. Key developments include his navigation of personal identity challenges, such as a storyline involving self-acceptance of his homosexuality, resolved affirmatively in the season 18 finale on May 26, 2022, and a romantic involvement with attending orthopedic surgeon Dr. Nico Kim, which tested workplace boundaries and contributed to Schmitt's emotional maturation.^[37][38] These elements underscored Schmitt's growth from error-prone novice—evident in early mishaps like accidentally killing a patient during a procedure—to a reliable leader capable of independent decision-making under pressure.^[36] Borelli's tenure spanned eight seasons and more than 130 episodes, during which he filmed intensive medical sequences, including simulated surgeries requiring precise coordination with stunt teams and prosthetic effects for realism.^[36] In season 21, aired from September 26, 2024, Schmitt's storyline concluded with his acceptance of a pediatric surgery research fellowship in Texas, prompting his relocation from Grey Sloan on November 14, 2024, in episode 7, "If You Leave," to advance specialized training beyond general surgery.^[39] He made a subsequent brief return in later season 21 episodes, including a May 8, 2025, appearance tied to colleague events, maintaining narrative ties without resuming full residency duties.^[40]

Other television and film roles

Borelli starred as Freddie Myers in the 2017 Netflix teen comedy film #realityhigh, portraying the loyal best friend harboring unspoken romantic feelings for the protagonist, a high-achieving high school senior navigating social media fame and personal relationships.^[34] The film, directed by Fernando Lebrija, was released on September 8, 2017.^[35] In 2018, he took the lead role of Jon in the independent drama In Searching, where his character returns home from college, reconnects with friends, and participates in a high-stakes bicycle race amid personal challenges.^[41] Directed by J.L. Topkis, the film explores themes of youthful risk-taking and relationships.^[41] Borelli's most notable film lead outside medical dramas came in 2020 with The Thing About Harry, a Freeform romantic comedy television movie in which he played Sam Basilli, a gay young professional forced into a road trip with his high school bully, Harry (Niko Terho), who later comes out as gay, sparking unexpected romance.^[42] Directed by Peter Paige, the film premiered on February 7, 2020, and emphasized queer representation in a lighthearted enemies-to-lovers narrative.^[42] On television, Borelli recurred as the antagonist Wolfgang across multiple seasons of the Nickelodeon superhero family comedy The Thundermans from 2015 to 2018, depicting a mischievous villain with musical inclinations.^[1] He reprised the role in the 2024 Paramount+ sequel film The Thundermans Return, released on March 31, 2024, where Wolfgang returns as part of the storyline involving the superhero family's comeback. These roles highlight his work in family-oriented action-comedy, contrasting his dramatic television commitments.^[43]

Directing and production work

Transition to directing

Borelli's shift toward directing emerged from a foundation of practical on-set immersion rather than structured academic preparation, drawing on collaborations forged over 15 years in acting. His extensive time portraying Dr. Levi Schmitt on Grey's Anatomy from 2017 to 2024 provided firsthand exposure to production dynamics, including interactions with directors and crew that informed his creative ambitions.^[44] This period, spanning over 130 episodes, cultivated an appreciation for narrative control, enabling Borelli to prioritize self-directed projects built on established professional networks rather than external validation.^[45] In a June 6, 2025, announcement, Borelli revealed his directorial debut with the short film IGNIS, marking a deliberate expansion while maintaining acting commitments. He described the move as a long-held aspiration, stating, "I’ve been dreaming about directing for such a long time," and highlighted assembling a team of trusted collaborators from prior work, including Grey's Anatomy alumni.^[45][44] This approach underscored a reliance on experiential knowledge for creative autonomy, allowing Borelli to explore directing's technical and artistic demands independently. The transition reflected Borelli's intent to engage storytelling from multiple perspectives, as he noted learning "SO much as an artist and director" during production and eagerness to continue across roles.^[44] By forgoing formal directing education in favor of applied skills honed through acting, Borelli exemplified a pragmatic career evolution, positioning himself to exert greater influence over projects amid ongoing industry demands.^[45]

Key projects

Borelli made his directorial debut with the short film IGNIS, a genre-bending relationship drama written and co-produced by Julie Cohn.^[45] The story centers on Camille, who grapples with the authenticity of her romance upon suspecting her fiancé of using a chemical drug to induce love, thereby probing themes of emotional autonomy and ethical manipulation.^[45] Principal photography wrapped in Los Angeles following several months of production, with the project targeting a festival circuit debut in 2026.^[45] The cast features Britt Baron, Allen Leech, and Karan Soni in lead roles.^[45] Key crew included cinematographer Jeanne Tyson and line producers Michael Scott and Suki-Rose Etter, with several members drawn from Borelli's established contacts on Grey's Anatomy, reflecting his utilization of professional networks built over years in television.^[45] Borelli described the film's appeal as rooted in its examination of "love, but also about truth, autonomy and the complex ethics of altering our emotions."^[45] As of late 2025, no public screenings or critical reception have occurred, positioning IGNIS as an initial foray into independent filmmaking amid a saturated short-form market.^[45]

Public reception and impact

Achievements and representation

Borelli's tenure as Levi Schmitt on Grey's Anatomy represented a significant achievement in LGBTQ+ visibility, as his character became the first openly gay male series regular on the long-running series.^[28][36] Introduced in season 14 and promoted to series regular in season 16, Schmitt appeared in over 130 episodes across eight seasons, providing consistent mainstream exposure to a prominent queer storyline.^[36] This sustained role contributed to cultural impact by portraying a gay male physician navigating professional and personal challenges, including a same-sex relationship that featured the show's first male-male kiss.^[1] Borelli has stated in interviews that the character's arc mirrored his own journey, ultimately fostering greater representation and challenging preconceptions about career viability for out actors.^[26][18] The portrayal received acclaim for inspiring viewers, with Borelli noting its role in alleviating isolation for LGBTQ+ audiences through relatable depictions in a high-profile drama.^[28] While Borelli has not received major individual acting awards, the eight-season run post-2018 coming out demonstrates enduring employability in network television.^[46]

Criticisms and fan debates

Fans on platforms like Reddit have criticized Levi Schmitt's storylines for becoming repetitive and underutilized in later seasons, with users noting a lack of meaningful development after initial arcs, such as anxiety and professional growth, leading to perceptions of stagnation.^[47][48] Specific complaints include Schmitt's failure to evolve into a leadership role despite opportunities, resulting in diminished narrative contribution.^[47] Viewers have debated the character's portrayal, often describing Schmitt as annoying, incompetent, or a "wimp" who fumbles surgical and personal responsibilities, which some attribute to writing rather than Borelli's acting.^[49][50] While Borelli's performance has been called competent and on-point by fans, critiques highlight the risk of typecasting and narrative fatigue from a prolonged tenure without transformative arcs.^[49] Borelli's 2024 departure from Grey's Anatomy in season 21, which he described as "pretty devastating" and heartbreaking, stemmed primarily from production decisions like budget cuts rather than performance issues, though some fans argued it aligned with the character's recent lack of direction.^[51][52][48] This exit sparked debates on whether extended runs on long-form series inevitably lead to underdeveloped supporting roles, balancing representation gains against creative repetition.^[47]

Filmography

Television roles

• iCarly (2012): Guest role as Roy in one episode.^[1]
• True Jackson, VP (2009–2010): Recurring guest appearances in early Nickelodeon series.^[9]
• Parenthood (2010): Guest appearance as Steve's friend in one episode.^[1]
• NCIS: Los Angeles (2012): Guest role as Stefan in one episode.^[1]
• The Thundermans (2013–2018): Recurring role as Wolfgang, the villainous character appearing in 10 episodes as the brother of the main antagonist Max Thunderman.^[53]
• Grey's Anatomy (2017–2025): Portrayed Dr. Levi Schmitt, initially recurring in season 14 with two episodes, expanded to 10 episodes that season, promoted to series regular from season 16, totaling 135 episodes until departing as a regular in season 21 episode 7 (November 2024), with a guest return in episode 17 (May 2025).^[54][40]
• Station 19 (2018): Crossover appearances as Dr. Levi Schmitt in 6 episodes.^[55]
• Grey's Anatomy: B-Team (2018): Appeared as Levi Schmitt in all 3 episodes of the web series spin-off.^[55]
• The Thundermans Return (2024): Reprised role as Wolfgang in the Paramount+ revival film.^[56]

Film roles

Borelli's feature film appearances are few, reflecting a career emphasis on television. In the 2017 Netflix teen comedy #RealityHigh, directed by Rick Brass, he played Freddie Myers, the best friend of protagonist Dani Barnes (Nesta Cooper) who conceals his romantic feelings amid a high school social media contest plot.^[34][57] He took a lead role in the 2020 Freeform romantic comedy The Thing About Harry, directed by Peter Paige, portraying Sam Basilli, a young gay political aide on a road trip with high school bully-turned-love-interest Harry (Niko Terho), navigating forced proximity and personal revelations.^[42][58] In 2024, Borelli reprised his recurring television character Wolfgang, a villainous teen with super strength, in the Paramount+ superhero film The Thundermans Return, a sequel to the Nickelodeon series featuring the Thunder family combating new threats.^[43]