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Will Estes
Will Estes
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William Estes Nipper[1] (/ˈɛstəz/; born October 21, 1978), known professionally as Will Estes, is an American actor. He is known for his role from 2010 to 2024 on CBS police drama Blue Bloods as Jameson "Jamie" Reagan,[2] a New York City Police Department officer and the youngest son of the police commissioner, played by Tom Selleck. Prior to that role, he starred as J.J. Pryor, on the NBC drama American Dreams.

Key Information

Personal life

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Estes was born and raised in Los Angeles, California, where he currently resides.[2] He has spoken about his interest in environmentalism and described himself as "not completely vegetarian."[3][4][5]

Career

[edit]

Estes' break-out movie role was Seaman Ronald 'Rabbit' Parker on U-571. Early in his career, he did many commercials including Fruit of the Loom and numerous guest starring roles in series like Highway to Heaven and Santa Barbara.

Estes landed his first major role in a television series when he was chosen out of 700 other children to play Will McCollough (essentially the "Timmy" role) in the syndicated New Lassie series, which ran from 1989 to 1992.[6][7] Since then, he has had many starring roles in television series and he dabbled in the music video industry. He has appeared in Meat Loaf's video "Objects in the Rear View Mirror May Appear Closer than They Are" (from Bat Out of Hell II: Back into Hell). [citation needed] He was in Bon Jovi's video "It's My Life" with Shiri Appleby.[8][9] In 2000, according to a 2005 Soap Talk interview, Estes was asked by Jon Bon Jovi to be in his music video after he worked with Estes on U-571. Estes did most of his own stunts in the video.[10]

Estes had a leading role in the Fox series Reunion. The series followed six best friends over the course of 20 years, with each episode marking the next successive year. When the group meets up for its 20th high school reunion, one turns up dead at the end of the night. In late 2005, Fox announced that the series would be canceled because of low ratings and the identity of the murderer would not be revealed.

Estes portrayed Jack Kerouac in the 2007 short film Luz Del Mundo, written by Ty Roberts and David Trimble, directed by Ty Roberts, and produced by Ryan McWhirter and John Pitts. He has also appeared in a couple of photographs, in the books Hollywood Splash and Men Before 10 AM Too. He was nominated four times for one award, the Young Artist Awards for The New Lassie and Kirk.

From 2010 to 2024, Estes played Jamie Reagan in the police procedural television series Blue Bloods.[11]

Filmography

[edit]

Film

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
1991 Dutch Teddy known as Will Nipper at the time; film released in the UK and Australia as Driving Me Crazy
1993 Once Upon a Forest Willy Voice role; as Will Nipper
1995 How to Make an American Quilt Boy at Party
1999 Blue Ridge Fall Taz
2000 U-571 Seaman Ronald 'Rabbit' Parker
Terror Tract Sean Goodwin Segment: "Come to Granny"
2001 Mimic 2 Nicky Straight to video
New Port South Chris
2001 My Husband's Double Life Ted Welsh
2002 May Chris, Adam's roommate
2004 Charity Repo Man Short film
2005 The Drive Aaron
2009 Not Since You Billy
2011 Magic Valley Jimmy Duvante
2012 The Dark Knight Rises Officer Simon Jansen
2013 Mission Park The Dealer
Automotive Kansas
2014 Dangerous Attraction Morgan Pierce
2015 Anchors [12] Dylan

Television

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
1984 Santa Barbara Brandon DeMott Capwell Temporary replacement (unknown episodes)
1988–1989 Highway to Heaven  
Louis (at 11)
Samuel Hays (age 7)
as Will Nipper
Episode: "The Correspondent"
Episode: "Merry Christmas from Grandpa"
1989 Murphy's Law Young Daedalus Patrick Murphy, the role played by George Segal in the TV series Episode: "Doing It the Hard Way Is Always Easier"
1989–1992 The New Lassie Will McCullough Series regular; as Will Nipper
1990 Miracle Landing David Kornberg TV movie; as Will Nipper
Menu for Murder Chad TV movie; as Will Nipper
1991 The Last Halloween Michael TV movie; as Will Nipper
1992 Baywatch Cooper Episode: "The Chamber"; as Will Nipper
The Legend of Prince Valiant Stable-Boy/Squire Voice role; Episode: "The Lesson Twice Learned"; as Will Nipper
Harry and the Hendersons Brad Episode: "Harry the Mascot"
1993 Jonny's Golden Quest Jonny Quest TV movie; voice role; as Will Nipper
It Had to be You Christopher Quinn Series regular (6 episodes)
When Love Kills: The Seduction of John Hearn Gary Black TV movie; as Will Nipper
Circus of the Stars Gives Kids the World Himself Trapeze Artist
1994 Step by Step Kevin Phillips Episode: "Growing Up is Hard to Do"
1994–1996 Boy Meets World Alex
Dylan
Episodes: "Turnaround", "Career Day"
Episode: "Hair Today, Goon Tomorrow"
1995 Brother's Destiny Michael Murphy TV movie
Full House Andrew Berkley Episodes: "Michelle Rides Again, Part One & Part Two"
1995–1996 Kirk Cory Hartman Series regular (31 episodes)
1997 Meego Trip Parker Series regular (12 episodes)
1997–1998 The Secret World of Alex Mack Hunter Reeves Recurring role (Season 4; 6 episodes)
1998 Diagnosis: Murder Erik Fincher Episode: "An Education in Murder"
Kelly Kelly Sean Kelly Series regular (7 episodes)
1999–2000 7th Heaven Andrew Nayloss Recurring role (5 episodes)
2000 The Fugitive Jesse Larson Episode: "Guilt"
2001 The Familiar Stranger Ted Walsh TV movie
2002–2005 American Dreams J.J. Pryor Series regular (60 episodes)
2003 Celebrity Jeopardy! Himself Contestant
2004 See You In My Dreams [13] Ben TV movie
2005 Reunion Will Malloy Series regular (9 aired episodes, 4 unaired episodes)
The Dive From Clausen's Pier [14] Mike Mayor TV movie
Pet Star Himself Judge
2006 Law & Order: Special Victims Unit Adam Halder Episode: "Class"
2008 Squeegees Pee-Wee Machachi Webisodes available[15]
Eleventh Hour Kevin Pierce Episode: "Surge"
2009 In Plain Sight Henry Atkins/Henry Adams Episode: "Gilted Lily"
The Cleaner Episode: "Crossing the Threshold"
2010–2024 Blue Bloods Officer/Sergeant Jamie Reagan Main role
2012 Shadow of Fear Morgan Pierce TV movie

Awards and nominations

[edit]
Year Award Category Nominated work Result Ref.
1990 Young Artist Awards Best Young Actor in an Off-Primetime Family Series The New Lassie Nominated [16]
1991 Best Young Actor Starring in an Off-Primetime Series Nominated [17]
1992 Best Young Actor Starring in an Off-Primetime or Cable Series Nominated [18]
1996 Best Performance by a Young Actor – TV Comedy Series Kirk Nominated [19]
2014 Prism Award Performance in a Drama Series Episode Blue Bloods Won [20]
2015 Golden Honu Award Actor of the Year Won [21]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Will Estes, born William Estes Nipper on October 21, 1978, in , , is an American best known for portraying NYPD Sergeant , the youngest son of Frank Reagan, on the long-running drama Blue Bloods from 2010 to 2024. His performance on the series, which chronicled the Reagan family of officers, earned him widespread recognition and showcased his ability to blend action, family dynamics, and moral dilemmas in a procedural format. Estes has described the role as a professional "blessing" and a sense of home after over a decade on the show. Born to projectionist Bill Nipper and office administrator Mary Lu Nipper, he grew up in and later graduated from with a major in English literature. Estes entered the entertainment industry at age 11 under the stage name Will Nipper, landing his first major role as Will McCullough on the syndicated family series The New Lassie (1989–1992), where he appeared in 48 episodes. Early in his career, he adopted his mother's surname professionally and built a foundation through guest spots on shows like Santa Barbara (1987), Step by Step (1994), and a recurring role as Andrew Nayloss in 7th Heaven during seasons 4 and 5. Throughout the 2000s, Estes transitioned to more prominent leading roles, including J.J. Pryor, a young Marine and brother to a teen dancer, on the period drama (2002–2005), which explored American culture through the Pryor family's experiences. His film work during this period highlighted his versatility, with notable supporting roles such as Rabbit in the submarine thriller U-571 (2000), opposite and , and a brief appearance as an NYPD officer in Christopher Nolan's blockbuster (2012). Other credits include the horror sequel (2001) and independent films like (2012), where he played a drug dealer seeking redemption.

Early life

Childhood and family

William Estes, born William Estes Nipper on October 21, 1978, in , , was raised in a in the city. His parents were Bill Nipper, a , and Mary Lu Estes, an office administrator. Public details about siblings or extended remain limited to respect their . He later attended , where he majored in English literature. Estes initially used the professional name Will Nipper during his early acting roles but adopted Will Estes around 1993 for his career. Growing up in , the epicenter of the entertainment industry, and with his father's work in film projection, he gained foundational exposure to movies and television from a young age.

Entry into acting

Will Estes began his acting career as a child in the late , influenced by his upbringing in , where opportunities in the entertainment industry were readily available. At age nine, he secured his first on-screen role in a single episode of the Santa Barbara in 1987, portraying a young Brandon DeMott Capwell. This debut came after appearing in commercials, marking his initial foray into professional without formal training. Following his Santa Barbara appearance, Estes took on early guest spots that showcased his potential as a child performer. In 1988, he appeared in an episode of the family drama Highway to Heaven titled "The Correspondent," playing a young character named Louis. The next year, he returned to the series for the episode "Merry Christmas from Grandpa," further building his experience in television. These roles, along with other minor guest appearances in the late 1980s, helped him gain visibility in Hollywood during his pre-teen years. Estes' breakthrough as a came in 1989 when, at age 10, he was selected from over 700 child auditionees for the lead role of Will McCullough in the syndicated series The New Lassie, which aired from 1989 to 1992. Billed under his , William Estes Nipper, he played the adventurous boy who becomes Lassie's new owner, earning three nominations for his performance and establishing his first recurring television role. Reflecting on his entry into the industry, Estes has described acting as a "happy accident" sparked by the entertainment-centric environment of , with his entrepreneurial father providing indirect encouragement through a family dynamic that valued independence over a traditional 9-to-5 path.

Personal life

Residence and interests

Will Estes has maintained a long-term residence in , , the city where he was born on October 21, 1978, and raised. He is committed to , actively advocating for , conservation of wild lands, and protection efforts, including support for organizations such as the Natural Resources Defense Council and Heal the Bay. In a 2019 interview, Estes emphasized his dedication to environmental causes, noting his childhood connection to the ocean as a key influence. Estes follows an almost-vegetarian diet, avoiding primarily for ethical reasons related to and , though he does not adhere to it strictly. His personal interests include outdoor activities such as and , which he has pursued since childhood along the California coast, though he keeps many details of his hobbies private.

Relationships

Will Estes has maintained a high level of privacy regarding his romantic life, rarely sharing details about personal relationships in public forums or interviews. As of 2025, he has not publicly acknowledged any current long-term partner or marriage, and reliable reports indicate he is not romantically linked to anyone at present. In the past, Estes was in a relationship with actress , which became public in October 2020 when DeVitto posted photos of the couple on , marking their first official confirmation as a pair. The relationship, which lasted less than a year, ended sometime in early 2021, as evidenced by the subsequent removal of each other's photos from their accounts, though no formal breakup announcement was made. Throughout his career, particularly during the early seasons of Blue Bloods, rumors circulated about a possible romance with co-star Vanessa Ray, who played his on-screen wife Eddie Janko-Reagan; however, both have clarified that their bond was strictly platonic and professional, with no substantiated romantic involvement. Estes has consistently emphasized his preference for keeping personal matters private, a stance that contrasts with the family-centric themes of his long-running role on Blue Bloods, where his character is depicted in a committed marriage. No mention Estes having children or any family expansions through partnerships, further underscoring his guarded approach to his private life amid a public career.

Acting career

Early roles

Will Estes made his debut in 1991's Dutch, a road-trip comedy directed by , where he portrayed the young character Teddy under the stage name Will Nipper. This early role marked his entry into cinema amid a burgeoning career in television, building on prior child acting experiences such as . Transitioning into his teenage years, Estes secured guest appearances on prominent 1990s family-oriented series, including three episodes of from 1994 to 1996, where he played Alex Dylan in storylines involving school and relationships. These spots, alongside similar turns on shows like , helped him navigate the competitive acting landscape, where young performers often faced intense audition pressures and risks in an industry favoring established teen ensembles. In 1995, he took on a minor part as a boy at a party in the ensemble drama How to Make an American Quilt, directed by , further diversifying his on-screen presence beyond television. A significant step came with his recurring role as Cory Hartman, the younger brother of the protagonist, on the WB sitcom Kirk from 1995 to 1997. Portraying the mischievous teen opposite , Estes appeared in multiple episodes, contributing to the show's portrayal of urban family dynamics in . His performance earned a 1996 nomination for Best Performance by a Young Actor in a TV Comedy Series, highlighting his growing recognition among youth-oriented accolades. Estes continued building momentum with additional guest work, including a recurring role as Andrew Nayloss on 7th Heaven starting in 1999, appearing in five episodes as a romantic interest in the Camden family saga. These transitional roles in the mid-to-late solidified his resume, demonstrating versatility in comedic and dramatic teen contexts while he honed his craft in Hollywood's demanding youth acting circuit.

Breakthrough in film and television

Estes achieved his breakthrough in film with the role of Seaman Ronald "Rabbit" Parker in the 2000 submarine thriller U-571, directed by , where he portrayed a young torpedoman aboard a U.S. vessel on a high-stakes mission to capture a German . The film, starring and , grossed over $127 million worldwide and earned critical recognition for its tense action sequences and technical achievements, including a win for Best Sound Editing and a nomination for Best Sound at the . Estes' performance as the eager but inexperienced sailor contributed to the ensemble's depiction of camaraderie under pressure, marking a significant step up from his earlier supporting roles and elevating his visibility in Hollywood. Transitioning to television, Estes landed the lead role of John J. "J.J." Pryor Jr., the eldest son in a family navigating the cultural upheavals of the , in the period drama (2002–2005). Created by and Josh Goldstein, the series followed the Pryor family's experiences amid the , , and rock 'n' roll era, with Estes' character evolving from a star to a Marine facing moral dilemmas. The show received positive critical reception, holding an 85% approval rating on , and Estes earned acclaim for his intense portrayal of J.J.'s coming-of-age struggles, including family conflicts and wartime trauma, which Variety described as a "wellspring" for the character's depth. Running for three seasons and 61 episodes, solidified Estes' reputation as a versatile leading man capable of handling emotionally layered roles. In addition to these projects, Estes demonstrated his range through appearances in music videos, including portraying the Tommy in Bon Jovi's "It's My Life" (2000), a narrative-driven clip that intertwined the song's themes of determination with scenes of urban aspiration. Earlier, in 1994, he featured prominently in Meat Loaf's "Objects in the Rear View Mirror May Appear Closer than They Are," a dramatic video directed by that visualized the song's autobiographical reflections on loss and redemption. These high-profile video roles, blending with , further showcased Estes' on-screen during his rising career phase.

Blue Bloods and subsequent projects

Will Estes gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of Jameson "Jamie" Reagan, the youngest son of Police Commissioner Frank Reagan and a dedicated New York Police Department officer, in the CBS procedural drama Blue Bloods, which aired from 2010 to 2024 across 14 seasons. Introduced as a rookie patrol officer who had recently graduated from Harvard Law School but chose to follow his family's law enforcement legacy, Jamie's character evolved significantly over the series, reflecting themes of duty, family loyalty, and personal growth within the NYPD hierarchy. In season 9, Estes' character was promoted to sergeant in 2018, transitioning from frontline patrol duties to a supervisory role in the 29th Precinct, where he oversaw a team of officers while navigating ethical dilemmas and family pressures. This arc culminated in Jamie's on-screen marriage to his partner, Officer Eddie Janko, played by Vanessa Ray, in the season 9 finale aired on May 10, 2019, marking a pivotal moment that integrated personal life with professional responsibilities and symbolized the continuation of the Reagan family legacy. The series concluded its run on December 13, 2024, with the episode "End of Tour," after a total of 293 episodes that solidified Blue Bloods as one of CBS's longest-running scripted shows. Culturally, the program resonated for its depiction of multi-generational family dynamics, particularly through the iconic Reagan family dinners, which emphasized Catholic Irish-American values, moral integrity, and the challenges of policing in a diverse urban environment, influencing perceptions of law enforcement in popular media. Estes has reflected positively on his collaboration with co-star Tom Selleck, who portrayed Frank Reagan, describing Selleck as "very professional and precise" on set and crediting him as a mentor from whom he learned more about acting than from any other collaborator during the show's tenure. As of 2025, following the conclusion of Blue Bloods, Estes has no major confirmed acting projects announced, opting instead for a selective approach to future roles that align with his established career in character-driven dramas. Speculation has arisen regarding his potential involvement in expansions of the Blue Bloods universe, such as the CBS spin-off Boston Blue, which premiered in October 2025 and features original cast members like Donnie Wahlberg; however, Estes' participation as Jamie Reagan remains unconfirmed, with co-star Wahlberg expressing hope for guest appearances by the younger Reagan brother.

Filmography

Film roles

YearTitleRoleBrief Context
1991DutchTeddySupporting role as the son of the protagonist in this family comedy-drama directed by .
1993Willy (voice)Voice acting in the animated adventure about young animals on a rescue mission.
1995How to Make an American QuiltBoy at PartyMinor appearance in the ensemble drama about women quilting and sharing stories.
1999Blue Ridge FallTazLead role in this independent drama exploring themes of loss and redemption.
2000U-571Rabbit (Seaman Ronald 'Rabbit' Parker)Supporting role in the submarine thriller about stealing an .
2000Sean GoodwinRole in the horror anthology consisting of three interconnected stories.
2001Private Marvin RemmickSupporting role in the direct-to-video sci-fi horror sequel involving giant insects.
2001MaddoxRole in the teen drama about high school students uncovering a conspiracy.
2002MayPolkSupporting role as a friend in the about a socially awkward taxidermist.
2003Prey for Rock & RollAnimalSupporting role in the biographical drama about an all-female .
2009BillyLead role in the independent romantic drama about college friends reuniting.
2011Magic ValleyJimmySupporting role in the independent drama set in rural .
2012Officer Simon JansenMinor role as a police officer in Christopher Nolan's Batman finale.
2013AutomotiveKansasLead role in the noir thriller about a mechanic entangled in crime.
2013The DealerLead role in the action thriller about .
2015AnchorsDylanLead role in the about reconnecting with an old flame before marriage.
Note: No new films reported as of November 2025. The career impact of U-571 marked an early breakthrough in feature films.

Television roles

Will Estes began his television career as a with a leading role in the family series The New Lassie, where he portrayed Will McCullough from 1989 to 1992. His early credits also include guest appearances in shows such as Highway to Heaven (1989), Santa Barbara (1990), Baywatch (1991), and Boy Meets World (1993). In 1995, he starred in the TV movie Brother's Destiny as Michael Murphy. That same year, Estes appeared in two episodes of Full House as Andrew Berkley. From 1998 to 1999, he had a main role as Sean Kelly in the short-lived sitcom Kelly Kelly, appearing in all 20 episodes of the series. Estes recurred as Andrew Nayloss in five episodes of 7th Heaven between 1999 and 2000. He made a guest appearance in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit in 2000. Estes achieved prominence with his starring role as J.J. Pryor in the period drama American Dreams from 2002 to 2005, appearing in all 61 episodes. In 2005–2006, he led the cast of the mystery series Reunion as Will Malloy across its 13 episodes. Guest roles in the late 2000s included appearances in The Cleaner (2008), (2008), and Eleventh Hour (2008). His longest-running role came in Blue Bloods (2010–2024), where he portrayed NYPD officer as a series regular in all 293 episodes, marking a significant milestone in his career.

Awards and nominations

Early career recognitions

Will Estes received four nominations from the Young Artist Awards during his early career as a child and teen , recognizing his performances in youth-oriented television series. In 1990, he was nominated for Best Young Actor in an Off-Primetime Family Series for his role as Will McCullough in The New Lassie.[] He earned subsequent nominations in 1991 and 1992 for Best Young Actor Starring in an Off-Primetime or Cable Series, also for The New Lassie, highlighting his consistent portrayal of the lead character across three seasons.[] In 1996, Estes received a for Best Performance by a Young Actor in a TV Series for his supporting role as Cory Hartman in the Kirk.[]] Despite these honors, Estes did not win any Young Artist Awards during this period.[] These early 1990s recognitions underscored Estes' emerging talent in programming, signaling his potential as he transitioned from child roles to more varied teen performances in the mid-1990s.[]

Blue Bloods-era honors

During his portrayal of NYPD officer Jamie Reagan on Blue Bloods (2010–2024), Will Estes garnered notable recognition for his performance, particularly in storylines addressing mental health and broader contributions to television drama.[] In 2014, Estes won the Prism Award for Performance in a Drama Series Episode at the 18th Annual Prism Awards, honoring his depiction of mental health themes in an episode of Blue Bloods.[] The award, presented by the Entertainment Industries Council, recognizes entertainment content that accurately portrays behavioral health issues, with Estes specifically cited for his nuanced handling of such narratives alongside the series' win for Drama Episode - Mental Health.[] This accolade highlighted Estes' ability to bring depth to Reagan's character amid the show's exploration of family dynamics and policing challenges.[] The following year, in 2015, Estes received the Golden Honu Award for Actor of the Year at the Big Island Film Festival (BIFF), acknowledging his standout work on Blue Bloods.[] Named after the Hawaiian word for sea turtle—symbolizing endurance and cultural significance—the award celebrates excellence in film and television, with Estes honored for his consistent portrayal of a principled young officer navigating ethical dilemmas.[] This recognition underscored his role as a stabilizing force in the ensemble cast, contributing to the series' longevity as a top-rated procedural drama.[]

References

  1. https://www.[imdb](/page/IMDb).com/title/tt0101786/fullcredits/
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