Jesse Eisenberg biography, net worth, wife, son, height, sister, age 2025

Jesse Eisenberg Biography

Jesse Adam Eisenberg is a versatile Hollywood actor of Polish-Ukrainian descent who broke into Broadway at a remarkably young age. He shot to fame following breakout roles in hit films like "Zombieland," "The Social Network," and "Now You See Me." Beyond acting, Eisenberg has also made his mark as a playwright, with several of his works produced by major New York theaters.

Childhood and Family

Jesse was born in New York, Queens, in 1983. His family roots trace back to Polish and Ukrainian Jews, with his grandmother born in Moscow. Jesse's mother, Amy Eisenberg, worked part-time as a clown at children's parties, while his father, Barry Eisenberg, transitioned from hospital administration to college teaching after Jesse was born.

As the only boy in the family, Jesse was often joined in games by his sisters - older Kerry and younger Hallie. Through little Hallie, who frequently appeared in commercials, Jesse first discovered his love for performing. At just 7 years old, he made his stage debut in the children's musical "Oliver!" as the title character, bringing the Victorian orphan to life.

At 13, Jesse joined the acting and vocal troupe "Broadway Kids," and soon landed his first Broadway opportunity as an understudy in Tennessee Williams' "Summer and Smoke." While he rarely took lead vocals in the group (occasionally serving as backup), he threw himself into drumming and even took formal music lessons.

Film Career

In 1999, Jesse Eisenberg starred in the teen series "Get Real" alongside young actress Anne Hathaway, who also made her debut.

Jesse Eisenberg's first role – the teen series 'Get Real'

Despite his talents, Eisenberg wasn't the star or life of the party in high school. He had no friends and grew up withdrawn, depressed, and shy. While his peers socialized and partied, he read books and poured his heart into writing stories.

In 2001, he received his diploma and enrolled in the Professional Performing Arts School. During his first year, he starred in the disaster movie "Lightning". His first success was quickly followed by another in 2002 when he appeared in the black comedy "Roger Dodger" as a hapless teenager trying unsuccessfully to win over a girl. The film earned him the San Diego Film Festival award for "Most Promising New Actor".

Eisenberg's next notable role was as the talented but insecure Walt Berkman dealing with his parents' divorce in the independent family drama "The Squid and the Whale".

Young Jesse Eisenberg (right) in the movie 'The Squid and the Whale'

His filmography later included the horror movie "Cursed" alongside Christina Ricci and the supernatural thriller "The Village". In 2009, he starred with the "Twilight" star Kristen Stewart in the movie "Adventureland", and a year later, he played the lead role in the horror comedy "Zombieland".

Alongside Woody Harrelson, Emma Stone, and Abigail Breslin, he battled hordes of zombies in countless wild situations. It was after this role that Eisenberg started to be recognized on the streets: "Hey, it's that guy from 'Zombieland'!"

Zombieland: Hot Girl Zombie Attack (Amber Heard, Jesse Eisenberg)

That same year, "Holy Rollers" was released, where the young actor played a Hasidic Jew trying to distance himself from his family's orthodox lifestyle through questionable means. Interestingly, Jesse's sister, Hallie Eisenberg, also starred in this film.

Jesse Eisenberg in the movie 'Holy Rollers'

In the fall of 2010, the biographical film "The Social Network" premiered. The movie compressed four years in the life of Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg into just two hours.

Jesse Eisenberg meeting with Mark Zuckerberg

This gripping tale of friendship and betrayal, talent and mediocrity landed the young actor several prestigious award nominations, including the Golden Globe, the British Academy Award, and the legendary Oscar, but Colin Firth ultimately took home the prize for his role in the acclaimed biopic "The King's Speech".

A scene from the movie 'The Social Network'

In the following three years, Eisenberg appeared in six films, with Woody Allen's romantic comedy "To Rome with Love" standing out as the most significant. He later worked with the iconic director on the film "Café Society", and Allen also helped Eisenberg stage a Broadway play. Eisenberg has said that only Woody Allen could naturally cast someone with his looks as a guy who can charm any woman.

Jesse Eisenberg, Kristen Stewart, and Woody Allen on the set of 'Café Society'

The 2013 action blockbuster "Now You See Me" hit theaters, following an incredible heist pulled off by four talented magicians. Each of them had a unique talent; Eisenberg's character, Daniel Atlas, was a virtuoso card player.

'Now You See Me': Jesse Eisenberg as magician Daniel Atlas

Among other notable films featuring Jesse Eisenberg are "Louder Than Bombs", where he plays Jon, the eldest son of a war photographer Isabelle, who died in a car crash, the drama "The End of the Tour" as journalist David Lipsky, which generated incredible buzz from audiences after its Sundance Film Festival premiere in 2015, and the lead role in the action comedy "American Ultra".

Now You See Me: Atlas's Interrogation

Jesse Eisenberg also voices the parrot Blu in the animated film "Rio".

Since 2016, his filmography has expanded with several standout performances. His role as Lex Luthor in the box office blockbuster "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice" saw him playing the antagonist opposite Ben Affleck and Henry Cavill.

Another standout was Woody Allen's melodrama "Café Society", which transported audiences to 1930s New York. That same year also brought the sequel "Now You See Me 2".

A scene from the movie 'Café Society' with Jesse Eisenberg

2018 and 2019 delivered several major releases for Jesse Eisenberg. These included "Zombieland: Double Tap" with Emma Stone and Woody Harrelson, "Justice League", plus indie projects "Vivarium" and "The Art of Self-Defense".

In 2019, the drama "Vivarium" was released, in which Jesse worked alongside Imogen Poots. They play a couple mysteriously trapped in a suburban house, unable to escape until they raise a child.

In 2020, he starred with Clémence Poésy in the war drama "Resistance". Based on real events, the film follows Jesse's character, mime Marcel Marceau, as he saves children during World War II.

Jesse Eisenberg in the movie 'Resistance'

Playwright and Startup Entrepreneur

Jesse Eisenberg doesn't just act – he's also made his mark as a playwright. Several of his plays have been staged in New York theaters, including "The Revisionist," "Asuncion," and "The Spoils," where Eisenberg pulled double duty as both playwright and performer.

Jesse Eisenberg in the play 'The Revisionist'

Jesse also publishes short stories filled with subtle satire in periodicals.

Jesse Eisenberg reads his stories to friends

Eisenberg also teamed up with his cousin to create OneUpMe, an online platform featuring interactive word games. His cousin handled the puzzles while Jesse focused on the creative direction.

Jesse Eisenberg talks directing, fatherhood, 'Fleishman'

Jesse Eisenberg's Personal Life

The actor has had several serious relationships. In 2002, Jesse met Anna Strout on the set of "The Emperor's Club," where she worked as the producer's assistant. They dated for 10 years before news of their breakup surfaced in 2012. The reason for their split remains unclear, though Jesse's fans sarcastically speculated it was due to their age gap—Anna is six years older.

In 2013, the actor started a romantic relationship with actress Mia Wasikowska, whom he met on the set of "The Double". The relationship lasted just two years before Jesse reunited with Anna.

In 2015, Jesse Eisenberg dated Mia Wasikowska

Since 2015, Jesse is once again together with Anna Strout. Two years later, they married and welcomed their son Banner.

Jesse Eisenberg with his girlfriend and their son

Anna also has Russian heritage—her parents hail from Zuyevka, a town in the Kirov region.

Jesse Eisenberg is a fervent animal rights advocate and a vegan.

The actor actively advocates for environmental protection

Jesse Eisenberg Now

Since 2020, Eisenberg has been developing his directorial debut "When You Finish Saving the World," a mother-son drama based on his own book. He cast young actor Finn Wolfhard and Julianne Moore in the main roles. The film was produced by Emma Stone. The film hit theaters in early 2022 to mixed reviews.

Eisenberg returned as Lex Luthor in 2021 with Zack Snyder's director's cut of "Justice League." He starred in the 2022 series "Fleishman Is in Trouble," then appeared in 2023's "Manodrome" as a down-and-out man recruited by a secretive male fraternity. The film was nominated for the main prize at the Berlin Film Festival.

In addition, Eisenberg plans to direct his second feature film about the Holocaust, "The Real Pain," with Kieran Culkin in the lead role.

Jesse Eisenberg: latest news and articles

"The Social Network 2" will be directed by the screenwriter of the first film

27 Jun 2025

Choose the most charismatic actor in Hollywood

17 May 2022

Chad Williams

The actor has really great talent! I can`t call him very handsome but charisma is the most important.

2021-04-17 09:12:59
Mary Martin

I don`t know why, but his character in Now You See Me was very annoying. And in the rest of the film I did not feel much sympathy for him. Either the characters are like that, or the actor.

2021-04-16 14:48:12
Samuel Olson

Wow, he is already 36... for some reason I thought that he is even not 30! He is young and talented.

2021-04-06 11:30:49
Mary Hansen

Love him in the movie The Social Network where he plays with Andrew. I watched it several times on TV, I really like it.

2021-04-01 09:34:40
Marlene Rodriguez

I was very impressed by the variety of roles Jesse played. From a silly comedy about a zombie to a dark character like Lex Luthor in DC. The actor has an incredibly wide spectrum!

2021-03-24 22:39:32

Photos: Jesse Eisenberg