Some successes didn’t start as a dream. Jake Cannavale had sworn not to follow his father’s footsteps in showbiz, but he became a star.
Jake Cannavale didn’t just have a father who was into showbiz. His entire family was. His mother was screenwriter and actress Jenny Lumet, daughter of critically acclaimed filmmaker Sidney Lumet. When things ended between his parents, his dad tied the knot with another actress Rose Byrne.
His father, Bobby Cannavale, is popularly known for his role in the crime-drama series “Third Watch.” A look at Jake Cannavale’s family might explain why the actor had intuitively wanted a life outside of showbiz. When your entire family is known for one thing, wanting to break the norm is normal. However, whatever pact his family has with the showbiz world must be strong.
Years after vowing to break tradition, Jake Cannavale ends up on Broadway. Let’s go on a journey through the early years of Jake Cannavale into his days of stardom.
A Peek Into the Early Life of Jake Cannavale
Jake Cannavale, born on May 1, 1995, in Manhattan, New York City, belongs to an extraordinary American entertainment family with a rich history in Hollywood. His mother’s side of the family includes the famous filmmaker Sidney Lumet, known for directing classics like “12 Angry Men,” and legendary singer and actress Lena Horne. His father’s side of the family, the Cannavales, also has a long history in the entertainment industry.
Despite coming from such a great background, Jake always had a passion for writing, particularly screenwriting. He attended the renowned Emerson College in Boston, where he pursued his love for screenwriting. He didn’t plan to follow in his family’s footsteps and become an actor.
While at Emerson, Jake met Gene Meyer, his bandmate and collaborator. After meeting at a student-organized stand-up comedy night, the two formed a heavy metal duo named “Piss.” Jake was a freshman then, and Meyer, a senior, was performing jokes about metal. They talked about music, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Jake’s mixed multi-ethnic background is also noteworthy, with roots in Cuban, Northern European, Italian, Ashkenazi Jew, Senegalese, and Native American cultures. With such a diverse background and unique talent for screenwriting, Jake Cannavale is undoubtedly one to watch in the entertainment industry.
Jake Makes His Broadway Debut
Despite his initial reluctance to follow in the footsteps of his father, Bobby Cannavale, and grandmother, Lena Horne, Jake Cannavale has carved a successful career in the entertainment industry. He made his acting debut at 9 with a cameo in “Romance & Cigarettes.” Later, in his mid-teens, he landed a recurring role in “Nurse Jackie,” for which he received critical acclaim.
In 2015, he took a hiatus from his sophomore year at college to make his Broadway debut in “Fish in the Dark,” alongside Larry David and Rosie Perez. He has since appeared in several short films and TV shows and tried his hand at screenwriting. Jake’s talent and hard work have landed him roles in upcoming projects such as “Misfits,” “Eat, Brains, Love,” and “God. The Crackhouse and the Devil.”
Interestingly, Jake once shared that he did not want to major in acting, but his passion for crafting stories led him to study screenwriting at Emerson College. Nevertheless, the lure of the stage and the camera proved too strong to resist, and Jake has flourished in his acting career.
In a 2019 ‘Hugo Boss ad campaign for Father’s Day, he even appeared alongside his dad, Bobby, showcasing their love of fashion and appreciation for being true to oneself. Despite his famous heritage, Jake has made a name for himself in showbiz, and his success is a testament to his talent and dedication.
Never Say Never
Jake’s foray into showbiz was not something he had planned for himself. However, the acting bug seemed to have bitten him as a teenager, as he would often help his father rehearse his lines. One day, while reading about his father’s character, he felt connected to the role and joked that it would be funny if he played his son on a TV show. That was how he landed his first-ever acting gig on ‘Nurse Jackie.’
Despite his lack of experience, Jake impressed the casting directors with his audacity. Two days before his audition, he dyed his hair green, which was a winning gimmick. This unexpected move helped him stand out and get the part. Jake took his success in strides, jokingly saying he was glad he wasn’t the only rookie on the stage.
Jake’s father is still a significant influence in his life, with the two talking several times a day whenever he stays with his mom. His family teases him, calling his father “his wife.” Jake has proven that the unexpected path can sometimes lead to great things.
Jake Cannavale isn’t the only celebrity kid who made it big in showbiz. Michael Landon Jr. followed in his father’s footsteps and quickly rose to fame in Hollywood.