Often described as one of the most gifted actors of his generation, Jesse Plemons has built a career on the kind of “understated intensity” that most performers spend a lifetime trying to master. From his early days on the football fields of Texas to becoming a mainstay in the films of Martin Scorsese and Yorgos Lanthimos, Plemons is the definition of a “chameleon.”
As of early 2026, Jesse is reaching a new zenith. Following a Best Actor win at Cannes and a slew of prestige projects, he has officially moved past the “character actor” label to become one of Hollywood’s most sought-after leading men.
Jesse Plemons Biography
Born Jesse Lon Plemons on April 2, 1988, in Dallas, Texas, he grew up in the small town of Mart. The son of Jim Bob and Lisa Plemons, Jesse was a typical Texas boy who played football and spent time in the rodeo circuit. However, his career began much earlier than most realize; he started acting in commercials at the age of three and made his film debut in Varsity Blues (1999) before he was even a teenager.
Jesse’s breakout came in 2006 when he played Landry Clarke in the beloved series Friday Night Lights. His performance was so natural and soulful that it grounded the show’s high-school drama, setting the stage for a career defined by authenticity. He eventually earned the nickname “Meth Damon” during his time on Breaking Bad due to his striking resemblance to Matt Damon, a comparison he has since outgrown through his own singular talent.
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Career
Jesse’s career path is a masterclass in selecting the right projects. He has worked with a literal “who’s who” of legendary directors, including Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese, and Jane Campion.
- The Villainous Turn: His role as the chillingly polite Todd Alquist in Breaking Bad (2012–2013) remains one of TV’s most terrifying performances.
- The Prestigious Run: He earned an Academy Award nomination for The Power of the Dog (2021) and leading-man acclaim for Killers of the Flower Moon (2023).
- 2025–2026 Projects: Jesse recently starred in the political thriller series Zero Day (2025) alongside Robert De Niro. In early 2026, he is preparing for the release of the highly anticipated sci-fi film Bugonia and has been cast as Plutarch Heavensbee in the upcoming Hunger Games prequel, Sunrise on the Reaping.
Jesse Plemons Movies
- Like Mike (2002): A rare childhood role as the bully Ox.
- The Master (2012): Playing the son of Philip Seymour Hoffman.
- Game Night (2018): A scene-stealing comedic turn as a lonely police officer.
- The Irishman (2019): Portraying Chuckie O’Brien for Martin Scorsese.
- I’m Thinking of Ending Things (2020): A surreal lead role in Charlie Kaufman’s mind-bender.
- The Power of the Dog (2021): The role that earned him his first Oscar nomination.
- Kinds of Kindness (2024): Winning the Best Actor award at Cannes for his triple-role performance.
- Bugonia (2025/2026): His latest collaboration with Emma Stone and Yorgos Lanthimos.
Jesse Plemons Net Worth
As of January 2026, Jesse Plemons’ net worth is estimated at $15 million. While he began as a child actor, his wealth has increased significantly due to his transition into high-paying prestige television and major film roles. He is also increasingly producing, which adds a lucrative layer to his professional portfolio.
Family
Jesse is deeply rooted in his Texas upbringing. He is the younger of two children and remains close to his parents. His father was a firefighter, and his mother worked in special education, a background that Jesse often credits for his grounded perspective on fame.
In his own household, Jesse is a father of two. He shares two sons with his wife, Kirsten Dunst: Ennis Howard (born 2018) and James Robert (born 2021). Jesse famously jokes that his kids don’t like his “dark” movies and much prefer their mother’s work in classics like Jumanji.
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Relationships
Jesse Plemons and Courtney Peterson
Before his high-profile marriage, Jesse had a long-term relationship with Courtney Peterson. The pair dated for several years, frequently appearing together at red-carpet events during his Friday Night Lights era and through the early 2010s. They eventually split in 2014, just before Jesse’s career reached its next major level.
Jesse Plemons and Kirsten Dunst
One of Hollywood’s most genuine love stories, Jesse and Kirsten Dunst met in 2015 while playing a married couple on the set of Fargo. They became “creative soulmates” first, with Jesse famously stating he was amazed by how “human” Kirsten was from the moment they met. They began dating in 2016, got engaged in 2017, and officially married in July 2022 in Jamaica. As of 2026, they are one of the industry’s most respected power couples, often appearing in films together, such as The Power of the Dog and Civil War.
Controversies
Jesse is remarkably drama-free. However, in 2024 and 2025, he faced significant internet speculation regarding his weight loss. Many fans had rumored that he was using Ozempic, but Jesse shut down the controversy in a rare interview, explaining that his transformation was the result of intermittent fasting and a desire to be healthier for his children and his physically demanding role in Civil War. He expressed frustration that his hard work was being attributed to a “magic pill.”
Jesse Plemons Age
As of January 2026, Jesse Plemons is 37 years old. He will celebrate his 38th birthday on April 2, 2026.
Jesse Plemons Now
Now, Jesse is on “the strange and the tragic.” He is currently promoting his work in the Tom Cruise-led film Digger (2026), which he recently described in an interview as a “modern-day Dr. Strangelove.” Jesse continues to split his time between Los Angeles and Texas, maintaining a very low-profile life. He does not have a public Instagram account, preferring to let his chameleon-like performances do all the talking.
Conclusion
Jesse Plemons has proven that you don’t need to be a tabloid fixture to be a superstar. By staying grounded and prioritizing the work, he has become the “actor’s actor” of the 2020s.
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