Blake Jenner
An actor whose early promise on 'Glee' led to a series of nuanced performances in critically admired independent films.
Born 1992 (age 34)·American actor·Birthday: August 27·Millennials
Biography
Blake Jenner's career path is a study in post-breakout recalibration. He first entered the public eye by winning a competition on 'The Glee Project,' which landed him a multi-season role as Ryder Lynn on the hit series 'Glee.' Rather than chasing mainstream television fame, Jenner pivoted decisively toward independent cinema. He found a perfect collaborator in director Richard Linklater, who cast him in the nostalgic college baseball comedy 'Everybody Wants Some!!' His performance showcased a natural, charismatic ease. He further demonstrated his range as the charming, complicated love interest in the coming-of-age hit 'The Edge of Seventeen' and took on a darker, more complex role in the heist drama 'American Animals.' Jenner's choices reveal an actor dedicated to craft over celebrity, building a filmography defined by thoughtful collaboration with distinctive directors and a focus on character-driven stories.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Blake was born in 1992, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Blake Was Born
The biggest hits of 1992
#1 Movie
Aladdin
Best Picture
Unforgiven
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Blake's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1992Born
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
1997Started school
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
2005Became a teenager
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Could drive
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2010Could vote
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2013Turned 21
Edward Snowden reveals NSA surveillance programs
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $152,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Thrift Shop" — Macklemore & Ryan LewisBest Picture: 12 Years a Slave
2022Turned 30
Russia invades Ukraine; Queen Elizabeth II dies
Gas: $3.97/galHome: $348,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"As It Was" — Harry StylesBest Picture: Everything Everywhere All at Once
2026Age 34 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the second season of 'The Glee Project' in 2012, earning a recurring role on the television series 'Glee'.
- Starred as Jake Bradford in Richard Linklater's critically praised 2016 ensemble film 'Everybody Wants Some!!'
- Played a supporting role as Darian in the hit coming-of-age film 'The Edge of Seventeen' (2016).
- Portrayed one of the central figures, Chas Allen, in the stylized heist film 'American Animals' (2018).
Did You Know?
He is a skilled musician and can play guitar and piano.
Jenner was married to actress Melissa Benoist from 2015 to 2017.
He is a fan of the band The 1975 and has posted covers of their songs.
Before acting, he attended a performing arts high school in Miami.
“I'd rather work on a small film that means something than just be on TV.”
