Jesse McCartney
He evolved from a teen soap star into a versatile voice actor and singer, leaving a mark on a generation of pop culture.
Born 1987 (age 39)·American actor and singer·Birthday: April 9·Millennials
Biography
Jesse McCartney's career began not with a whisper, but with the roar of daytime television audiences, winning them over as the troubled JR Chandler on 'All My Children.' That early success was a springboard into the pop world, first with the boy band Dream Street and then as a solo artist, where his 2004 hit 'Beautiful Soul' became an anthem for mid-2000s teenagers. Rather than remain pigeonholed as a heartthrob singer, McCartney deftly pivoted, building a substantial and respected career behind the microphone. He has lent his voice to a surprising range of characters, from the heroic Dick Grayson in 'Young Justice' to the mischievous Theodore in the 'Alvin and the Chipmunks' films, proving his artistic range extends far beyond his own persona. His work as a songwriter also includes co-writing credits on major hits for other artists, cementing his role as a durable and multifaceted figure in entertainment.
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.
Jesse was born in 1987, 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 Jesse Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Jesse's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1992Started school
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
2000Became a teenager
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Could drive
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2005Could vote
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
2008Turned 21
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
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- His debut solo single 'Beautiful Soul' peaked at No. 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified Platinum.
- Voiced Roxas in the popular 'Kingdom Hearts' video game series and Dick Grayson/Robin in the 'Young Justice' animated series.
- Co-wrote the 2008 Billboard Hot 100 number-one hit 'Bleeding Love' for Leona Lewis.
- Won a Daytime Emmy Award in 2004 for his role as JR Chandler on 'All My Children'.
Did You Know?
He was offered the role of Finn Hudson on 'Glee' but turned it down due to touring commitments.
McCartney is a trained tap dancer.
He provided the singing voice for young Simba in the Broadway production of 'The Lion King.'
“I never wanted to be the guy who was just famous for being famous.”
