Neil Jackson
A versatile English performer who has carved a niche playing charismatic and often physically imposing characters across cult television series and action films.
Born 1976 (age 50)·English actor, singer, musician and writer·Birthday: March 5·Generation X
Biography
Neil Jackson's path to the screen was paved with diverse artistic pursuits, from music to writing, which inform the depth he brings to his roles. He broke through to international audiences as the sophisticated and deadly vampire Marcus in 'Blade: The Series,' a role that showcased his physical presence and cool menace. He later demonstrated a different kind of intensity as Sasha, the demanding coach on the gymnastics drama 'Make It or Break It.' Jackson has consistently worked across genres, appearing in historical pieces like 'The Book of Eli' and the James Bond film 'Quantum of Solace.' Beyond acting, he is a musician and songwriter, reflecting a creative mind that refuses to be pigeonholed. His career is a testament to the power of versatility in an industry that often seeks typecasting.
Generation X
1965–1980
The latchkey kids. Raised during divorce, recession, and the end of the Cold War. Skeptical, self-reliant, media-literate. They invented indie culture, grunge, and the early internet — then watched the Boomers take credit.
Neil was born in 1976, placing them squarely in the Generation X. The events that shaped this generation — economic uncertainty, the end of the Cold War, and the rise of personal computing — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Neil Was Born
The biggest hits of 1976
#1 Movie
Rocky
Best Picture
Rocky
#1 TV Show
All in the Family
Neil's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1976Born
Apple Computer founded; US bicentennial
Gas: $0.59/galHome: $29,300Min wage: $2.30/hrPresident: Gerald Ford"Silly Love Songs" — WingsBest Picture: Rocky
1981Started school
MTV launches; first Space Shuttle flight; AIDS identified
Gas: $1.31/galHome: $52,300Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Bette Davis Eyes" — Kim CarnesBest Picture: Chariots of Fire
1989Became a teenager
Berlin Wall falls; Tiananmen Square protests
Gas: $1.00/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Look Away" — ChicagoBest Picture: Driving Miss Daisy
1992Could drive
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
1994Could vote
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
1997Turned 21
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
2006Turned 30
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2016Turned 40
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2026Turned 50
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Portrayed the series regular role of Marcus van Sciver, the primary antagonist in the television adaptation 'Blade: The Series'.
- Played Sasha Belov, a central coach and choreographer, on the ABC Family drama series 'Make It or Break It'.
- Appeared as a MI6 agent in the blockbuster James Bond film 'Quantum of Solace'.
Did You Know?
He is a trained martial artist, holding a black belt in Taekwondo, which he has used in several action-oriented roles.
He wrote, directed, and starred in the short film 'The Last Light', which was nominated for a Raindance Award.
He is also a musician and has written and performed songs for some of the projects he has acted in.
“A character is a puzzle, and I enjoy finding all the pieces.”
