Jake McDorman, an actor originally from Dallas, Texas, is best known for his role as Alan Shepard in the Disney+ series The Right Stuff, FX’s What We Do in the Shadows, CBS’ Limitless and American Sniper. Most recently he portrayed John Brownlee, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Virginia in HULU’s Dopesick. Next up he will be seen in FX’s new series Class of ’09 with Kate Mara and in the Paramount+ film Jerry and Marge Go Large with Bryan Cranston.

Coat by Vrede919
Top + Pants by Reuben Oliver
Shoes by pskaufam
Jewelry by Alligator Jesus

What inspired you to break into the acting industry?
It was something I knew I wanted to do for a very long time, from a very young age. I didn’t have a name for it, I didn’t know where to go, or what to do, or exactly what shape it would take, but I eventually found acting to be the outlet I was looking for. A way to extend an immersive imagination with other actors on stage. Once I found that tribe, I knew I’d never want to leave.

In the left image Jake is wearing an orange suit and bending his body backward. In the right image Jake is wearing a suit jacket in black and white. — Suit by Jeremy Willard
Shoes by Eric Payne
Jewelry by Alligator Jesus

What can you tell us about your roles in your two upcoming projects, FX’s new series Class of ’09 and the upcoming Paramount+ film Jerry and Marge Go Large?
Jerry and Marge Go Large is a movie I did last year with Bryan Cranston and Annette Bening directed by David Frankel. It's a true story about a Michigander who, after retirement, discovered a flaw in the Winfall lottery, and exploited using the winnings to help rebuild his small, rural town. I play their son and we shot it over the course of five or six weeks in Atlanta. It was a great group of people. Class of ’09 is another great group of people, also in Atlanta. It follows a graduating class of FBI trainees from the time they spent together at Quantico, across their careers as agents over the course of three decades. It stars Brian Tyree Henry and Kate Mara, and we’re about halfway through filming.

If you could play any role what would it be?
I honestly don’t know what I’m right for until I read it. And even then, sometimes I’ll need convincing. So, it's hard to pluck a dream role out of thin air. I’d have to read it in the context of a script. It has to crystalize in that part of the process or it never does.

Jake is wearing a leather jacket and is hold his wrist in the left image. In the right image Jake had his hand on his face and is wearing a leather jacket in black and white. — Jacket + Sweater by Jonny Cota Studio
Pants by Pro Club
Jewelry by Alligator Jesus

Although you have been acting for many years, if you weren’t, what do you think you would pursue?
I started working on my house last year. Building and renovating. It’s a shift; working with my hands. I’ve enjoyed how tactile and practical it is. It’s relaxing, cathartic. I never thought I’d enjoy it as much as I have. So, if film is off the table, maybe I’d build one.

IN the left image Jake is wearing a leather jacket, patterned top and black jeans and cowboy boots. In the right image he is wearing on orange patterned top with a leather jacket in color. — **Left:**
Jacket + Sweater by Jonny Cota Studio
Pants by Pro Club
Jewelry by Alligator Jesus
Shoes by pskaufman
**Right:**
Jacket by Jonny Cota Studio
Shirt by MLaed
Pants by Pro Club
Jewelry by Alligator Jesus

Describe your favorite moment of your career so far, or one of them?
My forever answer to this question is Taika (Waititi) and Jermaine (Clement) directing my O-Face via walkie talkie for What We Do in the Shadows. It can’t be beat. I think any time I’ve gotten to work with someone whose work I admire—it’s been a highlight. I've found there’s a real kinship among people who love the process. It’s never not educational. Always unmastered, ever changing. So, to get in the ring with someone who elevates you, whether that be a director, writer, actor, it’s always a highlight.

**Left:**
Jumpsuit by Jonny Cota Studio
Jewelry by Alligator Jesus
Shoes by pskaufman
**Right:**
Jacket by Jonny Cota Studio
Shirt by MLaed
Pants by Pro Club
Jewelry by Alligator Jesus

Who is someone you’d love to work with whom you haven’t yet?
I can’t tell you, what if they read this.

What is your favorite project you’ve worked on?
I can’t pick a favorite, what if they read this.

Jumpsuit by Jonny Cota Studio
Jewelry by Alligator Jesus
Shoes by pskaufman

How has life during the pandemic affected your career?
You know, more than anything, it’s put my career in perspective. I’m grateful to be able to work, I’m even more grateful for the people I love. This was a hard year for everyone. It’s still hard. A lot of change, equal parts good and bad. We need each other. I’m very grateful for the people in my life.

Jake wearing jewelry. — Jewelry by Alligator Jesus

What are you must haves to bring to set?
Portable fan, New York Time’s crossword, and a book I never end up reading past the first chapter.

Jake sitting on the ground wearing an all black outfit with cowboy boots with a white background. — Jacket by Jonny Cota Studio
Pants by Pro Club
Jewelry by Alligator Jesus
Shoes by pskaufam

Social Media.
Instagram: @jake_mcdorman, Twitter: @jakemcdorman

CREW CREDITS:
Photographer: Ben Cope
Talent: Jake McDorman
Fashion Stylist: Erin Kobrin
Groomer: Raquel Moreno
Tearsheets by Daniel López, Junior Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview by Jessica Bally, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine

Shop Jake’s Look:

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