Jake T. Weber, born on March 12, 1963, in London, England, is an accomplished English actor known for his versatile performances across film, television, and theater.
Born to Thomas Evelyn “Tommy” Weber, a Danish-born racing driver of Danish and English descent, and Susan Ann Caroline Coriat, a British socialite of Moroccan Jewish and English heritage, Weber’s early life was marked by an unconventional and tumultuous upbringing.
His parents were deeply embedded in London’s counter-cultural scene of the 1960s, exposing Weber to a world of rock music, drugs, and high-profile figures like the Rolling Stones.
Moving to the United States as a teenager, he pursued formal education at Middlebury College, where he earned a B.A. in English literature and political science, and later honed his acting craft at The Juilliard School and the Moscow Art Theatre.
Siblings
Jake has one sibling, a younger brother named Charley Weber.
Charley, like Jake, was thrust into the unconventional world of their parents’ lifestyle, including their father’s drug trafficking activities, which involved both brothers at a young age.
A notable anecdote from their childhood places Charley in a moment of cultural significance: as a young boy, he walked onstage during a 1969 performance by The Jimi Hendrix Experience at the Royal Albert Hall in London, a moment captured on film and in photographs.
While Jake pursued a high-profile acting career, Charley has maintained a lower public profile, and little is documented about his professional or personal endeavors.
Career
Weber’s screen debut came in 1989 with a small role as Donna’s boyfriend in Oliver Stone’s Born on the Fourth of July, marking the start of a trajectory that saw him take on supporting roles in major films.
He appeared in Sidney Lumet’s A Stranger Among Us (1992), Alan J. Pakula’s The Pelican Brief (1993), and Martin Brest’s Meet Joe Black (1998) as Drew, showcasing his ability to hold his own alongside A-list talent.
Also Read: Dan Reynolds Siblings: A Closer Look at the Singer’s Family Tree
His breakout film role came in 2004 as Michael in Zack Snyder’s Dawn of the Dead remake, a performance that highlighted his knack for intense, grounded characters.
Other notable film credits include U-571 (2000), The Cell (2000), Pushing Tin (1999), and Those Who Wish Me Dead (2021).
On television, Weber is best known for his seven-season run as Joe DuBois, the supportive yet sleep-deprived husband of psychic Allison DuBois, in the NBC drama Medium (2005–2011), a role that earned him widespread recognition.
He also starred as Jake Berman in HBO’s The Mind of the Married Man (2001–2002), Dr. Matt Crower in CBS’s American Gothic (1995), and had recurring roles in Hell on Wheels, The Following, 13 Reasons Why, and Homeland.
A trained theater actor, Weber has an extensive stage resume, with Broadway and off-Broadway credits including A Small Family Business (1992), Richard III (1990), and Kimberly Akimbo at City Center Stage I.
His classical training at Juilliard and the Moscow Art Theatre, combined with his early experiences at A.S. Neill’s Summerhill School, has lent depth to his performances across mediums.
Accolades
While Jake Weber has not garnered major industry awards like an Oscar or Emmy, his performances have earned him critical respect and a dedicated following.
His role in Medium was particularly praised for bringing emotional authenticity to the character of Joe DuBois, a steadfast husband navigating his wife’s supernatural abilities.
Critics have noted his ability to elevate ensemble casts, as seen in films like Dawn of the Dead and U-571, where his understated yet impactful presence stood out.
Weber’s theater work, particularly his Broadway debut in A Small Family Business and his performances in Shakespearean productions, has been lauded for its technical precision and emotional depth.
His contributions to American Gothic earned the short-lived series a cult following, with his portrayal of Dr. Matt Crower often cited as a highlight.
Beyond formal accolades, Weber’s longevity in the industry—spanning over 30 years with consistent work in high-profile projects—speaks to his respected status among peers and audiences.
In 2019, he shared his expertise by teaching a master class in California, aimed at helping actors refine their craft, further underscoring his influence in the acting community.
Email your news TIPS to Editor@Kahawatungu.com — this is our only official communication channel
