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Entertainment • Actor

Jake Epstein

Jake Epstein is a Canadian actor, singer, and writer from Toronto, Ontario.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated September 10, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Jake Epstein is a Canadian actor, singer, and writer from Toronto, Ontario. He is best known for playing Craig Manning on *Degrassi: The Next Generation* and for his Broadway roles in *Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark* and *Beautiful: The Carole King Musical*.

Early life and education

Jake Epstein was born in Toronto in 1987. Sources identify his birth name as Jacob Lee Epstein and describe him as Canadian.

Career

Epstein began acting in television as a young performer and became best known for *Degrassi: The Next Generation*, for which he won a Gemini Award. He later expanded into stage work, including Broadway and touring productions, while continuing to appear in film and television. His screen credits include *Designated Survivor*, *Suits*, *Umbrella Academy*, and *The Hardy Boys*.

Stage work

On Broadway, Epstein played Peter Parker/Spider-Man in *Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark* and originated the role of Gerry Goffin in *Beautiful: The Carole King Musical*. He also appeared in productions such as *Spring Awakening* and *American Idiot*.

Personal life

Epstein married actor and poet Vanessa Smythe in 2018. Public biographical listings also describe Smythe as his spouse and indicate they have one child.

Key facts

  • Jake Epstein was born in Toronto and uses the full birth name Jacob Lee Epstein.
  • He is widely recognized for portraying Craig Manning on *Degrassi: The Next Generation*.
  • He won a Gemini Award for his performance in *Degrassi: The Next Generation*.
  • He made his Broadway debut in *Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark* and later played Gerry Goffin in *Beautiful: The Carole King Musical*.
  • His screen credits include *Designated Survivor*, *Suits*, *Umbrella Academy*, and *The Hardy Boys*.
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Canadian context

Epstein is a Canadian performer from Toronto whose career began in Canadian television and stage work before expanding to Broadway and U.S. screen productions.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Jake Epstein?
Jake Epstein is a Canadian actor, singer, and writer best known for *Degrassi: The Next Generation* and for Broadway roles in *Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark* and *Beautiful*.
What is Jake Epstein’s full name?
His birth name is Jacob Lee Epstein.
When and where was Jake Epstein born?
He was born on January 16, 1987, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
What role made Jake Epstein famous?
He is best known for playing Craig Manning on *Degrassi: The Next Generation*.
What awards has Jake Epstein won?
He won a Gemini Award for his performance in *Degrassi: The Next Generation*.
Who is Jake Epstein married to?
He married actor and poet Vanessa Smythe in 2018.

References

  1. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0258474/bio/
    Supports: Birth date, birth place, birth name, spouse, and selected career credits.
  2. Jake Epstein official website — https://www.jakeepstein.ca/
    Supports: Canadian background, professional biography, stage and screen credits, and self-described career overview.
  3. Broadway.com — https://www.broadway.com/buzz/stars/jake-epstein/profile/
    Supports: Broadway roles and recognition for *Degrassi: The Next Generation*.
  4. Playbill — https://www.playbill.com/article/playbillcoms-cue-a-degrassi-spider-man-and-beautiful-star-jake-epstein-com-213312
    Supports: Broadway and stage credits, including *Spider-Man Turn Off the Dark*, *American Idiot*, *Billy Elliot*, and *Beautiful*.
  5. TV Insider — https://www.tvinsider.com/people/jake-epstein/
    Supports: Birth date, birth place, and early television credits.