Entertainment • Actor

Jesse James Keitel

Jesse James Keitel is an American actress, writer, and artist.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated September 11, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Jesse James Keitel is an American actress, writer, and artist. She gained attention for her starring role in the short film *Miller & Son* (2019) and is best known for playing Jerrie Kennedy in ABC's *Big Sky*, where she was described as the network's first openly transgender series regular. Keitel also appeared in the 2022 revival of *Queer as Folk* and *Star Trek: Strange New Worlds*.

Early life and education

Keitel is reported to be from Manorville or Long Island, New York. She attended Pace University in New York City, where she earned a BFA in Acting.

Career

Keitel's early screen work included *Miller & Son* and television appearances such as *Younger* and *Alex Strangelove*. She later took on higher-profile roles in *Big Sky*, *Queer as Folk*, and *Star Trek: Strange New Worlds*.

Representation and advocacy

Keitel has been recognized for visibility in LGBTQ+ representation in entertainment. Reports note a 2022 Equality Award from the Human Rights Campaign and her role in landmark transgender casting on network television.

Public profile

Coverage describes Keitel as an actress, writer, artist, and drag performer. Some sources also note that she has used the drag name Peroxide.

Key facts

Keitel is an American actress, writer, and artist.
She gained attention for starring in the short film *Miller & Son* (2019).
She played Jerrie Kennedy in ABC's *Big Sky* and was ABC's first openly transgender series regular.
She appeared in *Queer as Folk* and *Star Trek: Strange New Worlds* (2022).
She studied at Pace University in New York City.

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Canadian context

Keitel is relevant to Canadian readers through her role in *Queer as Folk* and broader discussion of transgender representation in North American television. The Canadian English-language title for the actor is the same as the canonical name used internationally.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Jesse James Keitel?

Jesse James Keitel is an American actress, writer, and artist known for *Miller & Son*, *Big Sky*, and *Queer as Folk*.

What is Jesse James Keitel best known for?

She is best known for her role as Jerrie Kennedy in *Big Sky* and for her work in *Miller & Son* and *Queer as Folk*.

Where is Jesse James Keitel from?

Sources describe her as from Manorville or Long Island, New York, in the United States.

What did Jesse James Keitel study?

She attended Pace University in New York City and earned a BFA in Acting.

Has Jesse James Keitel appeared in *Star Trek*?

Yes. She appeared in *Star Trek: Strange New Worlds* in 2022 as Dr. Aspen/Captain Angel.

Is Jesse James Keitel transgender?

Yes. Multiple sources describe her as a transgender woman and note the significance of her casting on *Big Sky*.

References

Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesse_James_Keitel
Supports: Basic identification, career overview, and notable works.
IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5740850/bio/
Supports: Birthplace, education, and career notes including advocacy and first openly transgender series regular claim.
The Independent — https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/features/jesse-james-keitel-big-sky-interview-b1804135.html
Supports: Education at Pace University, career progression, and family relation note.
All American Speakers — https://www.allamericanspeakers.com/celebritytalentbios/Jesse+James+Keitel/452051
Supports: Career summary, awards, drag name, and notable roles.
The Movie Database — https://www.tmdb.org/person/2033618-jesse-james-keitel?language=en-US
Supports: Filmography and role in *Miller & Son* and *Big Sky*.
Wikipedia — https://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesse_James_Keitel
Supports: Alternative birth-date reporting and general biographical data.