After years of steady work in film and television, and over 150 credits on his IMDb page, actor and comedian Jason Stuart has achieved a pinnacle of success many actors only dream of. Indeed, with guest-starring and supporting credits in everything from the Amazon Studios series "Goliath" with Billy Bob Thornton, to the Netflix series "Love" with Judd Apatow, to the films "Sleepy Hollow" (1999) and "Tangerine" (2015), Stuart has established himself as one of those all-too-familiar faces who might just pop up anywhere, in any kind of role.
Stuart's talent and determination got him some early professional work in the films "Kindergarten Cop" (1990) and "Vegas Vacation" (1997), as well as the television shows "Murder, She Wrote" and "The Drew Carey Show".
For Stuart, one of the most significant moments in his recent career was being cast as Joseph Randall, one of the villainous plantation owners — at the wrong end of a rebellion — in Nate Parker's searing historical drama "The Birth of a Nation" (2016). Being cast by Parker was a sign for Stuart that he had turned the corner from funny comic to established character actor. At the same time, taking on the role of an empowered racist in 1831 Virginia also allowed Stuart to reflect on his own evolving complex identity.
These days, Stuart keeps his comedy chops polished through stand-up gigs all over the country. He continues to serve as the National Co-Chairman of the SAG-AFTRA LGBTQ Committee (which he created). He has also completed a number of projects, including the comedy series "Smothered", co-created with Mitch Hara.
On June 20, 2016, Broadway Sings for Pride premiered its 6th anniversary benefit concert "Ovation" in New York City, at Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan. This milestone event was filled with singing (from pop to Broadway), stories, special celebrity guests, and more. The show honored Tyler Clementi Foundation and AIDS pioneer and activist Ruth Coker Burks. Broadway Sings for Pride is a multiple award-winning, non-for-profit organization that brings together Broadway talent, activists, and celebrities, to educate the public, raise awareness of the needs of LGBTQ+ youth, and support these young people, so that they may reach their full potential.
Stuart addressed the audience with stand-up comedy during the benefit concert, where Shefik served as Videographer. Stuart has used his experience, strength, and hope as an openly gay actor and comedian to support the community, by performing at countless benefits for issues ranging from Black Lives Matter, Latinx civil rights and racial equality, Holocaust remembrance, HIV/AIDS awareness, LGBTQ+ rights, marriage equality, women's rights, homeless awareness, and the dignity of all.
Credits
- Videographer: Shefik
Last Updated: April 30, 2023
