Jesse James Keitel is an American actress, writer, and artist renowned for her groundbreaking roles portraying non-binary and transgender characters. Born on May 22, 1993, in Manorville, New York, Keitel has become a prominent figure in Hollywood for advancing LGBTQ+ representation.
Early Life and Education
Keitel grew up in Suffolk County, New York, and pursued a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting from Pace University, graduating in 2015. Prior to acting, she performed as a drag artist under the stage name Peroxide in New York City.
Career Highlights
- Keitel gained recognition for her role as Jerrie Kennedy on ABC's crime drama Big Sky, becoming the first openly transgender, non-binary series regular on primetime network television in 2020.
- She has appeared in critically acclaimed projects such as Miller & Son, which won a Student Academy Award, and Netflix's Alex Strangelove.
- In 2022, she portrayed Dr. Aspen, a non-binary character, in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.
Personal Life and Advocacy
Originally identifying as non-binary and using they/them pronouns, Keitel publicly came out as a transgender woman in 2022, adopting she/her pronouns. She is an outspoken advocate for transgender visibility and rights, receiving the Human Rights Campaign Equality Award for her efforts.
Keitel is not married, and details about her personal relationships remain private. She continues to reside in New York and remains active in both acting and LGBTQ+ advocacy.
Notable Trivia
- She is related to actor Harvey Keitel through her grandfather, Jerome Keitel, who was Harvey’s cousin.
- Keitel stands 5 feet 7 inches tall and is known for her distinct black hair and dark brown eyes.
- She maintains a presence on social media under the handle @jessejameskeitel.
