Jake Epstein is a Canadian actor, singer, and writer. He is widely recognized for his roles in various TV shows and stage productions. Epstein played the character Craig in the popular TV series 'Degrassi: The Next Generation', Chuck in 'Designated Survivor', and Brian in 'Suits'. He also appeared on Broadway in productions such as 'Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark' and 'Beautiful: The Carole King Musical'.
Epstein's stage career includes appearances in the US National Tours of 'Green Day's American Idiot' and 'Spring Awakening'. He was a member of a band called Mind the Gap, which he formed with his friends, and performed at a few gigs in Toronto.
Epstein's personal life includes having an older sister, Gabi Epstein. His favorite bands are Pink Floyd, System of a Down, The Beatles, Radiohead, and the Headstones. He was a brown belt in karate and directed his first play, 'The Dead and the Rooster', in 2003.
Epstein's favorite acting role was playing the Artful Dodger in the 'Oliver' play at the Royal Alex Theatre. This role marked a turning point in his acting career. He also plays drums for a band called Funkasaurus Rex.
Epstein attended Earl Haig Secondary School, where he studied alongside his Degrassi: The Next Generation co-star Stefan Brogren. He has appeared with Conrad Coates, who played Jimmy's Dad, in two different TV series. Epstein's parents are Ian Epstein and Kathy Kacer.
In his early career, Epstein auditioned for a role on the TV show Glee. He has also appeared in various other TV shows and films, including 'The Zack Files', 'Degrassi Goes Hollywood', and 'Girls vs. Boys Hawaii'. Epstein is from an Ashkenazi Jewish family and has roots in Russia, Slovakia, and Lithuania.
He attended Claude Watson School for the Arts with his future Degrassi: The Next Generation co-star Stacey Farber. Epstein has worked with Robert Clark in 'The Zack Files' and his elder brother Daniel Clark in 'Degrassi: The Next Generation'.
Epstein's favorite film is Forrest Gump, and he has mentioned Family Guy and Breaking Bad as his favorite TV shows. As a child, he was a fan of X-Men: The Animated Series and Spider-Man: The Animated Series. He was born only one day after his co-star Michael Seater and two days before the premiere of the original series Degrassi High.
Epstein is married to Vanessa Smythe, whom he married on July 7, 2018.
