Chosen Jacobs Bio
Chosen Jacobs is an American actor, singer, songwriter, musician and rapper best known for his recurring role as Will Grover on the CBS television series Hawaii Five-0 and for portraying Mike Hanlon in the 2017 adaptation of Stephen King’s It, and its follow-up It Chapter Two. Born in Springfield, Massachusetts, he moved to Atlanta at a young age, where he was raised. He started out as a musician, singing and playing guitar and piano, and began acting when his mother enrolled him in theatre classes. His first acting role was in a commercial for Hot Wheels. In 2015, he moved to Hollywood to pursue both music and acting, building a career in film and television.
Early Life and Background
Chosen Jacobs was born on July 1, 2001, in Springfield, Massachusetts, United States. He moved to Atlanta, Georgia, at a young age and was primarily raised there. His unique first name came about when his father heard a baby say something that sounded like the word chosen, which became his name.
From an early age, Jacobs showed interest and talent in music. He learned to sing and play multiple instruments, including the guitar and piano. His mother recognized his creative potential and enrolled him in theater classes, which would eventually lead him to discover his passion for acting. This early exposure to both music and performance laid the groundwork for his future entertainment career.
The transition from music student to working actor began with his first professional opportunity. His very first acting role came in the form of a commercial for Hot Wheels toys. This early experience in front of the camera gave him a foundation in performance work and opened the door to further opportunities in the entertainment industry.
Path to Acting
In 2015, Chosen Jacobs made a significant decision to relocate to Hollywood, California, to seriously pursue both his music and acting careers. This move represented a major commitment to his professional development in the entertainment industry. Los Angeles provided him with access to more opportunities, auditions, and industry connections that could help advance his career.
His dual talents as a musician and actor set him apart as a versatile performer. While continuing to develop his musical abilities as a singer, songwriter, and rapper, he simultaneously pursued acting roles that would showcase his range. His background in music and theater training gave him a solid foundation for the demands of screen acting.
The combination of his musical skills and acting training proved valuable as he began landing roles. His early commercial work with Hot Wheels demonstrated his natural screen presence and ability to deliver performances on camera. This experience, combined with his determination and training, positioned him for the significant roles that would come in the following years.
Chosen Jacobs Career
Early Career (2016)
Chosen Jacobs began his professional acting career in 2016, landing roles that would establish him as a promising young talent. His breakthrough opportunity came with a recurring role on the CBS television series Hawaii Five-0. He portrayed Will Grover, the son of Lou Grover, a character played by Chi McBride. This role on a major network television series provided him with significant exposure and experience working in a high-profile production environment.
During this early period, Jacobs continued to balance his acting pursuits with his musical ambitions. His work on Hawaii Five-0 allowed him to develop his acting skills alongside established television professionals. The role required him to deliver emotional performances and work within the ensemble cast of the long-running procedural drama. This television work served as an important stepping stone in his career, leading to opportunities in feature films.
Breakthrough (2017-2019)
In 2017, Chosen Jacobs achieved major career success when he was cast as Mike Hanlon in the feature film adaptation of Stephen King’s novel It. The film, directed by Andy Muschietti, was a commercial and critical success, grossing over $700 million worldwide. Jacobs portrayed the young version of the character Mike Hanlon, one of the members of the Losers’ Club who confronts the supernatural entity Pennywise. This role in a major studio film introduced him to a global audience and demonstrated his ability to anchor significant screen time in a blockbuster production.
The success of It led to Jacobs reprising his role as Mike Hanlon in the 2019 sequel, It Chapter Two. In this film, he appeared in flashbacks alongside the other young cast members, while the adult version of his character was played by Isaiah Mustafa. The sequel continued the story of the Losers’ Club as they returned to Derry, Maine, to face Pennywise again as adults. Both films were part of a highly successful horror franchise that became one of the highest-grossing horror film series of all time.
These back-to-back roles in major motion pictures represented a significant breakthrough in Jacobs’ career. Working on such high-profile projects at a young age provided him with invaluable experience and industry recognition. The films’ success solidified his status as a rising young actor in Hollywood and opened doors for future opportunities in both film and television.
Notable Works and Milestones
Chosen Jacobs’s most significant roles include Will Grover on Hawaii Five-0 and Mike Hanlon in the It film franchise. His portrayal of Mike Hanlon in It and It Chapter Two remains his most widely recognized work, introducing him to international audiences as part of the successful ensemble cast. The It films became cultural phenomena and were among the highest-grossing horror films in cinema history. His work on Hawaii Five-0 provided him with steady television experience and the opportunity to work consistently on a long-running series. These roles represent the major milestones of his career to date, showcasing his range across both television and film mediums.
Personal Life
Chosen Jacobs was born in Springfield, Massachusetts, and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. His journey from a musician playing guitar and piano to a professional actor in Hollywood represents a dedicated pursuit of his creative passions. Beyond his work in entertainment, he continues to develop his musical talents as a singer, songwriter, and rapper. His career path demonstrates his versatility as a performer across multiple artistic disciplines.