Jake Weary Bio
Jacob Weary, professionally known as Jake Weary, is an American actor recognized for his work across television and film. Born on February 14, 1990, in Trenton, New Jersey, he has established himself as a versatile performer in both dramatic and horror genres. Weary gained significant recognition for his portrayal of Deran Cody in the TNT crime drama Animal Kingdom, a role that showcased his ability to embody complex characters in serialized storytelling.
Early Life and Background
Jacob Weary was born in Trenton, New Jersey, to actor and director Allen Cudney Weary and Daytime Emmy Award-winning actress Kim Zimmer. Growing up in a family deeply involved in the entertainment industry provided Weary with early exposure to the craft of acting. His mother, Kim Zimmer, is a prominent figure in daytime television, having portrayed Reva Shayne on the long-running CBS soap opera Guiding Light.
Weary attended Montclair Kimberley Academy, graduating in 2008. His education was important to him, as evidenced by his decision to leave his early role on As the World Turns to focus on his studies. This balance between academic pursuits and early acting opportunities helped shape his professional approach to the industry.
Path to Acting
Weary began his acting career in 2002 with a guest appearance on Guiding Light, the same soap opera where his mother starred. This early opportunity allowed him to gain experience in the television industry while still a young teenager. He followed this with guest appearances on popular television series including Law & Order: Special Victims Unit and Listen Up.
In 2005, Weary was cast as Luke Snyder on the CBS soap opera As the World Turns. This role marked his first major recurring television performance. Although he left the role in December 2005 to concentrate on his education, this early experience in daytime television provided a foundation for his future career in more prominent television and film projects.
Jake Weary Career
Early Career (2002–2013)
Weary made his film debut in 2008 as a hall monitor in Assassination of a High School President. He continued to build his filmography with supporting roles in independent films. In 2010, he appeared as Sal in Kaare Anderson’s film Altitude, demonstrating his range beyond television work. These early film roles allowed him to develop his craft and gain experience in different mediums.
Throughout the early 2010s, Weary continued to pursue television work while maintaining a presence in independent film. His ability to transition between different types of projects helped him build a diverse portfolio. This period of his career was marked by steady growth and the accumulation of varied acting experiences that would prepare him for more significant opportunities.
Breakthrough (2014–2022)
Weary’s career gained momentum in 2014 with two notable roles. He appeared as Vince Keeler in NBC’s action-drama series Chicago Fire, bringing him into the realm of prime-time network television. That same year, he portrayed Hugh in the critically acclaimed horror film It Follows. The success of It Follows, which became a cult favorite in the horror genre, helped raise Weary’s profile in the film industry.
In 2016, Weary secured the role that would define much of his career when he was cast as Deran Cody in the TNT crime drama Animal Kingdom. The series, based on the 2010 Australian film of the same name, followed a Southern California crime family. Weary remained with the show throughout its entire run from 2016 to 2022, becoming a central part of the ensemble cast and earning recognition for his portrayal of the youngest Cody brother.
Notable Works and Milestones
Weary returned to the horror genre in 2019 with a role in It Chapter Two, the sequel to the successful adaptation of Stephen King’s novel. His continued involvement in successful horror films solidified his reputation within the genre. As of 2025, Weary stars in the Netflix series The Waterfront, continuing his presence in television drama. His career spans soap operas, network dramas, independent films, and streaming content, demonstrating his versatility across different formats and genres.
Jake Weary Family
Jake Weary comes from a family with strong connections to the entertainment industry. His father, A.C. Weary (Allen Cudney Weary), is an actor and director. His mother, Kim Zimmer, is a highly acclaimed actress best known for her work on soap operas, particularly her long-running role as Reva Shayne on Guiding Light. This familial background provided Weary with early insight into the acting profession.
Personal Life
Jake Weary married Vera Bulder in 2019. The couple had been in a relationship for some time before their marriage. They have one child together. Weary has maintained a relatively private personal life despite his public career, focusing public attention primarily on his professional work in television and film.