Blake Jenner has always had a certain charm—a capable and likeable presence that made his rise in Hollywood feel both natural and well-deserved. And let’s be honest, it wasn’t just his charisma; Blake Jenner also brought serious talent to the table as a singer and performer. His journey really began when he stepped into the spotlight on “The Glee Project” (Oxygen, 2011–12), a reality competition that promised the winner a multi-episode arc on the hit musical series “Glee.” Born on August 27, 1992, in Miami, Florida, Blake Jenner was the youngest of four brothers, raised by American and Cuban parents who instilled in him a strong sense of identity and drive.
From an early age, Blake Jenner showed a passion for the arts—drumming, performing, you name it. He stayed active in school plays throughout middle and high school, laying the foundation for what would become a full-fledged career. After graduating from Felix Varela High School, Blake Jenner packed his bags and moved to Los Angeles with dreams of becoming an actor. Like so many aspiring performers, he took on a string of odd jobs while tirelessly auditioning and sharpening his craft through improv training with the famed Groundlings troupe.
By 2011, Blake Jenner had started making headway—landing a guest spot on “Melissa and Joey” (ABC Family, 2010–15) and appearing in several short films. But everything changed the following year when he competed on “The Glee Project.” It was clear from the start that Blake Jenner stood out—not just for his voice or looks, but for his authenticity. He made it all the way to the finals and ultimately won the competition. That victory earned him a role on “Glee” as Ryder Lynn, a football player who joins the glee club to boost his grades. Fans quickly warmed to Blake Jenner’s portrayal, and by the next season, along with fellow cast member Melissa Benoist, he was promoted to a series regular. He remained a key part of the show until its finale in 2015.
Off-screen, Blake Jenner and Benoist grew close, eventually tying the knot in March 2013. When she landed the lead role in “Supergirl” (CBS/The CW, 2015– ), Blake Jenner made appearances as a recurring character, playing a love interest for her character, Kara Danvers. Around this time, his film career also began gaining momentum. In 2016, Blake Jenner took on leading roles in two notable projects: Richard Linklater’s nostalgic college comedy “Everybody Wants Some!!” and the coming-of-age drama “Edge of Seventeen,” where he played Hailee Steinfeld’s sharp-tongued older brother. Though neither film became a box office sensation, critics took notice—and so did industry insiders.
Even as his professional life soared, personal challenges emerged. Blake Jenner and Melissa Benoist separated in 2016, marking the end of their marriage. Still, Blake Jenner kept pushing forward. In 2017, he delivered solid performances in the horror film “Within” and the psychological thriller “Sidney Hall.” Then came 2018, a milestone year: Blake Jenner made his debut as writer, producer, and lead actor in the indie drama originally titled “Billy Boy,” later released as “Juvenile.” It was a bold step—one that proved Blake Jenner wasn’t just riding the wave of early success, but actively shaping his own path in the entertainment world.
When it comes to Blake Jenner’s filmography, one standout performance comes from The Edge of Seventeen (2016), which happens to be his highest rated movie. Fans and critics alike have praised the film, and it really allowed Blake Jenner to shine in a meaningful role. On the other hand, Blake Jenner also appeared in The Vanishing of Sidney Hall (2017), a project that received much more mixed reactions and ended up being his lowest rated film to date. While Blake Jenner brought his usual dedication to the role, the overall reception didn’t match the success of his earlier work. Still, Blake Jenner continues to be recognized for his contributions to these projects, with The Edge of Seventeen remaining a highlight in Blake Jenner’s career so far.