Jason Presson began his acting journey at just 12 years old, making a memorable debut as Bruce Kaleb in the 1983 science-fiction TV movie Wishman. This early role opened doors for Jason Presson, leading to a series of small but notable appearances throughout the 1980s. In 1984, Jason Presson took on a more serious and emotionally demanding part in The Stone Boy, sharing the screen with acclaimed actors Glenn Close and Robert Duvall. He portrayed Arnold Hillerman, a young boy from rural America who tragically shoots his brother by accident and must grapple with the aftermath of that life-altering moment.
A year later, Jason Presson landed a lead role in the beloved children’s sci-fi film Explorers, where he played Darren Woods—a quirky, imaginative kid who teams up with his friend Ben, portrayed by a young Ethan Hawke. Together, they build a circuit board that eventually powers their homemade spacecraft, embarking on an interstellar adventure. The film became a cult favorite, further establishing Jason Presson as a recognizable face among young actors of the era.
Over the following years, Jason Presson continued working steadily, mostly in made-for-television movies such as The B.R.A.T. Patrol and The Leftovers. His standout theatrical role came in 1988 with Saturday the 14th Strikes Back, a horror-comedy spoof where Jason Presson played Eddie Baxter, a curious boy whose family moves into a spooky old house hiding dark supernatural forces. Though the film leaned into campy humor, it showcased Jason Presson’s ability to carry a genre-driven narrative.
He went on to appear in a few more projects, including a minor part in Gremlins 2: The New Batch and a role in the TV movie Trials of Life. Eventually, Jason Presson stepped away from the spotlight, retiring from acting in 1997. While his time in Hollywood was relatively brief, Jason Presson left a lasting impression during the ‘80s and early ‘90s with performances that resonated with audiences and captured the spirit of youthful curiosity and resilience.
When it comes to Jason Presson’s filmography, one standout performance that often gets mentioned is his role in Lady in White (1988), which happens to be his highest-rated movie. On the flip side, not all of his projects received the same level of acclaim. For instance, Saturday the 14th Strikes Back (1988), another film he was part of, is regarded as his lowest-rated work. While Jason Presson may not be a household name for everyone, his contributions to these films from the late ‘80s continue to be a point of discussion among fans and critics alike.