Jonathan Ames—novelist, memoirist, raconteur, actor, producer, comic book writer, former extra in a porn film, and occasional boxer—has always maintained that he’s not the same person as the character named Jonathan Ames on the HBO series Bored to Death (2009–11). And sure, while that might be technically true, it’s easy to see why fans might blur the lines. After all, Jason Schwartzman played the fictional version as a slightly awkward, down-on-his-luck novelist who stumbles into amateur detective work, and yes, both the real and fictional Jonathan Ames are Jewish, based in New York, and deeply involved in writing. But here’s the thing: the real Jonathan Ames? He’s far from the bumbling, passive figure viewers saw on screen.
In fact, if you look at his career, Jonathan Ames comes across as anything but directionless. From publishing his first novel at just 25—a pretty impressive feat, honestly—to years of penning raw, deeply personal columns for the New York Press, which later found new life in acclaimed memoir collections, Jonathan Ames has consistently put himself out there. He even took his storytelling to the stage with a one-man off-Broadway show, dabbled in acting, co-created a graphic novel, and, let’s not forget, helmed three full seasons of his own show on HBO.
So while the TV version of Jonathan Ames might stumble through life with comedic uncertainty, the real Jonathan Ames has been busy building a diverse, dynamic creative career. He may joke about his flaws and present a self-deprecating persona, but make no mistake—Jonathan Ames is an energetic, multi-talented artist who’s done anything but stay bored.
You know, when it comes to Jonathan Ames’s work in film, there’s definitely a standout favorite among critics and audiences alike. Jonathan Ames, of course, is best known for his compelling storytelling, and his highest rated movie turns out to be You Were Never Really Here from 2017—a gripping, intense drama that really showcases his talent. On the other hand, looking at the lower end of the spectrum, Jonathan Ames’s film The Extra Man, released back in 2010, received more mixed reactions and ended up being his lowest rated movie so far. Still, it’s interesting to see how Jonathan Ames has evolved as a writer and creator over the years, with each project offering something unique. Whether you’re a fan of dark psychological thrillers or more character-driven comedies, Jonathan Ames has certainly made his mark across different genres.