Jeremy Sisto has played everyone from Jesus to an FBI agent over three decades in Hollywood. The versatile actor continues to prove why he’s one of TV’s most reliable stars with his current role on CBS’s hit show FBI.
What You Need to Know
- Current role: Stars as Jubal Valentine on CBS drama FBI since 2018
- Career span: Over 30 years from Grand Canyon (1991) to present
- Breakout hit: Played Elton in the classic teen movie Clueless (1995)
- Big awards: Nominated for Critics’ Choice Award for comedy series Suburgatory
- Unique role: Portrayed Jesus Christ in CBS miniseries blessed by Pope John Paul II
From California Kid to Hollywood Regular
Jeremy Merton Sisto was born on October 6, 1974, and started acting while still in high school. His first film role came in 1991’s Grand Canyon, where he played Kevin Kline’s son in the drama directed by Lawrence Kasdan.
After graduating high school, Sisto moved to Los Angeles but struggled to find work at first. He spent time doing theater and studying with acting teacher Howard Fine while waiting for his big break.
His patience paid off. By the mid-1990s, he started landing regular film roles and building a reputation as a reliable supporting actor.
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The Clueless Years and Early Success
Sisto got his first taste of mainstream success in 1995 with Clueless, the teen comedy that became a cultural phenomenon. He played Elton, the rich, spoiled high school student who puts the moves on Cher (Alicia Silverstone) after she tries to set him up with her friend Tai.
The movie became a huge hit and remains a beloved classic 30 years later. Clueless celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2025 with special screenings and musical events.
Around the same time, Sisto appeared in other films like White Squall (1996) with Ridley Scott and played long-distance runner Frank Shorter in Without Limits (1998). For that role, he trained for weeks with an Olympic coach to prepare.
Playing Jesus Christ
In 1999, Sisto landed maybe his most challenging role ever – playing Jesus Christ in the CBS miniseries simply called Jesus. The network cast him quickly, and he was on a plane the next day to start filming.
The miniseries showed Jesus preaching the Sermon on the Mount, walking on water, and raising Lazarus from the dead. Despite having almost no time to prepare, Sisto pulled off a performance that earned praise from viewers and critics alike.
The late Pope John Paul II even blessed the production, giving it his official approval. Not many actors can say the Pope approved of their work.
Six Feet Under Made Him a TV Star
From 2001 to 2005, Sisto appeared in all five seasons of HBO’s dark comedy-drama Six Feet Under. He played Billy Chenowith, the emotionally troubled and mentally unstable brother of main character Brenda (Rachel Griffiths).
Billy had an unhealthy obsession with his sister and struggled with bipolar disorder throughout the series. The role showed Sisto could handle complex, dramatic characters and earned him recognition from critics.
During this period, he also played the title role in another historical drama – the TNT miniseries Caesar in 2002, where he portrayed the famous Roman emperor.
Law & Order Detective
After Six Feet Under ended, Sisto joined one of TV’s longest-running franchises. From 2008 to 2010, he played NYPD Detective Cyrus Lupo on Law & Order.
The role showed he could handle procedural cop dramas just as well as prestige cable shows. He brought a calm intensity to the character that worked perfectly for the show’s style.
Moving to Comedy with Suburgatory
In 2011, Sisto made a big shift to comedy with the ABC sitcom Suburgatory. He starred as George Altman, a single dad who moves his teenage daughter from New York City to the suburbs to protect her from bad influences.
The show ran for three seasons from 2011 to 2014. Sisto earned a nomination for the 2013 Critics’ Choice Television Award for Best Actor in a Comedy Series for his performance.
The role proved he had great comedic timing and could carry a network sitcom. He played off the aggressive suburban moms and dealt with culture shock in funny ways.
Film Work Continues
Between TV shows, Sisto kept working in movies. He appeared in dark films like May (2002) and the teen drama Thirteen (2003) alongside Holly Hunter.
In 2007, he played the boorish, mean husband opposite Keri Russell in the acclaimed indie film Waitress. Critics praised the movie, and Sisto’s performance as the detestable spouse showed his range.
He even co-wrote and starred in the comedy film Break Point in 2014, showing he had talents beyond just acting.
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Current Success on FBI
Since 2018, Sisto has starred as Assistant Special Agent-in-Charge Jubal Valentine on the CBS drama series FBI. The show comes from legendary producer Dick Wolf, who created Law & Order.
FBI has become a hit for CBS and continues to air new episodes. Sisto plays a leadership role in the FBI’s New York office, overseeing field agents and making tough calls.
The role gives him steady work on a successful network drama and keeps him in front of millions of viewers each week. At 51 years old, he’s still going strong with no signs of slowing down.
Why He Keeps Working
Jeremy Sisto built a career on being dependable and versatile. He can play Jesus Christ or a serial killer. He works in comedies and dark dramas. He does big Hollywood movies and small indie films.
That flexibility has kept him employed for over 30 years in a tough business. He doesn’t chase fame or try to be a movie star. He just shows up, does good work, and moves on to the next role.
That approach has earned him respect from directors, writers, and fellow actors. It’s why he keeps getting hired.
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