Jared Keeso
Jared Keeso is a multi-talented Canadian actor, writer, and producer who has captured the hearts of viewers with his sharp wit, dynamic performances, and knack for creating unforgettable characters. Known primarily for his work in comedy, Keeso’s journey from a small-town hockey player to one of Canada’s most recognized faces in entertainment is a testament to his versatility and dedication. This article delves into Keeso’s life, career, and accomplishments, shedding light on his personal and professional milestones.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Jared Keeso was born on July 1, 1984, in Listowel, Ontario, Canada, a small town where he was raised in a family with deep ties to the local sawmill industry. Growing up in a tight-knit community, Keeso developed a love for hockey, playing at the junior level, a passion that would later influence much of his work. However, Keeso’s ambitions extended beyond the rink. After briefly attending the University of Waterloo, he decided to pursue a career in acting, moving to Toronto to break into the entertainment industry.
His early career saw him take on smaller roles in various TV series and films, with notable appearances in shows like Smallville, Supernatural, and The Guard. These roles helped him hone his craft and build a foundation for more significant opportunities in the future.
Breakthrough: Don Cherry and 19-2
Jared Keeso’s breakout role came when he portrayed the iconic Don Cherry in the biographical TV films Keep Your Head Up, Kid: The Don Cherry Story (2010) and The Wrath of Grapes: The Don Cherry Story II (2012). His performance as the legendary Canadian hockey coach earned him both critical acclaim and a Gemini Award, marking his arrival as a leading actor in Canadian television.
Following this success, Keeso starred as Ben Chartier in the drama series 19-2 (2014–2017), a gritty police procedural. His portrayal of Chartier, a tough but morally conflicted cop, further solidified Keeso’s reputation as a talented dramatic actor. The role earned him a Canadian Screen Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Continuing Dramatic Role, proving his ability to tackle both comedic and dramatic material with equal skill.
The Letterkenny Phenomenon
Jared Keeso’s most enduring legacy comes from his role as Wayne in the wildly popular Canadian sitcom Letterkenny, which he also created and co-wrote. The series, which originally began as a YouTube sketch series Letterkenny Problems, quickly gained a cult following when it premiered in 2016 on Crave. Letterkenny is known for its sharp, rapid-fire dialogue, quirky characters, and portrayal of life in rural Canada.
As Wayne, Keeso plays the tough but loveable leader of the small town of Letterkenny, whose straightforward attitude and quick temper often lead to hilarious situations. The show’s blend of slapstick humor, wordplay, and insightful social commentary struck a chord with audiences, earning critical acclaim and numerous Canadian Screen Awards. Keeso’s portrayal of Wayne, a character who combines strength with a dry sense of humor, became iconic in Canadian television.
Beyond acting, Keeso’s role as the show’s creator and writer allowed him to infuse Letterkenny with his unique sense of humor, which is heavily influenced by his Canadian roots and his background in hockey culture. The success of Letterkenny helped Keeso gain recognition both in Canada and internationally, making him one of the most influential figures in Canadian comedy today.
Shoresy: Expanding the Letterkenny Universe
In 2022, Keeso expanded the world of Letterkenny with the spin-off series Shoresy, where he reprises the role of the tough-talking, foul-mouthed hockey player Shoresy. The show delves into Shoresy’s life as a member of a minor league hockey team, continuing the themes of humor, camaraderie, and small-town life that made Letterkenny a hit.
Much like its predecessor, Shoresy showcases Keeso’s writing prowess and his ability to bring relatable, offbeat humor to the screen. Fans of Letterkenny were excited to see more of the character they had grown to love (or fear), with Keeso’s portrayal of the notorious, trash-talking hockey player proving to be a highlight of the show.
Personal Life: Relationships and Family
Jared Keeso has largely kept his personal life private, but it is known that he is married to Magali Brunelle, a Canadian corporate lawyer. The couple wed in 2018, and Keeso is known to be a relatively low-key individual, preferring to focus on his work rather than the celebrity spotlight.
Although Keeso’s acting career has kept him in the public eye, he values his privacy and keeps details of his life outside of work to a minimum. He has no children to date, and the couple’s life is largely lived out of the spotlight, allowing Keeso to maintain a sense of normalcy amidst his rising fame.
Physical Appearance: Height, Tattoos, and Missing Teeth
Jared Keeso is often noted for his distinctive look, including his rugged charm and athletic build, which he developed through his love of hockey and physical roles. He stands at a height of 5’11” (180 cm), with a solid physique that suits the characters he often plays.
There has been much speculation about Keeso’s missing tooth, a feature that adds to his down-to-earth and rough-around-the-edges appeal. In reality, the actor has a missing tooth, which he sometimes incorporates into his portrayal of characters, further enhancing their authenticity and relatability. Despite being a prominent part of his look, Keeso has not made it a focal point of his public persona.
Keeso also has several tattoos, which he often keeps hidden under his clothing for roles, but he has mentioned in interviews that he enjoys them as a personal form of expression. His tattoos, like many of his physical traits, reflect his no-nonsense, authentic personality.
Net Worth and Earnings
As of 2025, Jared Keeso’s net worth is estimated to be around $4 million. A large portion of his earnings comes from his work on Letterkenny, Shoresy, and his earlier roles in TV and film. The success of Letterkenny in particular, which has expanded to international audiences, has been a significant financial success, with Keeso making a substantial income both from the show’s production and syndication deals.
Jared Keeso’s Influence and Legacy
Jared Keeso’s impact on Canadian entertainment cannot be overstated. As the creator of one of the most successful and beloved Canadian sitcoms in history, Keeso has helped define a new era of Canadian comedy that resonates with viewers both domestically and internationally. His ability to blend humor with authenticity has made Letterkenny and Shoresy cultural touchstones, and his portrayal of characters rooted in Canadian identity has earned him a lasting place in Canadian television history.
Conclusion
Jared Keeso career, from his role as Wayne in Letterkenny to his creation of Shoresy, has solidified him as a cornerstone of Canadian comedy. His unique ability to blend humor with authenticity, rooted in his rural Canadian upbringing, has made him a beloved figure in both Canada and beyond. Keeso’s influence on Canadian television is undeniable, and his legacy continues to inspire future generations of creators and actors.
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