In the dynamic world of Hollywood, young talents are emerging to captivate audiences with their undeniable charisma and acting prowess. One such rising star is Jack Messina, a talented American teen actor who has made a significant mark in the entertainment industry, particularly for his role as Cal Stone, a young boy with leukemia, in the American supernatural drama series “Manifest.”
The bond runs deep between Olive & Cal @lunablaise #manifest pic.twitter.com/dGXvAEkYUD
— Jack Messina (@theJackMessina) June 11, 2021
Early Life and Family
Jack Messina was born in September 2007. Hailing from an affluent family in New York, USA, his father John is a businessman, while his mother Joanne fulfills the role of a dedicated homemaker. Embracing his American roots, Jack also follows the Christian faith. Growing up in the bustling city, Jack shares his childhood with two older brothers, John and James Messina. The Messina family’s support has undoubtedly been instrumental in shaping Jack’s early success in the world of entertainment.
Amidst his busy schedule as a child actor, Jack shared a few insights into his private life via his Instagram account. These posts unveil his off-screen adventures, indicating that, despite his demanding profession, he managed to experience a semblance of normality during his formative years.
Education
Juggling school commitments alongside filming poses its challenges, but with the support of both teachers and on-set tutors, they manage to find a balance. On days without filming, attending regular school adds an extra layer of complexity. Despite the occasional struggles, he still enjoys and loves the experience.
Career
Jack Messina demonstrated a passion for acting from a young age. Commencing his journey at the tender age of seven, he enrolled into a neighborhood after school acting class along with a friend, just for fun.
From commercials to acting
Booking his first commercial proved to be a turning point, igniting a profound interest that set him on a dedicated path in the world of acting. Jack expressed that each acting job led him on a unique adventure, allowing him to meet diverse people and explore exciting places. During this exploratory phase, he not only discovered his enjoyment but also developed a genuine fondness for the craft, truly taking to acting. Regarded as fortunate within the industry, Jack’s journey reached a significant milestone as he secured a pivotal role in his debut TV project, earning a place in the main cast.
His Debut Role – “Manifest” (2018 -2023)
Created by Jeff Rake, “Manifest” revolves around the mysterious events surrounding the passengers of Montego Air Flight 828. The commercial airliner lands, only to discover that more than five years have passed for the rest of the world; however, the crew and passengers haven’t aged a day. As they attempt to reintegrate into their lives, they also experience strange phenomena and mysterious callings that seem to guide them.
Jack Messina takes on the role of passenger Cal Stone, accompanied by his father Ben (Josh Dallas) and aunt Michaela (Melissa Roxburgh). His mother Grace (Athena Karkanis) and twin sister Olive (Luna Blaise) are on another flight. In a surprising twist in the season three finale, Jack Messina’s character undergoes a mysterious aging process, the older Cal portrayed by Ty Doran. Upon Jack’s exit from “Manifest,” Jeff Rake, the show’s creator and one of the executive producers, conveys his gratitude to Jack via Twitter, writing, ‘You began your journey with us as a boy and concluded as a young man… I’m profoundly thankful for your professionalism, your excellence, and your friendship.’
His portrayal of Cal Stone has not only resonated with audiences, but has also earned him recognition and critical acclaim. His ability to convey the complexities of a character dealing with the supernatural and the emotional ramifications has set him apart as a young actor to watch.
The supernatural drama series premiered on NBC in 2018 and garnered attention for its unique premise and intriguing mysteries. However, opinions on the show varied as it progressed through its seasons, with some viewers praising its suspenseful storytelling and others expressing concerns about the complexity of the narrative.
After three seasons, the series faced cancellation, with some attributing it to a decline in ratings. The first season boasted an average viewership of approximately 12 million, a number that significantly dwindled in the second season, reaching just over seven million. By the third season, the viewership had further decreased, with about five million people tuning in. Despite this setback, Netflix stepped in to revive the show for its fourth and final seasons, the former aired in 2022 and the latter in 2023.
“The Marvelous Mrs Maisel” (2018)
Concurrently, Jack had a minor role as Salvatore in the 2018 American period comedy-drama television series, “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” created by Amy Sherman-Palladino. He appeared in the third episode entitled “The Punishment Room” of the second season. The series is set against the backdrop of the late 1950s, focusing on Miriam “Midge” Maisel, who appears to have it all: an ideal husband, two children, and a sophisticated Upper West Side apartment in New York. However, her seemingly perfect life takes an unexpected turn when she discovers a hidden talent that had long lain dormant within her – the art of stand-up comedy.
“Over/Under” (2022)
Expanding his repertoire, in 2022, Jack graced the screen in a feature film entitled “Over/Under.” and played the role of Chase. The movie was an official entry at the 2022 San Francisco Film Festival directed by Sophia Silver. The story beautifully captures nostalgic summer moments of childhood freedom. A key scene features two girls immersed in carefree water play, unveiling the inspiration behind the film’s title. The simple, coming-of-age tale seamlessly intertwines fantasy with reality, immersing viewers in a world of girlish make-believe, encompassing wishes to fairies and capturing butterflies. The festival screened all movies from 21 April to 1 May 2022.
“Squall” (2023)
In the following year, Jack demonstrated his talent in the short film “Squall.” This 12-minute movie revolves around a man recovering from addiction, striving to reconnect with his younger brother amid a storm. Directed, written, and co-produced by Emmi Shockley, the film was released in September 2023, with Jack taking on the role of the younger brother, while Jack Kelly portrayed the recovering addict.
Personal Life
The teen actor is presently single, with no reported news or indication of him being in any kind of relationship.
Interesting Facts about Jack Messina
His Favorites
Beyond the spotlight, Jack Messina is just like any ordinary teenager with his own favorite activities. He enjoys listening to the pop/rock band “Imagine Dragons,” playing basketball and flag football with friends, binge-watching reruns of “The Simpsons” or “Spongebob Squarepants,” and reading books; one of his favorite novels is “The Outsiders.”
Dream Collaboration
Jack has expressed his aspiration to collaborate with Will Ferrell someday, citing his love for Ferrell’s movies and acknowledging him as incredibly funny. In addition, he also admires the talents of Jim Carrey and Tom Hanks.
A Dog Lover
Jack has a deep affection for animals, particularly his dog named Cookie, a petite Lhasapoo, a cross between a Poodle and a Lhasa Apso, holding the distinction of being older than him. Cookie possesses an array of tricks, from gracefully dancing on her hind legs to rolling over. Although he brought her to the set, Cookie prefers the comfort of home.
Time Travel
Given that “Manifest” revolves around time travel or time jumps, if Jack were to have the opportunity for a temporary journey into the future, he would be keen to witness how technology has evolved and impacted people’s lives.
Skiing Enthusiast
Jack finds joy in skiing; participating in a winter development program, he dedicated almost every weekend to honing his skills on the slopes. His focus included mastering tricks such as rails and jumps. Additionally, he engaged in track and field activities at school.
Having fun on and off-camera
Jack thoroughly enjoyed his time behind the scenes. On occasions, he would bring his scooter to the set, zipping around the studio during breaks. There was one time the “Manifest” cast engaged in lighthearted pranks, with one memorable instance involving fake cockroaches, leaving many unsuspecting victims in their wake. Jack always had a football or basketball on hand, making him the go-to source of fun. As the sole youngster on set, he found that everyone was more than willing to join in on the laughter. He fondly recounted engaging in Nerf gun fights with the amiable Josh Dallas, describing the experience as a highlight.
Appearance
At 15 years old, Jack Messina stands at a height of 5ft 4ins (165cms) and currently weighs about 85lbs (38kgs), being in his teenage years, there is the potential for further growth. He possesses light brown hair and striking gray eyes.
Net Worth
As of January 2024, Jack Messina’s net worth is estimated to already be over $1 million,million, as reported by authoritative sources.
