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8 Things You Didn't Know About Manny Jacinto: From The Good Place's Jason Mendoza To Star Wars’ Qimir

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The world first fell in love with Manny Jacinto as the endearingly dim-witted, amateur EDM DJ and 'Bortles!' enthusiast, Jason Mendoza, on the critically acclaimed NBC sitcom The Good Place. While his character was a perpetual source of chaos and laughter—initially mistaken for a silent Taiwanese monk—Jacinto’s performance was anything but simple, showcasing a comedic timing and genuine heart that made him an instant breakout star. As of December 2025, his career has exploded, moving far beyond the boundaries of Jacksonville, Florida, and into the High Republic era of the Star Wars universe, cementing his status as one of Hollywood's most versatile and in-demand actors.

This comprehensive deep dive explores the full scope of the Filipino-Canadian actor’s life and career, from his unexpected start in civil engineering to his recent high-profile roles that have landed him on the prestigious TIME 100 Next list for 2025. We look past the synchronized dance crew moves and Molotov cocktails to uncover the fresh, new details about his upcoming projects, including his villainous turn in The Acolyte and his heartthrob status in the upcoming Disney sequel, Freakier Friday.

The Complete Manny Jacinto Profile & Biography

Manuel Luis Jacinto is a Filipino-Canadian actor who has rapidly ascended from supporting roles to becoming a leading man in major film and television franchises. His path to Hollywood was unconventional, starting with a degree that had nothing to do with acting, which only highlights the dedication and talent that led to his breakout success.

  • Full Name: Manuel Luis Jacinto
  • Date of Birth: August 19, 1987
  • Birthplace: Quezon City, Philippines
  • Nationality: Filipino-Canadian
  • Early Life: Moved to Canada at the age of three and was raised in Richmond, British Columbia.
  • Education: Graduated with a degree in Civil Engineering from the University of British Columbia (UBC). He initially pursued a career in engineering before transitioning to acting.
  • Breakout Role: Jason Mendoza in The Good Place (2016–2020).
  • Notable Roles Before TGP: He had small roles in various television series, including the Canadian show The Romeo Section and the Showtime series Roadies.
  • Current Status (2025): Named to the TIME 100 Next list for 2025, recognized for his range and star on the rise.

From Jacksonville Dummy to Star Wars Villain: The Versatility of Jason Mendoza

Manny Jacinto’s four-season run as Jason Mendoza is arguably one of the greatest comedic performances in modern television. The character, who was mistakenly sent to "The Good Place," was a high-concept comedic goldmine, allowing Jacinto to showcase a surprising depth beneath the 'lovable idiot' exterior.

The Anatomy of Jason Mendoza: EDM, Bortles, and the Silent Monk

The entire premise of Jason Mendoza was a brilliant twist. In the first season, he is introduced as Jianyu Li, a silent Taiwanese monk who has taken a vow of silence. This disguise was a masterclass in physical comedy, as Jacinto had to convey Jason's inner turmoil and utter confusion without uttering a word. When the truth is revealed, the audience learns he is actually Jason Mendoza, a perpetually optimistic, impulsive amateur EDM DJ and unsuccessful drug dealer from Jacksonville, Florida.

His character’s most iconic line, "Bortles!"—a reference to former Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles—became a widely recognized pop culture catchphrase, often shouted before attempting something incredibly foolish, like throwing a Molotov cocktail. Jacinto’s ability to sell the character's genuine simplicity and good heart—despite his terrible decisions—is what made Jason Mendoza such a beloved figure, and a key reason why the show's emotional ending was so impactful.

The Good Place’s Enduring Legacy and Topical Authority

The success of The Good Place, which also starred Kristen Bell (Eleanor Shellstrop), Ted Danson (Michael), and Jameela Jamil (Tahani Al-Jamil), established a strong topical authority around its cast. Jacinto's performance was praised for taking a character that could have been an annoying sitcom trope and making him genuinely endearing and funny. The series provided a perfect launchpad, proving his capability in a high-stakes ensemble and setting the stage for his dramatic and blockbuster roles to come.

The Galactic Takeover: Manny Jacinto’s Must-Watch Post-Good Place Projects

Since the conclusion of The Good Place in 2020, Manny Jacinto has made a deliberate and successful pivot to diverse, high-profile projects, showcasing his dramatic range and leading-man potential. His filmography post-Jason Mendoza is a testament to his versatility, moving from comedy to action, horror, and now, the epic scale of Star Wars.

1. The Acolyte: Playing the Villainous Qimir/The Stranger

Perhaps his most significant recent role is in the Disney+ series, Star Wars: The Acolyte, set during the High Republic era. In a stark departure from Jason Mendoza, Jacinto plays the dual roles of Qimir and the mysterious 'The Stranger,' a villainous character with a dark secret. The role required a completely different approach, with Jacinto portraying a complex, morally ambiguous individual who gets pulled into a Jedi mission, showcasing his ability to handle intense dramatic and action sequences. His performance as a cunning villain has been a major talking point, proving he can find strength in playing evil after years of playing a lovable fool.

2. Freakier Friday: Stepping into the Heartthrob Role

In a move that solidifies his leading-man status, Manny Jacinto is set to star in the upcoming Disney sequel, Freakier Friday. He is playing Eric Reyes, the heartthrob love interest of Lindsay Lohan’s character. This role places him directly in the romantic comedy spotlight, a genre where his charisma and charm, previously glimpsed in The Good Place, can fully shine. Fans are already anticipating his transition to "Zaddy" mode, a clear sign that Hollywood is recognizing his appeal beyond purely comedic roles.

3. Blockbuster and Prestige TV Appearances

Jacinto’s post-Good Place career is also marked by appearances in major studio films and acclaimed streaming series:

  • Top Gun: Maverick: He had a role in the 2022 blockbuster hit, further establishing his presence in high-budget cinema.
  • Nine Perfect Strangers: He appeared in the Hulu miniseries alongside Nicole Kidman and Melissa McCarthy, demonstrating his comfort in a high-caliber ensemble drama.
  • Brand New Cherry Flavor: He took on a spooky, twisted role in this Netflix dark comedy, showcasing his willingness to explore the horror and thriller genres.

Manny Jacinto's trajectory from an aspiring actor with a civil engineering degree to a globally recognized star is a remarkable story of perseverance and talent. His unforgettable turn as Jason Mendoza was just the beginning, a comedic foundation upon which he is now building a diverse and formidable career. With major roles in a Star Wars series and a highly anticipated Disney film, his future is undoubtedly bright, proving that even a man who thought "the Good Place" was a giant dance-off could find his true path to stardom.

manny jacinto the good place
manny jacinto the good place

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