Jesse Gavin '03 (Photo provided)
Are you deep into Season 5 of Stranger Things? Look for Jesse Gavin '03 in Episode 4, "Sorcerer."
"I am a fan and have seen all of the seasons," says Gavin, who plays a military scientist in a government facility that series regulars Eleven and Hopper must break into. He's first seen at a computer while Eleven runs across the roof. "It's really exciting to be a part of what feels like television history."
Indeed, it is. Stranger Things is Netflix's most-watched series, with more than 1.2 billion views across seasons.
Stranger Things is Gavin's 29th IMDB credit as a character actor for television series and independent films. His roles include an analyst in Marvel's Loki and a philosophy professor who is teaching when a student arrested mid-lecture on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. His favorite role was a barista on Crazy Ex-Girlfriend.
"This regular guy wants to order a cup of coffee, and I have question after follow-up question. My questions go on forever," says Gavin. "I'm annoying. I'm not trying to give attitude, but I have a lot of questions, because you have to do coffee right."
Gavin, a physics and theatre double major, began acting as a sophomore in a Geneseo production of Dearly Departed.
"I got a little part as a mechanic who says inappropriate things at a funeral," remembers Gavin. "The following semester, I was in a Shakespeare play. It was another small part, but that’s when it all clicked, and I knew I was all in. You couldn't get me outside of Brodie."
Gavin began his career in New York City, moving to Los Angeles in 2009. He draws inspiration from the unique people he meets, which he says is perfect for a character actor.
"My dream has always been to play a lot of different types of characters and roles," says Gavin. "I’m getting more auditions for roles that are completely different and new for me. It's what I was hoping for all along."
Learn more about Geneseo's Department for the Performing Arts.