Manny Jacinto Movies and TV Shows – Complete Filmography Guide
Manny Jacinto has established himself as a versatile presence across film and television, transitioning from short films to blockbuster productions over the past decade. Born in Manila and raised in British Columbia, the Filipino-Canadian performer initially pursued civil engineering before shifting to acting, a decision that led to recurring roles in network television and voice work for major animated features.
His career trajectory accelerated significantly after 2016, moving from minor guest appearances to series regular status and theatrical releases. Today, Jacinto’s filmography encompasses independent cinema, big-budget action sequels, and streaming platform originals.
This comprehensive overview examines his complete screen credits, breakthrough performances, and forthcoming projects based on verified production records.
What Movies Has Manny Jacinto Been In?
Jason Mendoza in The Good Place (2016–2020)
Top Gun: Maverick (2022)
20+ film and television credits since 2012
Filipino-Canadian
- Feature film debut occurred in 2013 with multiple short film appearances including Tele and #Fix
- Voice acting credits include English dubs for anime features Belle (2021) and Mortal Kombat Legends: Snow Blind (2022)
- Critical reception remains consistently positive, with Belle achieving 95% on Rotten Tomatoes and The Knife (2024) scoring 91%
- Action franchise involvement includes the Top Gun sequel and independent thriller Even Lambs Have Teeth (2015)
- Romantic comedy appearances include I Want You Back (2022) and the upcoming Freakier Friday (2025)
- Career progression shows deliberate movement from horror indies (Peelers, 2016) to prestige dramas (Bad Times at the El Royale, 2018)
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Birth Date | August 19, 1987 |
| Birthplace | Manila, Philippines |
| Raised | Richmond, British Columbia |
| Education | Civil Engineering (pre-acting) |
| First Screen Role | Broken Sword: Shadow of the Blade (2012, short) |
| Active Since | 2012 |
| Notable Studios | Paramount, Disney, Netflix, Hulu |
What TV Shows Has Manny Jacinto Appeared In?
Jacinto’s television work spans network broadcasts, cable series, and streaming exclusives. Early credits included single-episode appearances on Supernatural, The 100, and Bates Motel between 2013 and 2015. These brief roles established his presence in Vancouver’s production scene before he relocated to Los Angeles.
What Character Did He Play in The Good Place?
The NBC fantasy sitcom The Good Place (2016–2020) provided Jacinto’s breakthrough as Jason Mendoza (also referred to as Jianyu Li), a recurring character who appeared throughout the series’ four-season run. The role required balancing physical comedy with emotional depth, distinguishing him from earlier guest work. Disney Fandom archives document this as his first series regular commitment.
Which Netflix and Streaming Originals Feature His Work?
Beyond broadcast networks, Jacinto secured leading roles in platform-specific productions. He portrayed Code in Netflix’s Brand New Cherry Flavor (2021) and Yao in Hulu’s Nine Perfect Strangers (2021). Animation work includes the Disney Channel series Hailey’s On It! (2023–2024) as Scott Denoga and the Star Wars series The Acolyte (2024) as Qimir/The Stranger.
Jacinto’s series regular roles appear across multiple platforms: Netflix (Brand New Cherry Flavor), Hulu (Nine Perfect Strangers), and Disney+ (The Acolyte, Hailey’s On It!).
What Is Manny Jacinto Known For?
Industry recognition of Jacinto centers on his versatility across genres and formats, though specific accolades from major award ceremonies remain undocumented in public records.
Which Role Represents His Breakthrough?
Jason Mendoza in The Good Place remains the definitive performance associated with Jacinto’s rise. The character’s combination of naivety and loyalty generated significant cultural traction during the series’ broadcast run from 2016 to 2020. This role preceded his casting in higher-profile theatrical releases.
What Awards Has He Received?
Available records do not indicate wins from major industry ceremonies such as the Emmys or Golden Globes. Recognition derives instead from project-specific critical acclaim and audience metrics. Fandango film credits highlight his consistent employment across high-rated productions.
While specific acting awards remain undocumented in available records, Jacinto’s projects frequently earn high critical ratings. Belle holds 95% on Rotten Tomatoes, while The Knife (2024) maintains 91%.
Despite prominent roles in award-contending series, no wins from major ceremonies such as the Emmys or Golden Globes have been recorded for Jacinto as of 2026.
What Are Manny Jacinto’s Upcoming Projects?
Confirmed future releases extend through 2026, with several productions currently in various stages of post-production or filming.
Freakier Friday (2025) casts Jacinto as Eric Reyes in the Disney live-action sequel. The animated feature Forgotten Island (2026) lists him for voice work, while the television special Prep & Landing: The Snowball Protocol (2025) features him as Renato. Two additional features, Love Language and The Stalemate, remain in post-production and active filming respectively, though specific release dates are unconfirmed. Deadline tracks these developments as they progress.
How Did Manny Jacinto Build His Filmography?
- : Screen debut in short film Broken Sword: Shadow of the Blade as Kenji
- : Multiple short film credits including Tele and #Fix
- : Cast as Jason Mendoza in NBC’s The Good Place, establishing series regular status
- : Joined ensemble cast of Bad Times at the El Royale
- : Lead roles in Netflix’s Brand New Cherry Flavor and Hulu’s Nine Perfect Strangers
- : Appeared in Paramount’s Top Gun: Maverick as Lieutenant “Fritz” Avalone
- : Starred in Star Wars series The Acolyte as Qimir/The Stranger
What Is Confirmed About Future Roles?
Verified Productions
- Freakier Friday (2025): Live-action feature, completed
- Forgotten Island (2026): Voice role, animated feature
- Prep & Landing: The Snowball Protocol (2025): TV special, voice work
- Love Language: Post-production status
- The Stalemate: Currently filming
Unverified or Pending
- Release dates for TBA projects remain unspecified
- Character details for The Stalemate undisclosed
- Potential The Acolyte continuation unconfirmed by Lucasfilm
Where Did Manny Jacinto Begin?
Born August 19, 1987, in Manila, Philippines, Jacinto relocated to Richmond, British Columbia, during his upbringing. Prior to performing, he completed studies in civil engineering, a field he abandoned to pursue acting and dance training. His earliest screen work consisted of independent short films produced in Vancouver, beginning with the 2012 fantasy short Broken Sword: Shadow of the Blade. Salut Bonjour En Direct – Quebec’s Morning Greeting Explained
This technical background contrasts with his subsequent artistic career, which required navigating both Canadian and American entertainment markets. His heritage as a Filipino-Canadian has positioned him within discussions regarding representation in North American media. Wikipedia confirms his birthdate and educational history.
What Do Records Indicate?
Manny Jacinto gained recognition for his role as Jianyu Li/Jason Mendoza in the NBC fantasy sitcom The Good Place (2016–2020), a recurring role that marked his breakthrough after minor TV appearances.
— IMDb
What Defines Manny Jacinto’s Career?
Manny Jacinto’s career reflects a measured progression from regional short films to international franchise productions. His filmography demonstrates particular strength in genre versatility, spanning sitcoms, psychological thrillers, and animated features. With confirmed projects extending through 2026 and multiple productions currently in post-production, his output continues to expand across theatrical and streaming formats. Salut Bonjour En Direct – Hosts Schedule Streaming Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Manny Jacinto?
Born August 19, 1987, Jacinto is 38 years old as of 2026.
Where is Manny Jacinto from?
He was born in Manila, Philippines, and raised in Richmond, British Columbia, Canada, holding Filipino-Canadian nationality.
What was Manny Jacinto’s first role?
His first screen appearance was as Kenji in the 2012 short film Broken Sword: Shadow of the Blade.
Has Manny Jacinto won any awards?
No major industry awards from ceremonies such as the Emmys or Golden Globes have been documented, though his projects have received critical acclaim.
What is Manny Jacinto’s role in Top Gun: Maverick?
He portrayed Lieutenant Billy “Fritz” Avalone, a minor role cast in 2018 for the 2022 Paramount release.
Is Manny Jacinto in any Netflix shows?
Yes, he starred as Code in the 2021 miniseries Brand New Cherry Flavor.
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