Jesse Santoyo(I)
- Actor
- Writer
- Director
Jesse Santoyo is a Mexican-American filmmaker, actor, screenwriter, and singer-songwriter, born and raised in the Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago, which is known for its rich Latino heritage. From an early age, Jesse discovered a deep passion for film. He began his artistic journey by performing in local and school theater productions and writing and making his own movies. Growing up in an environment with limited Latino representation in Hollywood, Jesse once believed that a career in film and TV was out of reach. However, determined to pursue his dream in 2007 Jesse left Chicago.
His journey led him to the music scene of Nashville, Tennessee. But within a few months of his arrival, his savings dwindled, and he struggled to find work. At one of his lowest points, he called his father to explain that he couldn't even afford milk or diapers for his children. His father's reassuring words, "You are exactly where you need to be," gave him the strength to keep going.
Things took a turn when Jesse heard that a local talent agency was looking for Latino actors. With little more than an old camera and a lot of determination, he snapped a photo of himself and submitted it to the agency. He was signed immediately, marking the beginning of his acting career. Since then, Jesse has appeared in a variety of commercials, feature films, and TV shows, including roles in Cobra Kai, Dynasty, A Nashville Country Christmas, where he starred alongside country music legend Tanya Tucker. And in 2025 we will see him in the Naked Gun Reboot starring Liam Neeson and Pamela Anderson.
In 2016, Jesse expanded his creative horizons by founding Logan Beach Productions, his own independent production company. Through this venture, he has written, directed, and produced several independent films and projects and continues to push boundaries and bring new stories to the screen.
His journey led him to the music scene of Nashville, Tennessee. But within a few months of his arrival, his savings dwindled, and he struggled to find work. At one of his lowest points, he called his father to explain that he couldn't even afford milk or diapers for his children. His father's reassuring words, "You are exactly where you need to be," gave him the strength to keep going.
Things took a turn when Jesse heard that a local talent agency was looking for Latino actors. With little more than an old camera and a lot of determination, he snapped a photo of himself and submitted it to the agency. He was signed immediately, marking the beginning of his acting career. Since then, Jesse has appeared in a variety of commercials, feature films, and TV shows, including roles in Cobra Kai, Dynasty, A Nashville Country Christmas, where he starred alongside country music legend Tanya Tucker. And in 2025 we will see him in the Naked Gun Reboot starring Liam Neeson and Pamela Anderson.
In 2016, Jesse expanded his creative horizons by founding Logan Beach Productions, his own independent production company. Through this venture, he has written, directed, and produced several independent films and projects and continues to push boundaries and bring new stories to the screen.
