Jay Ellis Movies And TV Shows: A Deep Dive Into His Career And Best Roles

Brand: ig-board-022
$50
Quantity


Jay Ellis - Actor

Jay Ellis Movies And TV Shows: A Deep Dive Into His Career And Best Roles

Jay Ellis - Actor

If you've ever found yourself binge-watching a show or getting lost in a film and thought, “Hey, that guy again!”, there's a good chance you've seen Jay Ellis on screen. Whether it's his standout performance in *Insecure*, a dramatic turn in *Top Gun: Maverick*, or a voice role in a popular animated series, Ellis has carved out a niche as one of the most versatile actors in Hollywood today. But with so many appearances, it's easy to lose track of where he's been and what he's done. That’s where this guide comes in. We're diving into Jay Ellis movies and TV shows to show you what he's been up to, why fans love him, and what’s coming next.

So, whether you're a long-time fan or just getting into his work, this article is your one-stop shop for everything you need to know about Jay Ellis' filmography and television roles. We'll walk you through his career highlights, his most iconic roles, and even give you a peek into what he’s working on now.

Let’s jump in and explore how a guy from Chicago became one of the most recognizable faces in modern entertainment. And who knows? You might just find a new show or movie to add to your watchlist.

Table of Contents

Who Is Jay Ellis? A Quick Bio

Jay Ellis was born in Chicago, Illinois, and raised in a family that valued creativity and hard work. From a young age, he was drawn to the arts, eventually finding his way to acting through theater and school productions. His early life in the Windy City gave him a strong foundation, and he later moved to Los Angeles to chase his dreams.

Now, decades later, he's known for his charismatic performances, natural screen presence, and ability to bring depth to every character he plays. Here's a quick look at his basic info:

Full NameJay Ellis
BornApril 19, 1982
BirthplaceChicago, Illinois, USA
OccupationActor, Voice Actor, Producer
Notable Roles*Insecure*, *Top Gun: Maverick*, *The Last Ship*, *Mrs. America*

Early Career and Breakthrough Roles

Jay Ellis started out like many actors—doing small roles, guest spots, and whatever he could get his hands on. His early work included appearances on shows like *Law & Order*, *CSI: NY*, and *The Glades*. These roles gave him valuable screen time and helped him hone his craft.

One of his first major TV roles was on *The Last Ship*, a TNT drama where he played a Navy officer. That role gave him a steady paycheck and allowed him to work with a strong ensemble cast. But it wasn’t until *Insecure* that the world really took notice of Ellis.

So, what was it about *Insecure* that made him a household name? Let’s talk about that next.

Jay Ellis in *Insecure* – The Role That Changed Everything

Ellis played Lawrence, the ex-boyfriend of Issa Dee (played by Issa Rae), in *Insecure*. At first, Lawrence seemed like a side character, but over the course of the show, his arc became one of the most compelling parts of the series. He went from being a struggling app developer living in Issa’s apartment to finding his own path and purpose.

That journey resonated with viewers, especially because Ellis brought so much nuance to the role. He made Lawrence real—flawed, likable, and evolving. That’s probably why fans were so invested in his storyline, and why the show gave him more screen time as it went on.

Lawrence’s season 3 monologue where he talks about being “just okay” is often cited as one of the most powerful moments in the show’s run. It was a defining scene for both the character and the actor.

Jay Ellis Movies – A Look at His Film Roles

While TV gave him his breakout, Ellis has also made a name for himself in movies. One of his most notable film roles is in *Top Gun: Maverick*, where he played Reuben “Payback” Fitch, a Navy pilot. The movie was a huge hit, and Ellis stood out even among big names like Tom Cruise and Miles Teller.

He’s also been in other films like *The Way Back* (2020), where he played a supporting role alongside Ben Affleck. That film dealt with themes of addiction and redemption, and Ellis brought a grounded energy to the screen.

So, if you're looking for Jay Ellis movies, here are a few you should check out:

  • Top Gun: Maverick (2022)
  • The Way Back (2020)
  • Wander (2020)
  • Chi-Raq (2015)
  • Oppenheimer (2023) – voice role

Jay Ellis TV Shows – Beyond *Insecure*

Before *Insecure*, Ellis appeared in a number of TV shows. Here are some of the notable ones:

  • The Last Ship – As mentioned earlier, he played a Navy officer in this TNT series.
  • Mrs. America – A limited series where he portrayed John Sears, a political strategist.
  • Deception – A short-lived drama where he had a supporting role.
  • CSI: NY – One of his earliest TV appearances.

He's also done voice work for animated series like *Star Wars: Visions*, showing his range beyond live-action roles.

If you're diving into Jay Ellis TV shows, start with *Insecure*, then check out *The Last Ship* and *Mrs. America* for a broader look at his acting range.

Voice Acting and Other Creative Ventures

Jay Ellis isn’t just a live-action actor—he’s also done voice acting. One of his most notable voice roles was in *Star Wars: Visions*, where he voiced a character in the animated anthology series. That show gave him the chance to work in a completely different medium and reach a new audience.

He’s also been involved in production and development, showing that he’s more than just a guy in front of the camera. He’s interested in telling stories and helping shape the kinds of projects he’s a part of.

So, if you're wondering what else he's done, voice work is definitely a part of the picture.

Frequently Asked Questions About Jay Ellis

What is Jay Ellis best known for?

He’s best known for his role as Lawrence in *Insecure*, a show that ran for five seasons and earned a loyal fanbase. That role really put him on the map and made him a household name.

Has Jay Ellis been in any big movies?

Yes! One of his biggest film roles was in *Top Gun: Maverick*, where he played a Navy pilot. He’s also been in *The Way Back* and *Chi-Raq*, among others.

Is Jay Ellis in any upcoming projects?

As of 2025, he’s been working on voice projects and is rumored to be involved in new film and TV roles in the near future. You can check out his latest updates on IMDb.

For more on Jay Ellis and his upcoming projects, for more updates and behind-the-scenes info. You can also to see how his roles have evolved over time.

Jay Ellis - Actor
Jay Ellis - Actor

Details

Jay Ellis - Actor
Jay Ellis - Actor

Details

Jay Ellis - Actor
Jay Ellis - Actor

Details

Detail Author:

  • Name : Prof. Estelle Upton V
  • Username : labadie.riley
  • Email : ransom.white@kautzer.org
  • Birthdate : 1986-01-23
  • Address : 6509 Daniel Fords Suite 370 New Lorabury, NC 87867
  • Phone : 930.399.5404
  • Company : Nienow PLC
  • Job : Claims Adjuster
  • Bio : Est a quia corporis totam est tenetur. Et hic minus aut est commodi qui est. Officiis dolore dolores id beatae iste maxime sit non. Aut sit quae eum quo.

Socials

twitter:

  • url : https://twitter.com/alyce_real
  • username : alyce_real
  • bio : Recusandae sapiente labore sunt rerum minus quaerat. Quis quisquam est praesentium itaque. Incidunt architecto quisquam labore voluptatem molestiae.
  • followers : 2602
  • following : 600

facebook:

instagram:

  • url : https://instagram.com/alyce_johnston
  • username : alyce_johnston
  • bio : Earum qui assumenda temporibus quod et. Asperiores et officia repudiandae.
  • followers : 2480
  • following : 1329