Jeremiah O'Connell is a renowned American actor celebrated for his diverse roles in film and television. His career spans from his breakout role in "Stand by Me" to starring roles in popular series like "Sliders," "Crossing Jordan," and "The Defenders." He has also made his mark in comedy with "Joe's Apartment" and in voice acting with "Star Trek: Lower Decks." Currently, he is a co-host on the talk show "The Talk" and the host of a syndicated "Pictionary" game show.
February 17, 1971: Birth of Jerry O'Connell
On February 17, 1971, Jeremiah O'Connell was born in New York City.
1986: Film Debut in "Stand by Me"
In 1986, Jerry O'Connell made his feature film debut as Vern Tessio in the coming-of-age drama "Stand by Me," directed by Rob Reiner.
1987: Frosted Flakes Commercial
In 1987, Jerry O'Connell appeared in a commercial for Kellogg's Frosted Flakes cereal.
1988: Lead Role in "My Secret Identity"
Jerry O'Connell landed the lead role in the Canadian science-fiction sitcom "My Secret Identity" in 1988, playing a teenager with superpowers.
1991: Start of New York University
Jerry O'Connell began attending New York University in 1991, where he pursued a degree in film.
1991: Conclusion of "My Secret Identity"
The Canadian science fiction sitcom "My Secret Identity," in which O'Connell starred, came to an end in 1991 after three seasons.
1992: Role in "Camp Wilder"
Jerry O'Connell appeared in the short-lived ABC sitcom "Camp Wilder" in 1992 alongside Jay Mohr and Hilary Swank.
1994: Completion of Studies at New York University
In 1994, Jerry O'Connell concluded his studies at New York University.
1995: Graduation from New York University
Jerry O'Connell graduated from New York University in 1995 with a degree in film.
1996: Breakthrough Roles in "Jerry Maguire" and "Joe's Apartment"
Jerry O'Connell had a significant year in 1996, appearing in two notable films: he played the memorable role of quarterback Frank Cushman in Cameron Crowe's "Jerry Maguire" and starred as Joe in the comedy "Joe's Apartment."
1997: Appearance in Horror Sequel "Scream 2"
In 1997, Jerry O'Connell joined the cast of the popular horror franchise with a role in "Scream 2."
1999: Screenwriting Debut with "First Daughter"
Jerry O'Connell sold his first screenplay, "First Daughter," to New Regency in 1999, marking his debut as a screenwriter.
2003: Voice Acting Debut in "Kangaroo Jack"
Jerry O'Connell lent his voice to the character Charlie Carbone in the animated film "Kangaroo Jack" in 2003.
2004: Release of "First Daughter"
"First Daughter," a film written by Jerry O'Connell, was released in 2004. O'Connell also served as executive producer on the film, which starred Katie Holmes and Michael Keaton.
2004: Appearance on "Last Call with Carson Daly" and National Enquirer Incident
In 2004, Jerry O'Connell made a memorable guest appearance on "Last Call with Carson Daly," participating in a humorous skit for a GoodNites bedwetting product. The appearance garnered unexpected attention when the National Enquirer published a photo of him in a diaper during the filming of the skit.
2005: Voice Acting in "Justice League Unlimited"
Jerry O'Connell took on the voice role of Captain Marvel in the "Justice League Unlimited" episode "Clash" in 2005.
July 14, 2007: O'Connell Marries Rebecca Romijn
Jerry O'Connell married actress and former model Rebecca Romijn on July 14, 2007.
October 2, 2007: Premiere of "Carpoolers"
Jerry O'Connell began starring in the ABC comedy series "Carpoolers" on October 2, 2007.
February 2, 2008: Hosting VH1's Pepsi Smash Super Bowl Bash
On February 2, 2008, Jerry O'Connell hosted VH1's Pepsi Smash Super Bowl Bash, a musical event that took place the night before Super Bowl XLII.
March 4, 2008: End of "Carpoolers"
The ABC comedy series "Carpoolers," in which Jerry O'Connell starred, aired its final episode on March 4, 2008.
April 28, 2008: Guest Appearance on "Samantha Who?"
Jerry O'Connell made a guest appearance on the ABC sitcom "Samantha Who?" on April 28, 2008.
2008: Birth of O'Connell's Twin Daughters
Jerry O'Connell and Rebecca Romijn welcomed their twin daughters in 2008.
August 2009: O'Connell Briefly Attends Law School
Jerry O'Connell enrolled at Southwestern Law School in Los Angeles in August 2009 but later decided to return to acting full-time.
2009: Film Appearances in "Obsessed" and "Piranha 3D"
Jerry O'Connell appeared in two films in 2009: the thriller "Obsessed," starring Idris Elba and Beyoncé, and the horror-comedy "Piranha 3D."
2010: Lead Role in "Piranha 3D" and "The Defenders" Premiere
O'Connell starred in the comedy horror film "Piranha 3D" and the CBS comedy-drama "The Defenders" in 2010.
May 15, 2011: Cancellation of "The Defenders"
On May 15, 2011, CBS announced the cancellation of the comedy-drama "The Defenders," which starred O'Connell and Jim Belushi, after one season.
November 20, 2011: Broadway Debut in "Seminar"
Jerry O'Connell made his Broadway debut on November 20, 2011, in Theresa Rebeck's play "Seminar" at the Golden Theatre. The production also starred Alan Rickman, Lily Rabe, Hamish Linklater, and Hettienne Park.
2011: End of "The Defenders"
In 2011, the CBS comedy-drama "The Defenders," in which O'Connell starred, was canceled after one season.
June 4, 2012: Casting in "Mockingbird Lane"
On June 4, 2012, it was announced that Jerry O'Connell would be playing Herman Munster in "Mockingbird Lane," a reboot of "The Munsters." While the series was not picked up, the pilot aired as a Halloween special.
May 15, 2013: Casting in "We Are Men"
It was announced on May 15, 2013, that Jerry O'Connell would star alongside Tony Shaloub in the CBS sitcom "We Are Men."
April 2015: Return to Broadway in "Living on Love"
Jerry O'Connell returned to Broadway in April 2015 for the comedy "Living on Love," starring alongside Renée Fleming, Anna Chlumsky, and Douglas Sills.
2017: Lead Role in "Carter"
In 2017, Jerry O'Connell began starring in the Canadian comedy-drama series "Carter." Although the show was well-received, it ended after two seasons.
2017: Starring Role in "Love Locks" with Rebecca Romijn
Jerry O'Connell starred opposite his real-life wife, Rebecca Romijn, in the Hallmark Channel romantic film "Love Locks" in 2017.
January 2020: Broadway Revival of "A Soldier's Play"
Jerry O'Connell joined the cast of the Broadway revival of Charles Fuller's Pulitzer Prize-winning play "A Soldier's Play" in January 2020. The production, staged at the American Airlines Theatre, starred David Alan Grier and Blair Underwood.
2020: Bob Evans Commercials with Alfonso Ribeiro
In 2020, Jerry O'Connell partnered with Alfonso Ribeiro for a series of commercials promoting Bob Evans grocery products.
July 2021: O'Connell Joins The Talk and Hosts Pictionary
In July 2021, Jerry O'Connell joined CBS's The Talk as a permanent co-host, replacing Sharon Osbourne. He also hosted a successful test run of a new syndicated version of Pictionary on Fox stations, leading to a full season launch in fall 2022.
2022: O'Connell and Romijn Host The Real Love Boat
In 2022, Jerry O'Connell and his wife, Rebecca Romijn, co-hosted the CBS reality series, The Real Love Boat.