Meet the 'world's greatest extra': Jesse Heiman has starred in more than 100 movies, and you've seen him!
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Jesse Heiman may not be a household name to everyone, but audiences will recognize him instantly. Heiman was an extra in the background and was often referred to and introduced as a minuscule character in many comedies from the 2000s. The actor has been called 'The World's Greatest Extra' and has also starred in a documentary of the same name in which he tries to turn his overnight recognition from a Superbowl commercial into a lasting career as a leading man.
Jesse Heiman has more than 100 acting careers to his credit, surpassing even the most famous actors like Christian Bale and Brad Pitt. Now you might think that these are just background roles that don't make an impact, but that's not true. The audience knows him and his trademark - curly hair, rosy cheeks, and glasses.
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Jesse Heiman's Hollywood career took off in 2000s
Jesse Heiman's first role was as an extra in the 2001 film 'Rat Race,' after which he has had recurring appearances as a student in school films and in TV shows. Heiman has a recurring role in the TV show 'Chuck' and a speaking role in 'Entourage'. He has also appeared in many popular sitcoms such as 'Big Bang Theory,' 'Parks and Recreation,' 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia,' 'Arrested Development,' 'Curb Your Enthusiasm,' and 'How I Met Your Mother' - the list goes on and on. Here are 5 of the many movies and TV shows you may have seen Jesse Heiman in.
'American Pie 2'
Jesse Heiman's actual extra role was in 'American Pie 2' and his character was named 'Petey' who is a trombone player. He is only seen in this role for one minute, playing the trombone while sitting in the back of a van. His character has been to band camp way too many times, and his lead line in the movie is "Once in band camp." With that line, we wonder if Petey has anything left to say.
'Spider-Man'
'Spider-Man' has attracted attention since its first appearance in 2002, and since then the franchise has become a pop culture success. To jog your memory, we'll tell you when you get to see his face in the movie. When Peter Parker (Tobey McGuire) becomes Spider-Man and realizes he has supernatural powers, he goes back to his bully and tells him off by beating him up. After catching Peter literally misbehaving, a partially distraught Mary Jane (Kirsten Dunst) looks over at Peter with shock in her eyes, and just over her shoulder you can see Heiman, who is just as shocked as Mary.
'The Mindy Project'
Mindy Kaling's comedy-drama show 'The Mindy Project' has attracted attention for its unique script and great punchlines. It is worth noting that among many well-known cameos, such as BJ Novak and Zoe Jarman, Jesse Heiman was also featured in the show for one minute as a snack bar employee in a theater.
'Old School'
In one of Heiman's better-known roles, he plays Budnick in 'Old School,' one of the characters representing the film's newly formed fraternity. A lawyer and his two buddies decide to revive their glory days by building a fraternity house next to their former college campus.
'Transformers: Dark of the Moon'
At the end of the era in which he took roles as a student, Jesse can be seen in the 2011 film 'Transformers: Dark of the Moon,' where he runs after Shia LaBeouf as the latter's character Sam applies for a new job and has a serious conversation with his boss Bruce (John Malkovich) in between. Heiman can be seen awkwardly walking past the office cubicle and spying on the two characters.
'Catch Me If You Can'
Heimann also appeared as a student in 'Catch Me If You Can' starring Leonardo Di Caprio. "Spielberg is my hero. The reason I got into acting. He directed me on Catch," Heimann told The Guardian in 2011.