JAKE MANLEY [THE ORDER]
Toronto native, JAKE MANLEY is no stranger to acting. You may recognize him from his various roles in hit tv shows such as iZombie, American Gods, Heroes Reborn, Casual to now starring in his latest leading role as Jack Morton in the horror-drama Netflix series, THE ORDER.
With many upcoming projects currently in the works, Jake is definitely a star on the rise and one to watch out for.
In this exclusive photoshoot and interview, Jake opens up about his acting career, his desire to play challenging roles, and what type of book he would be.
PHOTOGRAPHY: SANTIAGO BISSO
Hi, Jake! Tell us a little about your story. Who is Jake Manley?
I grew up just outside of Toronto, Canada. In high school I started producing films with friends and slowly started to gravitate towards being in front of the camera. After studying acting for a few years, I got an agent and started to work in TV/Film in Toronto. I eventually moved to LA where I live now and continue to act/produce content.
Congrats on the success of The Order and getting picked up for season 2. Is there anything that you’re allowed to tell us about what’s to come to get fans excited about the next season?
I don’t know too much myself to be honest. I know the writer’s room is open and they are working away, but keeping it hush. I kind of like having the surprise of seeing the script when it’s done. I do know that S2 will be even funnier and darker.
STYLING: GABRIEL LANGENBRUNNER, GROOMING: PAIGE DAVENPORT for EXCLUSIVE ARTISTS using HARRY’S wearing VERSACE
Beside The Order, you have a lot of other exciting projects in the works. Which one are you most excited for people to see?
Midway and Brotherhood. Both are based off of true stories and period pieces, which I love. Midway is a big WW2 epic by Roland Emmerich with an unreal ensemble cast (Woody Harrelson, Ed Skrein, Mandy Moore). I play a young fighter pilot and it was an experience of a lifetime. Brotherhood is the retelling of a tragic story set in 1926 at a boy’s camp, where several boys are capsized in a canoe during a storm and must fight for their lives.
As an actor, what type of roles and genres do you normally gravitate towards?
I definitely gravitate towards true stories and real people. I love researching a person and figuring out their mindset. I also feel like it’s a great responsibility to portray a real figure. It’s a good kind of pressure.
LEFT: Suit: John Casely - Hayford x Topman, Shirt: Givenchy, Boots: Aquatalia RIGHT: Shirt: Sandro
How do you prepare yourself to get into the character of a role?
If it’s someone real, getting as much source material as I can on them. In any case, real or not, doing my best to think of that character’s past, their environment, how they think, act, and conduct themselves. I find music very helpful as well.
Out of all the roles that you’ve played, which one has resonated with you the most?
Willie West in Midway. Though it wasn’t the biggest role, the weight of WW2 and what these men had to go through hit me hard. The empathy was just there, it wasn’t hard work.
LEFT: Shirt: Givenchy, Pants: Ermenegildo Zegna, RIGHT: Shirt: Versace, Pants: Paige Denim, Shoes: Aquatalia
What’s been the proudest moment of your career so far?
I think getting the role in The Order. It was a big step to play a series lead and to work for a great network like Netflix. It was a big win to get that opportunity.
What’s your dream project?
I don’t know if I would know until I had done it. I would love to play someone iconic, like Frank Sinatra. It would be scary though haha.
LEFT: Shirt: Sandro, Pants: Balmain RIGHT: Suit: John Casely - Hayford x Topman, Shirt: Givenchy
What advice can you give to all of the aspiring actors reading this?
Just keep pushing. Never stop learning, thinking and communicating about your craft. There’s an amazing amount of content being created these days. If you’re serious and persistent, you will work.
Aside from acting, what do you normally enjoy doing in your free time?
Mostly getting outside and spending time with family and friends. I got a puppy recently, so he keeps me pretty busy!
Shirt: Versus Versace, Tank top: Hanes
If you were a book, what kind of book would you be and why?
Something that uses your imagination. I think that’s something important that has been lost a little bit, especially as you grow up.
If you had the chance to help any specific charity / organization, which one would it be and why?
Debra Canada - They help people affected by EB (Epidermolysis Bullosa). This is a terrible condition that not a lot of people know about and treatment is difficult. I have a dear friend this affects and would like to help this organization any way I can.
See Jake as Jack Morton in The Order only on Netflix and be on the lookout for him in A Dog’s Journey in theaters May 17th.