Brief Introduction of Manny Jacinto
Manuel “Manny” Luis Jacinto is a Filipino-Canadian actor who rose to prominence for his role as the lovable “pre-successful” DJ Jason Mendoza in the critically acclaimed NBC sitcom The Good Place (2016–2020). His portrayal of the endearingly dim-witted character broke stereotypes for Asian male actors in Hollywood and garnered him a significant fan following. Since his breakout role, Jacinto has expanded his career with diverse roles in major productions like Top Gun: Maverick (2022) and the Disney+ series The Acolyte (2024), establishing himself as a versatile and sought-after talent in the entertainment industry.
Manny Jacinto Overview
| Full Name | Manuel Luis Jacinto |
| Date of Birth | August 19, 1987 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 38 |
| Birthplace | Manila, Philippines |
| Nationality | Filipino-Canadian |
| Ethnicity | Filipino-Chinese |
| Education | Bachelor of Applied Science in Civil Engineering, University of British Columbia |
| Profession | Actor, Model, Voiceover Artist |
| Partner | Dianne Doan (Engaged since 2019) |
| Net Worth (as of 2025) | Estimated $4 million |
| Height | 5 feet 10 inches (1.80 meters) |
Early Life and Education of Manny Jacinto
Manny Jacinto was born Manuel Luis Jacinto on August 19, 1987, in Manila, Philippines. He is of Filipino-Chinese heritage. In 1990, when he was about three years old, his family immigrated to Canada, seeking better opportunities. He was raised in Richmond, British Columbia, by his parents, Emmy and Lito Jacinto. Growing up, Jacinto was athletic, with a passion for baseball and basketball.
He attended Vancouver College, an all-boys Catholic high school. Following high school, Jacinto enrolled at the University of British Columbia. Initially considering a career as a pharmacist, he ultimately pursued a degree in civil engineering to follow in his father’s footsteps. It was during his university years that he discovered a passion for hip-hop dance, which led him to participate in dance competitions and sparked his interest in the performing arts. Despite completing his Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering in 2012 and undertaking an internship, Jacinto realized his true calling was not in engineering but in acting and dancing. This realization prompted him to enroll in professional acting workshops to hone his craft.
Manny Jacinto’s Career
Early Career and Breakthrough
Manny Jacinto began his acting career with several small roles in television shows filmed in Vancouver. He appeared in series such as Once Upon a Time (2013), Supernatural (2013), The 100 (2014), and iZombie (2015). In 2015, he landed a more significant role as Wing Lei, a triad leader, in the CBC spy drama The Romeo Section. This role earned him a Leo Award nomination for Best Supporting Performance by a Male in a Dramatic Series.
Frustrated by the limited opportunities for Asian actors in Vancouver, Jacinto moved to Los Angeles to further his career. His major breakthrough came in 2016 when he was cast as Jason Mendoza in the NBC fantasy-comedy series The Good Place. His portrayal of the sweet-natured, dim-witted DJ from Jacksonville, Florida, was a critical and popular success. The character of Jason Mendoza was praised for subverting common stereotypes of Asian men in Hollywood, and Jacinto’s performance earned him widespread recognition and a dedicated fanbase.
Post-The Good Place Success
Following the conclusion of The Good Place in 2020, Jacinto’s career has continued to ascend. He has taken on a variety of roles, showcasing his versatility as an actor. He appeared in the neo-noir thriller Bad Times at the El Royale (2018) and starred opposite Tom Cruise in the blockbuster sequel Top Gun: Maverick (2022) as pilot Fritz. He also took on a dramatic role in the Hulu miniseries Nine Perfect Strangers (2021) alongside Nicole Kidman and Melissa McCarthy.
Jacinto has also ventured into voice acting, lending his voice to the Disney Channel animated series Hailey’s On It! (2023–2024), the Netflix anime series Trese (2021), and the Japanese animated film Belle (2021). In 2024, he joined the Star Wars universe, playing the complex character of Qimir in the Disney+ series The Acolyte. Looking ahead, Jacinto is set to star in the Disney sequel Freakier Friday in 2025, a role that marks a significant step as a romantic lead for a Southeast Asian actor in a major Hollywood production.
Manny Jacinto Personal Life & Family
Manny Jacinto is known for keeping his family life relatively private. His father was a financial manager and his mother a homemaker. In November 2019, Jacinto announced his engagement to his longtime partner, actress Dianne Doan. The couple first met during their early days as dancers. Jacinto has shared that a line from his character Jason Mendoza’s relationship in The Good Place inspired him to propose. For the proposal, he took Doan to several locations that were meaningful to their relationship. They reside in Los Angeles with their adopted rescue dog, Henri.
Awards and Achievements of Manny Jacinto
Manny Jacinto’s work, particularly his role in The Good Place, has been recognized with several nominations and awards.
- In 2016, he was nominated for a Leo Award for Best Supporting Performance by a Male in a Dramatic Series for his work in The Romeo Section.
- In 2018, he and the cast of The Good Place were nominated for Ensemble of the Year at the Gold Derby TV Awards.
- That same year, he was named Breakout Actor in TV at the 17th Unforgettable Gala, an event that celebrates Asian and Pacific Islander talent.
- The cast of The Good Place also received a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination in 2020 for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series.
Manny Jacinto Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Manny Jacinto’s net worth is estimated to be around $4 million. His primary sources of income are his acting roles in television and film. Following his success on The Good Place, his profile has risen significantly, leading to roles in major blockbusters like Top Gun: Maverick and prominent series such as The Acolyte. Additionally, his growing fame has led to endorsement deals with brands like Calvin Klein and Nike, which contribute to his overall net worth.
Legacy and Influence
Manny Jacinto’s career has had a notable impact on Hollywood, particularly in the realm of Asian representation. His role as Jason Mendoza in The Good Place was widely praised for breaking away from stereotypical portrayals of Asian men, presenting a character who was goofy, kind-hearted, and unexpectedly complex. This has helped pave the way for more diverse and nuanced roles for Asian actors.
Jacinto is an outspoken advocate for greater Asian representation in the entertainment industry. He has also spoken about how his experience on The Good Place inspired him to become more involved in social causes, such as climate change and human rights. He credits influential women in the industry, including Nicole Kidman and Leslye Headland, for championing his career and seeing his potential beyond his initial breakout role.
Interesting Facts about Manny Jacinto
- Before pursuing acting, he earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of British Columbia.
- He is a skilled hip-hop dancer and participated in dance competitions before his acting career took off.
- Jacinto told his parents he would give himself five years to make it as an actor after deciding to leave the engineering field.
- He is fluent in French and speaks some Tagalog.
- His character Jason Mendoza was partly inspired by his friends from his all-boys high school.
- He has cited the Asian dance crew Jabbawockeez as an early influence.
- Jacinto has said his worst job was lasting only a single day folding cardboard boxes in a warehouse when he was 15.
Social Media Presence
Manny Jacinto maintains an active presence on social media, where he connects with fans and shares updates about his work. His primary platform is Instagram, under the handle @mannyjacinto. As of mid-2025, he has a substantial following on the platform, reflecting his popularity and the engagement of his fanbase.
Final Words about Manny Jacinto
Manny Jacinto continues to build an impressive and varied career, moving seamlessly from a beloved comedic character to more dramatic and action-oriented roles. His journey from a civil engineering student to a recognized Hollywood actor is a testament to his dedication and talent. With his upcoming lead role in Freakier Friday, he is breaking new ground for Asian romantic leads in mainstream cinema. He is also passionate about telling Filipino stories and is in the process of producing a project that reflects his heritage. As he continues to take on challenging roles and advocate for diversity, Manny Jacinto’s influence in the entertainment industry is poised to grow even stronger.
