Early Life
Jesse Wayne Heiman was born on May 23, 1978, in Boston, Massachusetts, and moved to Austin, Texas, with his family when he was a child. He attended Westlake High School before enrolling at Texas State University, where he studied English. In 2000, Heiman relocated to Los Angeles to pursue a career in entertainment, quickly finding steady work as a background actor.
Acting Career
Heiman made his screen debut as an extra in the 2001 comedy “Rat Race,” and over the years, he built a résumé that includes appearances in some of the biggest TV shows and movies of the 2000s and 2010s. Fans may recognize him from small roles in “American Pie 2,” “Spider-Man,” “Van Wilder,” and “Old School.” On television, he has appeared in episodes of “The Big Bang Theory,” “Glee,” “Entourage,” and “Monk,” among many others. Although most of his work has been in the background, Heiman has become a cult figure for viewers who spot him across different projects. His unusual career path has been celebrated in online fan forums, and he has been featured in articles and interviews highlighting his ubiquity in Hollywood productions.
Commercial Fame
Heiman’s biggest moment in the spotlight came during the 2013 Super Bowl, when he starred in a GoDaddy commercial alongside Israeli supermodel Bar Refaeli. The ad featured an exaggerated kiss between the two, contrasting Heiman’s geeky persona with Refaeli’s glamour. The kiss lasts more than 15 seconds and reportedly took 65 takes to film. The commercial was watched by more than 100 million people, instantly turning Heiman into a household name and earning him worldwide media coverage. Though the ad was controversial, it cemented his status as more than just a background actor.
Later Work and Legacy
Since the GoDaddy ad, Heiman has continued working steadily in film, television, and commercials. He has also appeared at fan conventions and spoken about his career as Hollywood’s most recognizable extra. While he may never headline a blockbuster, Jesse Heiman has carved out a unique place in the entertainment industry, proving that even the smallest roles can add up to lasting fame.
World’s Greatest Extra
Jesse Heiman is considered by many to be the greatest “extra” in the history of TV and film. He is not only prolific, but his characters always seem to appear in extremely funny and awkward situations. A fan actually took the time to create a YouTube supercut of all his best work:
