Jason Priestley life and biography

Jason Priestley: From Teen Heartthrob to Versatile Actor and Director

Jason Priestley, a Canadian-American actor and director, captured hearts as the virtuous Brandon Walsh on the iconic television series Beverly Hills, 90210. This role not only brought him widespread recognition in the early 1990s but also established him as a household name. Over the years, Priestley has continued to evolve, becoming one of the most versatile talents in the entertainment industry, both in front of and behind the camera.

Early Life and Background

A Canadian Foundation
Jason Bradford Priestley was born on August 28, 1969, in Victoria, British Columbia. Raised in a family with artistic inclinations—his mother, Sharon Kirk, was an actress—Priestley was naturally drawn to the world of entertainment. He grew up in North Vancouver, where he graduated from Argyle Secondary School. He has a twin sister, Justine Priestley, who also pursued a career in acting, as well as two stepsiblings, Karin and Kristi.

Citizenship and Family
Priestley became a naturalized American citizen in 2007, solidifying his connection to the country where he achieved fame. Despite his international success, his Canadian roots remain a significant part of his identity.

Career and Accomplishments

Breakthrough as Brandon Walsh
Jason Priestley's career skyrocketed with his portrayal of Brandon Walsh on Beverly Hills, 90210. The role made him a teen idol and cemented his status as a leading actor in the early '90s. While 90210 remains his most iconic role, Priestley has created many memorable characters in other television series, including A Side Order of Life, Love Monkey, Tru Calling, Masters of Horror, Medium, and My Name is Earl.

Transition to Directing
Beyond acting, Priestley has made a significant impact as a director. He directed numerous episodes of ABC Family's hit series The Secret Life of the American Teenager, including the season finale, and also directed the eight-part reality series The Road Hammers, which follows a country band's journey in Nashville.

Priestley's directorial talents extend to film as well. He directed the independent road trip comedy Cas & Dylan, starring Richard Dreyfuss and Tatiana Maslany. His directing credits also include the Hallmark Movie Channel Original Goodnight for Justice, a Western penned by his former 90210 co-star Luke Perry, which delivered record-breaking ratings for the network.

Notable TV Roles and Guest Appearances
Priestley starred as Richard Fitzpatrick in the HBO Canada series Call Me Fitz, a role that showcased his range as an actor and earned him critical acclaim. The show, which aired from 2010 to 2013, was a major success, earning multiple awards and nominations, including 16 Geminis and 3 Canadian Comedy Awards. Priestley himself won the Best Actor Award at the Roma Fiction Fest in 2010.

In 2015, Priestley starred alongside Gael García Bernal in Zoom, a comedy that premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival. He also joined the cast of the sci-fi television show Haven, appearing in a recurring role during its second season and directing two episodes. Additionally, he guest-starred in popular shows like Psych and appeared in Britney Spears' music video for "Boys."

Recent Work and Continued Success
Since 2016, Priestley has starred as Matt Shade, a former hockey player turned private detective, in the Global TV Network comedy-drama series Private Eyes. His portrayal of Shade further solidifies his versatility and ongoing relevance in the entertainment industry.

In May 2016, Priestley was inducted into Canada's Walk of Fame, a testament to his enduring impact on both Canadian and international entertainment.

Personal Life

Priestley’s personal life has seen its share of challenges. In 1999, he was involved in a serious car accident in Hollywood Hills, leading to an arrest for driving under the influence. He faced legal consequences, including a suspended driver’s license and mandatory alcohol management classes.

Despite this setback, Priestley found stability in his personal life. He married make-up artist Naomi Lowde on May 14, 2005, and the couple has two children: a daughter, Ava Veronica, born on July 2, 2007, and a son, Dashiell Orson, born on July 9, 2009. Priestley had previously been married to Ashlee Peterson in 1999, but the marriage ended in divorce after 11 months.

Priestley’s sister, Justine, followed in his footsteps, appearing in a few episodes of the 90210 spin-off Melrose Place in 1996. In 2013, Priestley was honored by the restaurant chain Tim Hortons with a namesake doughnut, "The Priestley," though it was not rolled out nationwide.

In 2014, Priestley published his autobiography, Jason Priestley: A Memoir, offering an introspective look into his life and career. The book provides fans with a deeper understanding of the man behind the roles that defined a generation. On July 9, 2007, during an appearance on Late Night with Conan O'Brien, Priestley revealed that he had recently become an American citizen.

Influence and Legacy

Jason Priestley’s influence extends beyond his iconic role in Beverly Hills, 90210. As both an actor and a director, he has made significant contributions to television and film, continuing to engage audiences with his diverse talents. His work behind the camera has also earned him recognition, showcasing his ability to excel in multiple aspects of the entertainment industry.

Priestley’s induction into Canada's Walk of Fame and his numerous awards and nominations reflect his lasting impact on the entertainment industry. His career, spanning over three decades, serves as an inspiration for aspiring actors and directors.

Interesting Facts about Jason Priestley:

First Car Accident: In 1999, Priestley crashed his Porsche into a telephone pole, leading to legal consequences.
Marriage and Family: He married make-up artist Naomi Lowde in 2005, and they have two children together.
Sister in Acting: His twin sister, Justine Priestley, is also an actor.
Autobiography: Published Jason Priestley: A Memoir in 2014, sharing insights into his life and career.
Citizenship: Became a naturalized American citizen in 2007.
Tim Hortons Doughnut: Honored with a namesake doughnut by Tim Hortons, called "The Priestley."

References and Influences

Luke Perry: Co-starred with Priestley on Beverly Hills, 90210, and collaborated with him on several directing projects.
David Mamet: Priestley appeared in Mamet's play Race in 2013.
Tim Hortons: Honored Priestley with a namesake doughnut in 2013.
Richard Dreyfuss and Tatiana Maslany: Co-stars in Priestley’s directorial debut, Cas & Dylan.

Filmography of actor Jason Priestley:

1990-2000: Beverly Hills, 90210
2009: Expecting a Miracle; The Day of the Triffids
2010: Call Me Fitz
2011: Haven
2012: Psych
2013: How I Met Your Mother; CSI: Crime Scene Investigation
2014: Hot in Cleveland
2015: Mummies Alive; Welcome to Sweden
2016-2018: Raising Expectations
2016-2021: Private Eyes
2018: The Joel McHale Show with Joel McHale
2019: The Twilight Zone; BH90210; Dark Angel; Fallen Hearts; Gates of Paradise; Web of Dreams
2020: The Order; Dear Christmas; Corner Gas Animated;
2022: Canada's Got Talent2023: Fantasy Island;
2023: Mort sur la piste; Börje – The Journey of a Legend
2024-present: Wild Cards

Awards and nominations of actor Jason Priestley:

* Golden Globe Awards:
1993: Nominated, "Best Performance by an Actor in a TV-Series (Drama)" - Beverly Hills, 90210
1995: Nominated, "Best Performance by an Actor in a TV-Series (Drama)" - Beverly Hills, 90210
* Gemini Awards:
2003: Nominated, "Best Performance or Host in a Variety Program or Series" – The True Meaning of Christmas Specials (shared w/co-stars)

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