Manny Jacinto has been making waves in the Star Wars universe with his role in “The Acolyte,” a Disney+ series that has captivated audiences. Jacinto plays Qimir, a seemingly carefree apothecary who is later revealed to be a formidable Jedi-slaying warrior. His performance has garnered widespread acclaim, with fans praising his range, charisma, and physical prowess. But Jacinto’s journey to stardom is filled with interesting tidbits that many might not know. Here are 12 fascinating facts about the actor who has taken the Star Wars fandom by storm.
Manny Jacinto’s first significant break came in 2013 when he appeared in an episode of the ABC fantasy series “Once Upon a Time.” That same year, he also featured in an episode of “Supernatural.” These early roles paved the way for more appearances in shows like “The 100,” “iZombie,” “Bates Motel,” and “Wayward Pines.” However, it was his role as Jason Mendoza in NBC’s hit comedy “The Good Place” that truly launched his career. This role not only brought him widespread recognition but also made him a favorite among fans.
Born in Manila, Philippines, Jacinto moved to Richmond, British Columbia, with his family when he was just three years old. Of Filipino-Chinese descent, he later relocated to Los Angeles to pursue a more diverse acting career. His multicultural background and journey from the Philippines to Hollywood add a rich layer to his persona.
In “Top Gun: Maverick,” Jacinto was cast as Lt. Billy “Fritz” Avalone, one of the pilots trained by Tom Cruise’s character. Unfortunately, his screen time was minimal, and he had no speaking lines, which many fans consider a missed opportunity. Despite this, his inclusion in such a high-profile project speaks volumes about his rising star status.
In 2020, Jacinto was named one of People Magazine’s Sexiest Men, joining the ranks of other notable celebrities like Brad Pitt, Chris Evans, and Michael B. Jordan. This accolade further cemented his status as a heartthrob and a versatile actor.
Interestingly, Jacinto holds a civil engineering degree from the University of British Columbia. Coming from a family of engineers, he had a backup plan in case acting didn’t pan out. During his college years, he interned for companies involved in significant projects like the Vancouver Trade and Convention Centre and the redesigned Port Mann Bridge.
Before diving into acting, Jacinto was a competitive hip-hop dancer. He was part of a Vancouver-based dance crew that placed 10th at the 2013 World Hip Hop Championship in Las Vegas. His dance background has undoubtedly contributed to his physicality and grace on screen. In a 2018 interview, he credited the hip-hop dance group Jabbawockeez for sparking his interest in dance, which eventually led him to acting.
Jacinto is engaged to Vietnamese-Canadian actress Dianne Doan, known for her roles in “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.,” “Vikings,” and the “Descendants” film franchise. In 2019, Jacinto revealed that his character in “The Good Place” inspired him to propose to Doan. His proposal was a romantic journey through significant locations in their relationship, culminating in a heartfelt moment with their families present.
For his role in “The Acolyte,” Jacinto spent eight months in the remote English town of Windsor to immerse himself in his character. He drew inspiration from iconic characters like Johnny Depp’s Jack Sparrow and Toshiro Mifune’s Kikuchiyo. His dedication to the role extended to practicing his character’s mannerisms in everyday settings, such as his local grocery store.
Jacinto performed most of his fight stunts in “The Acolyte,” training rigorously for nearly four months. His background in dance, boxing, and martial arts helped him execute the complex choreography required for the epic battle scenes. A clip of him practicing his fight moves has been widely shared on social media, showcasing his commitment to the role.
Initially, the role of Qimir/the Stranger in “The Acolyte” was meant to be much smaller. However, showrunner Leslye Headland expanded the character’s storyline after seeing Jacinto’s impressive screen test. This decision allowed audiences to see more of Jacinto’s captivating performance.
Jacinto’s father, an engineer, was initially skeptical about his son’s acting career. However, after Jacinto’s success in “The Good Place,” his father became his biggest fan. This support has been a significant source of encouragement for Jacinto.
Jacinto is a strong advocate for Asian American representation in the media. He is thoughtful about the roles he chooses, aiming to break stereotypes and inspire other Asian kids. In a 2021 interview, he emphasized the importance of portraying diverse and non-stereotypical characters, reflecting his commitment to changing the industry’s landscape.
Manny Jacinto’s journey from a young immigrant in Canada to a rising star in Hollywood is nothing short of inspiring. His diverse talents, dedication to his craft, and commitment to representation make him a standout figure in the entertainment industry. As he continues to captivate audiences in “The Acolyte” and beyond, there’s no doubt that Jacinto’s star will only continue to rise.
Source: Variety, Getty Images, NBCU Photo Bank, StarWars.com, EW, Inverse, Bustle, GQ
