Jesse From ‘Free Willy’ Is All Grown Up Now And Still Working As An Actor

Sep 08, 2021

Movies from our childhood or teenage years can help bring back some fantastic memories and a great sense of nostalgia. For many, these movies continue to hold a special place in our hearts even as we go through the many stages of adulthood. However, not every child star that once starred in these favorites goes on to become a star in their adult lives. Fortunately, there are plenty that do, including the young boy who played Jesse in the hit movie “Free Willy.”

“Free Willy” is a 1993 family drama film directed by Simon Wincer that went on to become a small franchise with a handful of spin-off movies following. The first movie was the catalyst for launching Jason James Richter’s career, who played the leading role of Jesse in the first three films. 

Following the story of an orphan boy who befriends an orca kept in captivity, “Free Willy” has gone on to become a highly successful film and franchise with plenty of fans still marveling at its wonder. Although it was not extremely successful during its beginning stages at the box office, “Free Willy” grew in popularity as time went on, and is still a fan favorite to this day.

As an up-and-coming actor at the time, Richter had plenty of opportunities in front of him as he went on to insert himself in the entertainment industry as a professional actor. While “Free Willy” was the film that gave him a platform for fame and success, it is not the only production he’s starred in. In fact, the actor is still active in the industry, and has since appeared in numerous films, television series and even a few music videos.

Success As A Young Star

Richter was born on Jan. 29, 1980 in Medford, Oregon. When he was only 3 years old, he and his family moved to Honolulu, Hawaii, where he was then discovered by a Japanese casting agency. He had a small start in the entertainment industry and made a few appearances on television during this time, before his family moved once again, this time to San Diego, California.

In 1993, Richter landed the role of a lifetime when he was cast as the leading role of Jesse in the film "Free Willy." He was just a teenager at the time. Although the film wasn't immediately successful at the box office, it continued to grow in popularity as time went on, with many people still adoringly loving the film to this day. Richter also went on to star in two sequels, "Free Willy 2: The Adventure Home" and "Free Willy 3: The Rescue," reprising his role as Jesse in both films. 

The actor continued to find popularity with the role even when he wasn't working on the film franchise, as he also reprised his role as Jesse in the music video for "Childhood" by Michael Jackson. The song went on to become the main theme song in "Free Willy 2: The Adventure Home."

Something that made "Free Willy" so exciting to watch was that it was partially based on a true story about Keiko, the friendly killer whale. According to Metro, Keiko even starred as Willy in "Free Willy," amplifying the story about a whale kept in captivity with the hopes of someday being released back into the wild.

What He's Doing Now

It's safe to say that "Free Willy" was a great launching pad for Richter and his future career. So, what exactly happened to the young boy who played Jesse? At 41 years old, Richter is all grown up now and still following his passion. Hit reported that although it hasn't been all smooth sailing, Richter is still heavily involved in the entertainment industry and has appeared in several independent films and other productions.

Richter also branched out into the music industry. After appearing in "Ricochet River" in 2001, he took a hiatus from acting and turned his attention to music. Speaking with the Daily Beast in 2013, Richter said, "I had been on sets since I was 11 years old. I just needed a break." Richter went on to serve as the guitarist for Blue Root and the bassist for Fermata, and also appeared in the music video for Houses' "Pink Honey." Fortunately, his break from the acting industry didn't last too long, as he jumped back into the scene in 2009.

Some of the television shows he has appeared in over his many years in the industry include "Sabrina, the Teenage Witch," "Rugrats," "Bones" and "Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior." Staying active in the film industry, Richter appeared in several films and TV movies, including "Life's a Pitch," "The Last Rampage" and "Ghost in the Graveyard." Some of his most recent work includes the 2021 crime thriller "The Little Things" and the 2021 comedy drama film "Last Call." We can't wait to see what project Richter will star in next!

What do you think about Jason James Richter's career? Did you know he starred in so many other TV shows and movies? Let us know, and be sure to pass this along to your family members and friends, too!