Jake Shane: From TikTok Viral to Broadway Star

Jake Shane, initially known for viral TikTok skits and his podcast Therapuss, is rapidly ascending to superstardom. His career has expanded to include a Broadway debut, acting in the SXSW-premiered film Wishful Thinking, and developing a semi-autobiographical comedy series for Hulu.

Shane reflected on his film debut, sharing his initial nervousness and gratitude for co-star Maya Hawke's guidance on set. He contrasted the collaborative atmosphere of filmmaking, where a new "family" is formed, with his experience on Hacks, where he felt more like an outsider joining an established group.

He revealed that acting was always his aspiration, but years of focusing on image and persona, coupled with undiagnosed OCD, posed significant obstacles. Seeking medical help and embracing theater later in college reignited his passion for acting, which he now describes as natural and most enjoyable.

The creative process on Wishful Thinking, directed by Graham Parkes, allowed for improvisation and tailored scenes, which Shane found liberating. He also discussed his ongoing battle with OCD and a fear of impermanence, which makes the slower pace of television production challenging. This anxiety stems from a childhood experience of suppressing happiness to avoid future negative outcomes.

Shane emphasizes that his podcast is a conversational platform, not journalism, and he prioritizes guest comfort, even allowing them to edit content. Despite initial self-doubt regarding his internet fame, he found acceptance on the Wishful Thinking set, where he was treated as a professional actor.