Jacinto's Unexpected Rise from Engineer to Hollywood Star

As of November 2025, 38-year-old actor Jacinto is reflecting on his remarkable career journey. In a recent exclusive interview, Jacinto revealed that his younger self would never have believed the path his life has taken.

Jacinto, who is known for his roles in "Freakier Friday" and "Star Wars: The Acolyte," attended the prestigious TIME100 Next Gala in New York City last month. He expressed disbelief at being part of such a high-profile event, saying that his past self would have expected him to be "in an office in front of a computer being an engineer or something."

The actor also celebrated a major milestone - the upcoming 10-year anniversary of the premiere of "The Good Place," in which he played the beloved character Jason Mendoza. Jacinto credits the show for changing his life, as it allowed him to "buy groceries" and move out of a shared house with nurses.

Jacinto's experience on the set of the recent "Top Gun" sequel also inspired him to create more opportunities for Asian-American actors. He noted that while his role was limited, it fueled his desire to tell his own stories and not wait for others to do it for him.

As Jacinto continues to navigate the entertainment industry, his journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring actors, reminding them that with determination and resilience, unexpected paths can lead to remarkable success.