Actor Jake Weary doesn’t shy away from dark material.
Weary and the highly dysfunctional Cody family are back May 28 for a fourth season of bloodshed and betrayal in the hit TNT drama Animal Kingdom. In September, look for the Glen Ridge-born/Montclair-raised actor in a small role in It: Chapter Two, the sequel to the 2017 creepy-clown movie.
“Working on It was super fun,” says Weary, 29. But he adds with a laugh: “I’m only in the opening segment. I may end up not making the final cut.”
Weary was raised in a show-biz family. His mother, Kim Zimmer, won four daytime Emmys on the long-running soap opera Guiding Light. His dad, A.C. Weary, is a director. Weary’s previous credits include the TV soap As the World Turns (as Luke Snyder) and the NBC drama Chicago Fire.
“Jersey gave me that ability to tell it like it is,” says Weary. “Jersey natives know who they are and are not afraid to show it.”
On Animal Kingdom, Weary plays one of the four Cody boys, who operate a criminal enterprise presided over by Ellen Barkin.
“Fans should definitely expect things to change a bit,” says Weary of the new season.
Weary’s character has gotten lots of attention because of his complex sexuality. “The stereotypical gay character on TV, it’s been done so much. I just hope I’m doing this character justice.”
When he’s back in Jersey visiting family, Weary always makes his way to Valley Road in Montclair for slices at Enzo’s, or Taylor ham sandwiches at Hot Bagels Abroad next door.
“I’m still a Jersey boy at heart.”