Jason Priestley: Complete Biography and Profile
Jason Bradford Priestley was born on August 28, 1969, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. He is a Canadian-American actor, television director, and producer. Priestley began his career as a child actor, appearing in commercials and minor television roles. His breakthrough role came in 1990 as Brandon Walsh on the iconic teen drama *Beverly Hills, 90210*, a role he played until 1998 and reprised for the 2019 reboot, *BH90210*. Beyond acting, Priestley is an accomplished television director, having helmed 19 episodes of *90210* and numerous other series and films. He is also a passionate race car driver, a hobby that led to a serious accident in 2002 from which he made a full recovery. He married makeup artist Naomi Lowde in 2005, and they have two children. His notable post-*90210* roles include the cynical car salesman Richard "Fitz" Fitzpatrick in *Call Me Fitz* and the former hockey player turned private investigator Matt Shade in *Private Eyes*.The Latest Chapter: Priestley's Current and Upcoming Projects (2024-2025)
Jason Priestley's current work highlights his shift towards complex, often morally ambiguous characters, moving far past the "virtuous" image of Brandon Walsh. His recent commitments in both series and film demonstrate an active and diverse career in the mid-2020s.1. Wild Cards (2024)
The most recent addition to Priestley's TV repertoire is the procedural drama *Wild Cards*, which premiered on The CW on January 17, 2024. In this series, Priestley stars as George, a master con man who is the father of the main character, Max Mitchell (played by Vanessa Morgan). The show centers on a unique partnership between a by-the-book detective, Cole Ellis (Giacomo Gianniotti), and Max, who uses her con artist skills to help solve crimes. Priestley's role as the charismatic but unreliable father figure provides a compelling, recurring dynamic, allowing him to explore a more roguish, LSI-rich character type.2. Private Eyes: West Coast (Upcoming Spinoff)
Fans of the popular Canadian crime dramedy *Private Eyes* have much to look forward to. A new spinoff series, titled *Private Eyes: West Coast*, has been greenlit by Global, with Priestley and co-star Cindy Sampson set to reprise their roles. Priestley will return as the former professional hockey player turned private investigator Matt Shade, alongside Sampson's Angie Everett. The new series will see the investigative duo swap the familiar skyline of Toronto for the seaside charm and fresh mysteries of Victoria, British Columbia. This continuation of the beloved franchise is a major development, confirming the enduring chemistry between the two leads and the popularity of the "Shade and Angie" dynamic.3. All There Is (Upcoming Film)
Priestley is also returning to the big screen in the upcoming film *All There Is*, where he will co-star with Mena Suvari. The project was announced with sales commencing at TIFF (Toronto International Film Festival) in August 2025, suggesting a high-profile, recent production. The plot reportedly revolves around a movie star father and his controversial new sci-fi project, a role that allows Priestley to tap into the meta-narrative of Hollywood celebrity.Essential Roles That Defined Jason Priestley's Career
While his current projects keep him in the spotlight, Priestley's career is built on a foundation of iconic and critically acclaimed roles that showcase his range from teen idol to accomplished dramatic and comedic actor.4. Beverly Hills, 90210 (1990–1998, 2000)
The role that launched a thousand magazine covers, Brandon Walsh remains Priestley's most recognized character. As the moral center of the show, Brandon was the virtuous twin brother to Shannen Doherty's Brenda Walsh, navigating the dramatic landscape of West Beverly High and the subsequent college years. The show was a cultural phenomenon, defining the teen drama genre for a generation and making Priestley a global teen heartthrob.5. Call Me Fitz (2010–2013)
In a radical departure from his *90210* persona, Priestley starred as Richard "Fitz" Fitzpatrick, a morally bankrupt, womanizing, and cynical used-car salesman in the dark comedy series *Call Me Fitz*. This role was a critical success, earning him multiple Canadian Screen Awards, including Best Performance by an Actor in a Continuing Leading Comedic Role. The show allowed Priestley to demonstrate his comedic timing and willingness to embrace complex, anti-hero characters.6. Private Eyes (2016–2021)
Before the *West Coast* spinoff, the original *Private Eyes* series saw Priestley take on the lead role of Matt Shade for five seasons. The series, a successful crime dramedy, paired him with Cindy Sampson and solidified his status as a leading man in Canadian television. Shade’s background as a former professional hockey player who teams up with a private investigator provided a blend of action, humor, and character-driven mystery.7. Tru Calling (2003–2005)
Priestley had a main role in the supernatural drama series *Tru Calling*, starring Eliza Dushku. He played Jack Harper, a character who served as an antagonist to the main character, Tru Davies, who could relive the last day before a person's death. This role was one of his first major post-*90210* television commitments, showcasing his ability to play darker, more mysterious roles.Priestley Behind the Camera: A Director and Producer
Priestley has leveraged his decades of experience in front of the camera to build an impressive career as a television director and producer, adding another layer to his topical authority in the industry.8. Directing Beverly Hills, 90210
Priestley began his directing career while still a main cast member, helming 19 episodes of *Beverly Hills, 90210*. This early experience provided him with a comprehensive understanding of production, which he has carried throughout his career.9. Directing My Life With the Walter Boys (2023)
His recent directorial credits include episodes of the popular Netflix series *My Life With the Walter Boys*. This work keeps him current in the streaming landscape and demonstrates his continued involvement in directing young adult dramas.10. Offside: The Harold Ballard Story (2023)
Priestley directed the documentary *Offside: The Harold Ballard Story*, about the controversial former owner of the Toronto Maple Leafs. This project highlights his interest in Canadian cultural and sports history, further diversifying his directorial portfolio.11. Going the Distance (2004)
He directed his first feature film, *Going the Distance*, a road-trip comedy about Canadian friends traveling to a music festival. This film showcased his early ambition to transition from acting to feature film direction.Additional Notable Movies and TV Appearances
The breadth of Priestley's filmography is vast, including numerous guest roles, voice work, and independent films that contribute to his extensive resume.- V.C. Andrews' Heaven (2019): A role in the Lifetime movie series, based on the Gothic novels.
- Bag of Bones (2011): A four-hour miniseries based on the Stephen King novel, where he played the character of Pierce.
- Die Mommie Die! (2003): A campy comedy film where he played a washed-up TV actor, showing his willingness to poke fun at his own celebrity status.
- Tombstone (1993): An appearance in the classic Western film as Deputy Billy Breakenridge.
- BH90210 (2019): Reprising a fictionalized version of himself, alongside the original cast, in the meta-revival of *Beverly Hills, 90210*.
