🕷️ Crawler Inspector

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Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 62 (from laksa125)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa062.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.britannica.com/topic/The-Social-Network\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.britannica.com/topic/The-Social-Network\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/The-Social-Network","crawl_time":1776104570,"first_indexed_time":1472847830,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,britannica!www,\/topic\/The-Social-Network s443","src_root_hash":"5455945239613777662","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"The Social Network | film by Fincher [2010] | Britannica","meta_descriptions":["Other articles where The Social Network is discussed: David Fincher: He then helmed The Social Network (2010), a portrait of Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg’s rise to power. The film was hailed by many critics as a 21st-century analogue to Citizen Kane, and Fincher won the best director Golden Globe and was nominated for an Academy Award."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Top Questions\nWhat type of characters is Jesse Eisenberg known for playing?\nWhat are Jesse Eisenberg’s notable films and TV shows?\nWhat films has Jesse Eisenberg directed?\nJesse Eisenberg\n(born October 5, 1983, Queens,\nNew York\n, U.S.) is an American actor, writer, and director best known for playing smart but awkward characters. He appeared in such popular movies as\nThe Squid and the Whale\n(2005) and\nZombieland\n(2009) before his star-making turn as\nFacebook\ncofounder\nMark Zuckerberg\nin\nThe Social Network\n(2010). Eisenberg also wrote, directed, and starred in the well-received\nfilm\nA Real Pain\n(2024).\nEarly life\nEisenberg was born in the\nNew York City\nborough of\nQueens\nand grew up in East Brunswick,\nNew Jersey\n. He was raised in a\nJewish\nfamily. His mother, Amy Eisenberg, performed at birthday parties as a clown, and his father, Barry Eisenberg, was a sociology professor. Jesse Eisenberg, who suffers from\nanxiety\nand depression, had what he has described as a “weird childhood.” He cried every day of first grade, and the stresses of a new school resulted in his being homeschooled for the sixth grade. Struggling to fit in, Eisenberg found an outlet in\nacting\n. He did\ncommunity\ntheater, and in 1996 he was an understudy in the Broadway production of\nSummer and Smoke\n.\nIn 1999 Eisenberg made his TV debut in\nGet Real\n, about a dysfunctional family; the show was canceled after one season. As a high-school senior, he landed a role in the independent film\nRoger Dodger\n, playing an inexperienced 16-year-old who spends a night on the town with his womanizing uncle. For his work in the\ndrama\n, which was released in 2002, Eisenberg was named the “most promising new actor” at the\nSan Diego\nFilm Festival (later San Diego International Film Festival). After graduating from the Professional Performing Arts School in 2001, Eisenberg\nattended\nthe New School, where he studied anthropology.\nActing career\nFollowing a small role in\nM. Night Shyamalan\n’s\nThe Village\n(2004), Eisenberg starred in\nNoah Baumbach\n’s critically acclaimed\nThe Squid and the Whale\n(2005), portraying an awkward teen son of divorcing parents (played by Jeff Daniels and\nLaura Linney\n). Eisenberg appeared in several movies in 2007, notably\nThe Hunting Party\n, a satire about journalists mistaken for\nCIA\noperatives, and the coming-of-age drama\nThe Education of Charlie Banks\n. His credits from 2009 include\nAdventureland\n(opposite\nKristen Stewart\n) and\nZombieland\n, a popular horror comedy costarring\nWoody Harrelson\nand\nEmma Stone\n.\nThe Social Network\nJesse Eisenberg (right) as Mark Zuckerberg in\nThe Social Network\n(2010), directed by David Fincher.\nWhile garnering attention for his previous roles, Eisenberg became a star with his portrayal of Mark Zuckerberg in\nDavid Fincher\n’s\nThe Social Network\n(2010); the drama was written by\nAaron Sorkin\nand costarred\nAndrew Garfield\nand\nJustin Timberlake\n. “When Mr. Eisenberg makes Mark’s face go blank, the character seems scarily emptied out: it’s a subtly great, at times unsettling, performance,” Manohla Dargis wrote in\nher movie review for\nThe New York Times\n. Eisenberg went on to earn an\nAcademy Award\nnomination\n.\nIn 2012 Eisenberg joined an all-star cast for\nWoody Allen\n’s\nTo Rome with Love\n. The following year he reunited with Harrelson in\nNow You See Me\n, a heist drama about magicians who rob banks during their performances. Eisenberg played the group’s leader, J. Daniel Atlas. Other films from 2013 include the thrillers\nThe Double\nand\nKelly Reichardt\n’s\nNight Moves\n. In the latter, Eisenberg was cast as an environmentalist who plots to destroy a dam. In 2016 he portrayed villain\nLex Luthor\nin\nBatman v Superman: Dawn of Justice\n, returned as J. Daniel Atlas in\nNow You See Me 2\n, and reunited with Allen and Stewart for\nCafé Society\n, a\nromantic comedy\nset in 1930s\nHollywood\n.\nNotable Roles\nColumbus:\nZombieland\nand\nZombieland: Double Tap\nJames Brennan:\nAdventureland\nMark Zuckerberg:\nThe Social Network\nJ. Daniel Atlas: Now You See Me series\nLex Luthor:\nBatman v Superman: Dawn of Justice\nand\nJustice League\nToby Fleishman:\nFleishman Is in Trouble\nDavid Kaplan:\nA Real Pain\nEisenberg remained busy, and in 2019 he\nreprised\nhis role as Columbus in\nZombieland: Double Tap\nand appeared in\nThe Art of Self-Defense\n, a dark comedy about a meek accountant who begins taking karate lessons from a hypermasculine sensei. He later starred with\nClaire Danes\nin the acclaimed miniseries\nFleishman Is in Trouble\n(2022). It was based on a novel by Taffy Brodesser-Akner and centers on the breakdown of a couple’s marriage, as viewed from different perspectives.\nGo beyond the basics with trusted, in-depth knowledge for professionals, students, and lifelong learners.\nSUBSCRIBE\nEisenberg’s distinct acting style—highlighted by quick speaking and various tics, such as finger tapping—has earned him comparisons to Allen and\nDustin Hoffman\n. Eisenberg has said that all of his roles are based on little parts of himself.\nDirecting\nA Real Pain\nKieran Culkin (left) and Jesse Eisenberg in\nA Real Pain\n(2024). Eisenberg also wrote and directed the film.\nIn 2022 Eisenberg directed his first feature film,\nWhen You Finish Saving the World\n. The comedy, which he also wrote, centers on the strained relationship between a mother and son, played by\nJulianne Moore\nand Finn Wolfhard, respectively. Eisenberg next wrote, directed, and starred in\nA Real Pain\n(2024), about two Jewish cousins (Eisenberg and\nKieran Culkin\n) who honor their recently\ndeceased\ngrandmother by traveling to Poland, where they tour\nHolocaust\nsites and visit her childhood home. Eisenberg drew from his own family history for the movie. The character Grandma Dory is based on Eisenberg’s great-aunt Doris, who was born and raised in Poland. After filming\nA Real Pain\n, Eisenberg applied for—and received—Polish citizenship after becoming “obsessed” with his family history in that country. The movie was praised by critics, and Eisenberg received an Oscar nomination for\nbest original screenplay\n.\nOther activities\nEisenberg also wrote and appeared in the\nOff-Broadway\nplays\nAsuncion\n(2011), a comedy that centers on the friendship of two men;\nThe Revisionist\n(2013), which costarred\nVanessa Redgrave\n; and\nThe Spoils\n(2015), about a struggling filmmaker who pursues a childhood crush. In addition, Eisenberg penned short stories, and in 2015 he published the collection\nBream Gives Me Hiccups\n.\nQuick Facts\nMovies\/Tv Shows (Acted In):\n\"Why Stop Now?\" (2012)\n\"The Newsroom\" (2012)\n\"To Rome with Love\" (2012)\n\"Solitary Man\" (2009)\n\"Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice\" (2016)\n\"The Squid and the Whale\" (2005)\n\"The End of the Tour\" (2015)\n\"One Day Like Rain\" (2007)\n\"The Hummingbird Project\" (2018)\n\"30 Minutes or Less\" (2011)\n\"Louder Than Bombs\" (2015)\n\"The Education of Charlie Banks\" (2007)\n\"Café Society\" (2016)\n\"The Living Wake\" (2007)\n\"Now You See Me 2\" (2016)\n\"Roger Dodger\" (2002)\n\"Camp Hell\" (2010)\n\"Get Real\" (1999–2000)\n\"Night Moves\" (2013)\n\"He's Way More Famous Than You\" (2013)\n\"Vivarium\" (2019)\n\"Now You See Me\" (2013)\n\"The Hunting Party\" (2007)\n\"Resistance\" (2020)\n\"The Social Network\" (2010)\n\"Zombieland: Double Tap\" (2019)\n\"Zombieland\" (2009)\n\"Free Samples\" (2012)\n\"Modern Family\" (2014)\n\"Cursed\" (2005)\n\"The Double\" (2013)\n\"The Emperor's Club\" (2002)\n\"Adventureland\" (2009)\n\"Holy Rollers\" (2010)\n\"American Ultra\" (2015)\n\"The Village\" (2004)\n\"The Art of Self-Defense\" (2019)\n\"Rio\" (2011)\n\"Rio 2\" (2014)\nPersonal life\nDuring the filming of\nThe Emperor’s Club\n(2002), Eisenberg met Anna Strout, who was an assistant to one of the film’s producers. The couple dated for more than 10 years before breaking up. However, they later reunited, and in 2017 Eisenberg and Strout married. That year the couple had a son.","attrs_markdown":"[![Encyclopedia Britannica](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/mendel\/eb-logo\/MendelNewThistleLogo.png)](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/)\n\n[![Encyclopedia Britannica](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/mendel\/eb-logo\/MendelNewThistleLogo.png)](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/)\n\n[SUBSCRIBE](https:\/\/premium.britannica.com\/premium-membership\/?utm_source=premium&utm_medium=global-nav&utm_campaign=blue-evergreen)\n\n[SUBSCRIBE](https:\/\/premium.britannica.com\/premium-membership\/?utm_source=premium&utm_medium=global-nav-mobile&utm_campaign=blue-evergreen)\n\nLogin\n\nhttps:\/\/premium.britannica.com\/premium-membership\/?utm\\_source=premium\\&utm\\_medium=nav-login-box\\&utm\\_campaign=evergreen\n\n[SUBSCRIBE](https:\/\/premium.britannica.com\/premium-membership\/?utm_source=premium&utm_medium=hamburger-menu&utm_campaign=blue)\n\n[Ask the Chatbot](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/chatbot)\n\n[Games & Quizzes](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/quiz\/browse) [History & Society](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/History-Society) [Science & Tech](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/Science-Tech) [Biographies](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/Biographies) [Animals & Nature](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/Animals-Nature) [Geography & Travel](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/Geography-Travel) [Arts & Culture](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/Arts-Culture) [ProCon](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/procon) [Money](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/money) [Videos](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/videos)\n\n[The Social Network](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/The-Social-Network)\n\n[References](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/The-Social-Network)\n\n[Images](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/The-Social-Network\/images-videos)\n\n[![The Social Network](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/12\/147812-004-8CBAE669\/Andrew-Garfield-The-Social-Network-David-Fincher.jpg)](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/12\/147812-050-96F94C68\/Andrew-Garfield-The-Social-Network-David-Fincher.jpg)\n\n![Britannica AI Icon](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/mendel-resources\/3-179\/images\/chatbot\/star-ai.svg?v=3.179.9)\n\nContents\n\nAsk Anything\n\n# The Social Network\nfilm by Fincher \\[2010\\]\n\nHomework Help\n\n![Britannica AI Icon](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/mendel-resources\/3-179\/images\/chatbot\/star-ai.svg?v=3.179.9) Britannica AI\n\nAsk Anything\n## **Learn about this topic** in these articles:\n### discussed in biography\n- ![David Fincher](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/20\/222620-050-FF919598\/Movie-director-David-Fincher-2018.jpg?w=300)\n  In [David Fincher](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/David-Fincher#ref1108032:~:text=He%20then%20helmed%20The%20Social%20Network%20%282010%29%2C%20a%20portrait%20of%20Facebook%20founder%20Mark%20Zuckerberg%E2%80%99s%20rise%20to%20power.%20The%20film%20was%20hailed%20by%20many%20critics%20as%20a%2021st-century%20analogue%20to%20Citizen%20Kane%2C%20and%20Fincher%20won%20the%20best%20director%20Golden%20Globe%20and%20was%20nominated%20for%20an%20Academy%20Award.)\n  He then helmed *The Social Network* (2010), a portrait of Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg’s rise to power. The film was hailed by many critics as a 21st-century analogue to *Citizen Kane*, and Fincher won the best director Golden Globe and was nominated for an Academy Award.\n  [Read More](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/David-Fincher#ref1108032:~:text=He%20then%20helmed%20The%20Social%20Network%20%282010%29%2C%20a%20portrait%20of%20Facebook%20founder%20Mark%20Zuckerberg%E2%80%99s%20rise%20to%20power.%20The%20film%20was%20hailed%20by%20many%20critics%20as%20a%2021st-century%20analogue%20to%20Citizen%20Kane%2C%20and%20Fincher%20won%20the%20best%20director%20Golden%20Globe%20and%20was%20nominated%20for%20an%20Academy%20Award.)\n\n### Eisenberg\n- ![Jesse Eisenberg](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/36\/218336-050-70238AC3\/American-actor-Jesse-Eisenberg-2017.jpg?w=300)\n  In [Jesse Eisenberg: Acting career](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Jesse-Eisenberg#ref1333172:~:text=Mark%20Zuckerberg%20in%20David%20Fincher%E2%80%99s%20The%20Social%20Network%20%282010%29%3B%20the%20drama%20was%20written%20by%20Aaron%20Sorkin%20and%20costarred%20Andrew%20Garfield%20and%20Justin%20Timberlake.%20%E2%80%9CWhen%20Mr.%20Eisenberg%20makes%20Mark%E2%80%99s%20face%20go%20blank%2C%20the%20character%20seems%20scarily%20emptied%20out%3A%20it%E2%80%99s%20a%20subtly%20great%2C%20at%20times%20unsettling%2C%20performance%2C%E2%80%9D%20Manohla%20Dargis%20wrote%20in%20her)\n  …Mark Zuckerberg in David Fincher’s *The Social Network* (2010); the drama was written by Aaron Sorkin and costarred Andrew Garfield and Justin Timberlake. “When Mr. Eisenberg makes Mark’s face go blank, the character seems scarily emptied out: it’s a subtly great, at times unsettling, performance,” Manohla Dargis wrote in her…\n  [Read More](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Jesse-Eisenberg#ref1333172:~:text=Mark%20Zuckerberg%20in%20David%20Fincher%E2%80%99s%20The%20Social%20Network%20%282010%29%3B%20the%20drama%20was%20written%20by%20Aaron%20Sorkin%20and%20costarred%20Andrew%20Garfield%20and%20Justin%20Timberlake.%20%E2%80%9CWhen%20Mr.%20Eisenberg%20makes%20Mark%E2%80%99s%20face%20go%20blank%2C%20the%20character%20seems%20scarily%20emptied%20out%3A%20it%E2%80%99s%20a%20subtly%20great%2C%20at%20times%20unsettling%2C%20performance%2C%E2%80%9D%20Manohla%20Dargis%20wrote%20in%20her)\n\n### Garfield\n- ![Andrew Garfield](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/30\/215930-050-C843AA62\/British-American-actor-Andrew-Garfield-2018.jpg?w=300)\n  In [Andrew Garfield: Budding onscreen career and breakthrough in The Social Network](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Andrew-Garfield#ref1317216:~:text=role%20of%20Eduardo%20Saverin%20in%20The%20Social%20Network%20%282010%29%2C%20a%20film%20about%20Facebook%E2%80%99s%20founding.%20He%20received%20nominations%20for%20both%20a%20BAFTA%20Award%20and%20a%20Golden%20Globe%20for%20his%20performance%20and%20was%20credited%20with%20%E2%80%9Craising%20the%20emotional%20stakes%E2%80%9D%20of%20the%20film%20by%20movie%20critic%20Peter%20Travers%20in%20Rolling%20Stone.)\n  …role of Eduardo Saverin in *The Social Network* (2010), a film about Facebook’s founding. He received nominations for both a BAFTA Award and a Golden Globe for his performance and was credited with “raising the emotional stakes” of the film by movie critic Peter Travers in *Rolling Stone*.\n  [Read More](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Andrew-Garfield#ref1317216:~:text=role%20of%20Eduardo%20Saverin%20in%20The%20Social%20Network%20%282010%29%2C%20a%20film%20about%20Facebook%E2%80%99s%20founding.%20He%20received%20nominations%20for%20both%20a%20BAFTA%20Award%20and%20a%20Golden%20Globe%20for%20his%20performance%20and%20was%20credited%20with%20%E2%80%9Craising%20the%20emotional%20stakes%E2%80%9D%20of%20the%20film%20by%20movie%20critic%20Peter%20Travers%20in%20Rolling%20Stone.)\n\n### history of film\n- ![Vitascope](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/40\/148840-050-882D3388\/Advertisement-Thomas-Alva-Edison-Vitascope.jpg?w=300)\n  In [History of film: United States](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/art\/history-of-film\/United-States#ref1291694:~:text=Case%20of%20Benjamin%20Button%20%282008%29%2C%20The%20Social%20Network%20%282010%29%2C%20Gone%20Girl%20%282014%29%2C%20and%20Mank%20%282020%29.)\n  *…Case of Benjamin Button* (2008), *The Social Network* (2010), *Gone Girl* (2014), and *Mank* (2020).\n  [Read More](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/art\/history-of-film\/United-States#ref1291694:~:text=Case%20of%20Benjamin%20Button%20%282008%29%2C%20The%20Social%20Network%20%282010%29%2C%20Gone%20Girl%20%282014%29%2C%20and%20Mank%20%282020%29.)\n\n### Johnson\n- ![Dakota Johnson](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/66\/251066-050-A318AF98\/dakota-johnson-met-gala.jpg?w=300)\n  In [Dakota Johnson: Early films: The Social Network and 21 Jump Street](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Dakota-Johnson#ref1318135:~:text=minor%20role%20in%20David%20Fincher%E2%80%99s%20The%20Social%20Network%20%282010%29.%20The%20acclaimed%20drama%20centers%20on%20the%20creation%20of%20Facebook.)\n  …minor role in David Fincher’s *The Social Network* (2010). The acclaimed drama centers on the creation of Facebook.\n  [Read More](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Dakota-Johnson#ref1318135:~:text=minor%20role%20in%20David%20Fincher%E2%80%99s%20The%20Social%20Network%20%282010%29.%20The%20acclaimed%20drama%20centers%20on%20the%20creation%20of%20Facebook.)\n\n### Jones\n- ![Rashida Jones](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/99\/215699-050-1D0444B9\/American-actress-Rashida-Jones-2019.jpg?w=300)\n  In [Rashida Jones: Acting career](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Rashida-Jones#ref1336733:~:text=appeared%20in%20the%202010%20film%20The%20Social%20Network%20and%20played%20the%20title%20role%20in%20the%20TBS%20comedy%20series%20Angie%20Tribeca%20%282016%E2%80%9318%29.)\n  …appeared in the 2010 film *The Social Network* and played the title role in the TBS comedy series *Angie Tribeca* (2016–18).\n  [Read More](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Rashida-Jones#ref1336733:~:text=appeared%20in%20the%202010%20film%20The%20Social%20Network%20and%20played%20the%20title%20role%20in%20the%20TBS%20comedy%20series%20Angie%20Tribeca%20%282016%E2%80%9318%29.)\n\n### Reznor\n- ![Trent Reznor](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/49\/175549-050-4E11D161\/Trent-Reznor-Nine-Inch-Nails-2009.jpg?w=300)\n  In [Nine Inch Nails](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Nine-Inch-Nails#ref1103152:~:text=Their%20music%20for%20The%20Social%20Network%20%282010%29%20won%20the%20Academy%20Award%20for%20best%20original%20score%2C%20and%20their%20work%20on%20The%20Girl%20with%20the%20Dragon%20Tattoo%20%282011%29%20was%20honoured%20with%20a%20Grammy.%20Their%20score%20for%20Gone%20Girl%20%282015%29%20was%20also%20nominated%20for%20a%20Grammy.%20The%20pair%20later%20provided%20the)\n  Their music for *The Social Network* (2010) won the Academy Award for best original score, and their work on *The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo* (2011) was honoured with a Grammy. Their score for *Gone Girl* (2015) was also nominated for a Grammy. The pair later provided the…\n  [Read More](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Nine-Inch-Nails#ref1103152:~:text=Their%20music%20for%20The%20Social%20Network%20%282010%29%20won%20the%20Academy%20Award%20for%20best%20original%20score%2C%20and%20their%20work%20on%20The%20Girl%20with%20the%20Dragon%20Tattoo%20%282011%29%20was%20honoured%20with%20a%20Grammy.%20Their%20score%20for%20Gone%20Girl%20%282015%29%20was%20also%20nominated%20for%20a%20Grammy.%20The%20pair%20later%20provided%20the)\n\n### Sorkin\n- ![Aaron Sorkin](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/15\/147815-050-0CD67754\/Aaron-Sorkin-2011.jpg?w=300)\n  In [Aaron Sorkin: In-demand writer for television and film](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Aaron-Sorkin#ref1104792:~:text=For%20the%20film%20The%20Social%20Network%20%282010%29%2C%20Sorkin%20adapted%20writer%20Ben%20Mezrich%E2%80%99s%20account%20of%20the%20origins%20of%20Facebook%20and%20the%20legal%20battles%20faced%20by%20its%20founder%2C%20Mark%20Zuckerberg.%20Sorkin%E2%80%99s%20lively%20dialogue%20and%20classical%20storytelling%20were%20seen%20as%20instrumental%20to%20the%20movie%E2%80%99s%20success%2C%20and%20he%20won%20an%20Academy%20Award)\n  For the film *The Social Network* (2010), Sorkin adapted writer Ben Mezrich’s account of the origins of Facebook and the legal battles faced by its founder, Mark Zuckerberg. Sorkin’s lively dialogue and classical storytelling were seen as instrumental to the movie’s success, and he won an Academy Award…\n  [Read More](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Aaron-Sorkin#ref1104792:~:text=For%20the%20film%20The%20Social%20Network%20%282010%29%2C%20Sorkin%20adapted%20writer%20Ben%20Mezrich%E2%80%99s%20account%20of%20the%20origins%20of%20Facebook%20and%20the%20legal%20battles%20faced%20by%20its%20founder%2C%20Mark%20Zuckerberg.%20Sorkin%E2%80%99s%20lively%20dialogue%20and%20classical%20storytelling%20were%20seen%20as%20instrumental%20to%20the%20movie%E2%80%99s%20success%2C%20and%20he%20won%20an%20Academy%20Award)\n\n### Timberlake\n- ![Justin Timberlake](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/07\/173707-050-6C97735C\/Justin-Timberlake.jpg?w=300)\n  In [Justin Timberlake: Solo music career and acting roles](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Justin-Timberlake#ref1086899:~:text=founding%20president%20of%20Facebook%2C%20in%20The%20Social%20Network%2C%20a%20fictionalized%20account%20of%20Facebook%E2%80%99s%20origins.%20The%20same%20year%2C%20he%20provided%20the%20voice%20of%20Yogi%20Bear%E2%80%99s%20diminutive%20sidekick%20Boo%20Boo%20in%20Yogi%20Bear%2C%20a%20movie%20adaptation%20of%20the%20classic%20TV%20cartoon.)\n  …founding president of Facebook, in *The Social Network*, a fictionalized account of Facebook’s origins. The same year, he provided the voice of Yogi Bear’s diminutive sidekick Boo Boo in *Yogi Bear*, a movie adaptation of the classic TV cartoon.\n  [Read More](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Justin-Timberlake#ref1086899:~:text=founding%20president%20of%20Facebook%2C%20in%20The%20Social%20Network%2C%20a%20fictionalized%20account%20of%20Facebook%E2%80%99s%20origins.%20The%20same%20year%2C%20he%20provided%20the%20voice%20of%20Yogi%20Bear%E2%80%99s%20diminutive%20sidekick%20Boo%20Boo%20in%20Yogi%20Bear%2C%20a%20movie%20adaptation%20of%20the%20classic%20TV%20cartoon.)\n\n![Britannica AI Icon](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/mendel-resources\/3-179\/images\/chatbot\/star-ai.svg?v=3.179.9)Britannica AI\n\n*chevron\\_right*\n\nThe Social Network\n\n*close*\n\n[AI-generated answers](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/about-britannica-ai) from Britannica articles. AI makes mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.\n\n[Jesse Eisenberg](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Jesse-Eisenberg)\n\n- [Introduction & Top Questions](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Jesse-Eisenberg)\n- [Early life](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Jesse-Eisenberg#ref404035)\n- [Acting career](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Jesse-Eisenberg#ref404036)\n- [Directing](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Jesse-Eisenberg#ref404037)\n- [Other activities](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Jesse-Eisenberg#ref404038)\n- [Personal life](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Jesse-Eisenberg#ref404039)\n\n[References & Edit History](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Jesse-Eisenberg\/additional-info)  [Quick Facts & Related Topics](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/facts\/Jesse-Eisenberg)\n\n[Images](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Jesse-Eisenberg\/images-videos)\n\n[![Jesse Eisenberg](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/36\/218336-004-F5375C74\/American-actor-Jesse-Eisenberg-2017.jpg)](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/36\/218336-050-70238AC3\/American-actor-Jesse-Eisenberg-2017.jpg)  [![The Social Network](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/50\/266250-004-8D632625\/promotional-still-of-actor-jesse-eisenburg-as-mark-zuckerberg-in-2010-film-the-social-network.jpg)](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/50\/266250-050-E1DECDB1\/promotional-still-of-actor-jesse-eisenburg-as-mark-zuckerberg-in-2010-film-the-social-network.jpg)  [![A Real Pain](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/51\/266251-004-91433D20\/screen-capture-still-of-actor-jesse-eisenberg-and-kieran-culkan-in-2024-film-a-royal-pain.jpg)](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/51\/266251-050-6D93EA77\/screen-capture-still-of-actor-jesse-eisenberg-and-kieran-culkan-in-2024-film-a-royal-pain.jpg)\n\nRelated Questions\n\n- [What are Jesse Eisenberg’s notable films and TV shows?](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/question\/What-are-Jesse-Eisenbergs-notable-films-and-TV-shows)\n- [What films has Jesse Eisenberg directed?](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/question\/What-films-has-Jesse-Eisenberg-directed)\n- [Who is William Hurt?](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/question\/Who-is-William-Hurt)\n- [What is Warren Beatty known for?](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/question\/What-is-Warren-Beatty-known-for)\n- [What role is Claire Danes best known for?](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/question\/What-role-is-Claire-Danes-best-known-for)\n\n![Britannica AI Icon](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/mendel-resources\/3-179\/images\/chatbot\/star-ai.svg?v=3.179.9)\n\nContents\n\nAsk Anything\n\n[Entertainment & Pop Culture](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/browse\/Entertainment-Pop-Culture)    [Actors](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/browse\/Actors)\n\nCITE\n\nShare\n\nFeedback\n\nExternal Websites\n\n[![Jesse Eisenberg](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/36\/218336-050-70238AC3\/American-actor-Jesse-Eisenberg-2017.jpg?w=400&h=300&c=crop)](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/36\/218336-050-70238AC3\/American-actor-Jesse-Eisenberg-2017.jpg)\n\n[Jesse Eisenberg](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/36\/218336-050-70238AC3\/American-actor-Jesse-Eisenberg-2017.jpg) American filmmaker Jesse Eisenberg, 2017.\n\n(more)\n\n# Jesse Eisenberg\nAmerican actor\n\nHomework Help\n\nWritten by\n\n[Fred Frommer Fred Frommer is a sports historian, author, and writer who has written for a host of national publications.](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/contributor\/fred-frommer\/12877342)\n\nFred Frommer\n\nFact-checked by\n\n[Britannica Editors Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree....](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/editor\/The-Editors-of-Encyclopaedia-Britannica\/4419)\n\nBritannica Editors\n\nLast updated\n\nFeb. 20, 2026\n\n•[History](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Jesse-Eisenberg\/additional-info#history)\n\n![Britannica AI Icon](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/mendel-resources\/3-179\/images\/chatbot\/star-ai.svg?v=3.179.9) Britannica AI\n\nAsk Anything\n\nTable of Contents\n\nTable of Contents\n\nAsk Anything\n\nTop Questions\n\n### What type of characters is Jesse Eisenberg known for playing?\nJesse Eisenberg is best known for playing smart but awkward characters. His distinct acting style—highlighted by quick speaking and various tics, such as finger tapping—has earned him comparisons to [Woody Allen](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Woody-Allen) and [Dustin Hoffman](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Dustin-Hoffman).\n\n### What are Jesse Eisenberg’s notable films and TV shows?\nJesse Eisenberg appeared in a number of successful films, including *Adventureland* and *Zombieland* (both 2009), before his breakout role as [Facebook](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/money\/Facebook) cofounder [Mark Zuckerberg](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/money\/Mark-Zuckerberg) in *The Social Network* (2010). Among his later notable films are *To Rome with Love* (2012), *Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice* (2016), *The Art of Self-Defense* (2019), and the Now You See Me series. He also starred in the TV miniseries *Fleishman Is in Trouble* (2022).\n\n### What films has Jesse Eisenberg directed?\nIn 2022 Jesse Eisenberg wrote and directed his first feature film, *When You Finish Saving the World*. The comedy centers on the strained relationship between a mother ([Julianne Moore](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Julianne-Moore)) and son (Finn Wolfhard). Two years later Eisenberg wrote, directed, and starred in *A Real Pain* (2024). In the movie, two Jewish cousins honor their recently deceased grandmother by traveling to Poland, where they tour Holocaust sites and visit her childhood home.\n\n**Jesse Eisenberg** (born October 5, 1983, Queens, [New York](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/New-York-state), U.S.) is an American actor, writer, and director best known for playing smart but awkward characters. He appeared in such popular movies as *The Squid and the Whale* (2005) and *Zombieland* (2009) before his star-making turn as [Facebook](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/money\/Facebook) cofounder [Mark Zuckerberg](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/money\/Mark-Zuckerberg) in *The Social Network* (2010). Eisenberg also wrote, directed, and starred in the well-received [film](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/art\/film) *A Real Pain* (2024).\n\n## Early life\nEisenberg was born in the [New York City](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/New-York-City) borough of [Queens](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Queens-New-York) and grew up in East Brunswick, [New Jersey](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/New-Jersey). He was raised in a [Jewish](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Judaism) family. His mother, Amy Eisenberg, performed at birthday parties as a clown, and his father, Barry Eisenberg, was a sociology professor. Jesse Eisenberg, who suffers from [anxiety](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/science\/anxiety) and depression, had what he has described as a “weird childhood.” He cried every day of first grade, and the stresses of a new school resulted in his being homeschooled for the sixth grade. Struggling to fit in, Eisenberg found an outlet in [acting](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/art\/acting). He did [community](https:\/\/www.merriam-webster.com\/dictionary\/community) theater, and in 1996 he was an understudy in the Broadway production of *Summer and Smoke*.\n\nIn 1999 Eisenberg made his TV debut in *Get Real*, about a dysfunctional family; the show was canceled after one season. As a high-school senior, he landed a role in the independent film *Roger Dodger*, playing an inexperienced 16-year-old who spends a night on the town with his womanizing uncle. For his work in the [drama](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/art\/theatre-art), which was released in 2002, Eisenberg was named the “most promising new actor” at the [San Diego](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/San-Diego-California) Film Festival (later San Diego International Film Festival). After graduating from the Professional Performing Arts School in 2001, Eisenberg [attended](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/dictionary\/attended) the New School, where he studied anthropology.\n\n## Acting career\nFollowing a small role in [M. Night Shyamalan](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/M-Night-Shyamalan)’s *[The Village](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/The-Village-2004-film)* (2004), Eisenberg starred in [Noah Baumbach](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Noah-Baumbach)’s critically acclaimed *[The Squid and the Whale](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/The-Squid-and-the-Whale)* (2005), portraying an awkward teen son of divorcing parents (played by Jeff Daniels and [Laura Linney](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Laura-Linney)). Eisenberg appeared in several movies in 2007, notably *The Hunting Party*, a satire about journalists mistaken for [CIA](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Central-Intelligence-Agency) operatives, and the coming-of-age drama *The Education of Charlie Banks*. His credits from 2009 include *Adventureland* (opposite [Kristen Stewart](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Kristen-Stewart)) and *[Zombieland](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Zombieland)*, a popular horror comedy costarring [Woody Harrelson](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Woody-Harrelson) and [Emma Stone](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Emma-Stone).\n\n[![The Social Network](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/50\/266250-050-E1DECDB1\/promotional-still-of-actor-jesse-eisenburg-as-mark-zuckerberg-in-2010-film-the-social-network.jpg?w=300)](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/50\/266250-050-E1DECDB1\/promotional-still-of-actor-jesse-eisenburg-as-mark-zuckerberg-in-2010-film-the-social-network.jpg)\n\n[*The Social Network*](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/50\/266250-050-E1DECDB1\/promotional-still-of-actor-jesse-eisenburg-as-mark-zuckerberg-in-2010-film-the-social-network.jpg)Jesse Eisenberg (right) as Mark Zuckerberg in *The Social Network* (2010), directed by David Fincher.\n\n(more)\n\nWhile garnering attention for his previous roles, Eisenberg became a star with his portrayal of Mark Zuckerberg in [David Fincher](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/David-Fincher)’s *[The Social Network](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/The-Social-Network)* (2010); the drama was written by [Aaron Sorkin](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Aaron-Sorkin) and costarred [Andrew Garfield](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Andrew-Garfield) and [Justin Timberlake](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Justin-Timberlake). “When Mr. Eisenberg makes Mark’s face go blank, the character seems scarily emptied out: it’s a subtly great, at times unsettling, performance,” Manohla Dargis wrote in [her movie review for *The New York Times*](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2010\/09\/24\/movies\/24nyffsocial.html). Eisenberg went on to earn an [Academy Award](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/art\/Academy-Award) [nomination](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/dictionary\/nomination).\n\nIn 2012 Eisenberg joined an all-star cast for [Woody Allen](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Woody-Allen)’s *[To Rome with Love](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/To-Rome-with-Love)*. The following year he reunited with Harrelson in *[Now You See Me](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Now-You-See-Me)*, a heist drama about magicians who rob banks during their performances. Eisenberg played the group’s leader, J. Daniel Atlas. Other films from 2013 include the thrillers *The Double* and [Kelly Reichardt](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Kelly-Reichardt)’s *[Night Moves](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Night-Moves-2013-film)*. In the latter, Eisenberg was cast as an environmentalist who plots to destroy a dam. In 2016 he portrayed villain [Lex Luthor](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Lex-Luthor) in *[Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Batman-v-Superman-Dawn-of-Justice)*, returned as J. Daniel Atlas in *[Now You See Me 2](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Now-You-See-Me-2)*, and reunited with Allen and Stewart for *[Café Society](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Cafe-Society-film)*, a [romantic comedy](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/art\/romantic-comedy-film) set in 1930s [Hollywood](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Hollywood-California).\n\nNotable Roles\n\n- Columbus: *Zombieland* and *Zombieland: Double Tap*\n- James Brennan: *Adventureland*\n- Mark Zuckerberg: *The Social Network*\n- J. Daniel Atlas: Now You See Me series\n- Lex Luthor: *Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice* and *Justice League*\n- Toby Fleishman: *Fleishman Is in Trouble*\n- David Kaplan: *A Real Pain*\n\nEisenberg remained busy, and in 2019 he [reprised](https:\/\/www.merriam-webster.com\/dictionary\/reprised) his role as Columbus in *[Zombieland: Double Tap](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Zombieland-Double-Tap)* and appeared in *The Art of Self-Defense*, a dark comedy about a meek accountant who begins taking karate lessons from a hypermasculine sensei. He later starred with [Claire Danes](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Claire-Danes) in the acclaimed miniseries *[Fleishman Is in Trouble](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Fleishman-Is-in-Trouble)* (2022). It was based on a novel by Taffy Brodesser-Akner and centers on the breakdown of a couple’s marriage, as viewed from different perspectives.\n\nExplore Britannica Premium\\!\n\nGo beyond the basics with trusted, in-depth knowledge for professionals, students, and lifelong learners.\n\n[SUBSCRIBE](https:\/\/premium.britannica.com\/premium-membership\/?utm_source=premium&utm_medium=inline-cta&utm_campaign=basics-2026)\n\n![Penguin, ship, mountain, atlas](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/marketing\/inline-left.webp)\n\n![shohei ohtani, plants, andy wharhol art](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/marketing\/inline-right.webp)\n\n![Mobile](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/marketing\/inline-mobile.webp?w=400)\n\nEisenberg’s distinct acting style—highlighted by quick speaking and various tics, such as finger tapping—has earned him comparisons to Allen and [Dustin Hoffman](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Dustin-Hoffman). Eisenberg has said that all of his roles are based on little parts of himself.\n\n## Directing\n[![A Real Pain](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/51\/266251-050-6D93EA77\/screen-capture-still-of-actor-jesse-eisenberg-and-kieran-culkan-in-2024-film-a-royal-pain.jpg?w=300)](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/51\/266251-050-6D93EA77\/screen-capture-still-of-actor-jesse-eisenberg-and-kieran-culkan-in-2024-film-a-royal-pain.jpg)\n\n[*A Real Pain*](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/51\/266251-050-6D93EA77\/screen-capture-still-of-actor-jesse-eisenberg-and-kieran-culkan-in-2024-film-a-royal-pain.jpg)Kieran Culkin (left) and Jesse Eisenberg in *A Real Pain* (2024). Eisenberg also wrote and directed the film.\n\n(more)\n\nIn 2022 Eisenberg directed his first feature film, *When You Finish Saving the World*. The comedy, which he also wrote, centers on the strained relationship between a mother and son, played by [Julianne Moore](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Julianne-Moore) and Finn Wolfhard, respectively. Eisenberg next wrote, directed, and starred in *[A Real Pain](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/A-Real-Pain)* (2024), about two Jewish cousins (Eisenberg and [Kieran Culkin](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Kieran-Culkin)) who honor their recently [deceased](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/dictionary\/deceased) grandmother by traveling to Poland, where they tour [Holocaust](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/event\/Holocaust) sites and visit her childhood home. Eisenberg drew from his own family history for the movie. The character Grandma Dory is based on Eisenberg’s great-aunt Doris, who was born and raised in Poland. After filming *A Real Pain*, Eisenberg applied for—and received—Polish citizenship after becoming “obsessed” with his family history in that country. The movie was praised by critics, and Eisenberg received an Oscar nomination for [best original screenplay](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/art\/Academy-Award-for-best-original-screenplay).\n\n## Other activities\nEisenberg also wrote and appeared in the [Off-Broadway](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/art\/Off-Broadway) plays *Asuncion* (2011), a comedy that centers on the friendship of two men; *The Revisionist* (2013), which costarred [Vanessa Redgrave](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Vanessa-Redgrave); and *The Spoils* (2015), about a struggling filmmaker who pursues a childhood crush. In addition, Eisenberg penned short stories, and in 2015 he published the collection *Bream Gives Me Hiccups*.\n\nQuick Facts\n\nBorn:\n\nOctober 5, 1983, [Queens](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Queens-New-York), [New York](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/New-York-state), U.S. (age 42)\n\n*(Show more)*\n\nNotable Works:\n\n[“A Real Pain”](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/A-Real-Pain)\n\n[“When You Finish Saving the World”](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/When-You-Finish-Saving-the-World)\n\n*(Show more)*\n\nMovies\/Tv Shows (Acted In):\n\n\"Why Stop Now?\" (2012)\n\n\"The Newsroom\" (2012)\n\n\"To Rome with Love\" (2012)\n\n\"Solitary Man\" (2009)\n\n\"Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice\" (2016)\n\n\"The Squid and the Whale\" (2005)\n\n\"The End of the Tour\" (2015)\n\n\"One Day Like Rain\" (2007)\n\n\"The Hummingbird Project\" (2018)\n\n\"30 Minutes or Less\" (2011)\n\n\"Louder Than Bombs\" (2015)\n\n\"The Education of Charlie Banks\" (2007)\n\n\"Café Society\" (2016)\n\n\"The Living Wake\" (2007)\n\n\"Now You See Me 2\" (2016)\n\n\"Roger Dodger\" (2002)\n\n\"Camp Hell\" (2010)\n\n\"Get Real\" (1999–2000)\n\n\"Night Moves\" (2013)\n\n\"He's Way More Famous Than You\" (2013)\n\n\"Vivarium\" (2019)\n\n\"Now You See Me\" (2013)\n\n\"The Hunting Party\" (2007)\n\n\"Resistance\" (2020)\n\n\"The Social Network\" (2010)\n\n\"Zombieland: Double Tap\" (2019)\n\n\"Zombieland\" (2009)\n\n\"Free Samples\" (2012)\n\n\"Modern Family\" (2014)\n\n\"Cursed\" (2005)\n\n\"The Double\" (2013)\n\n\"The Emperor's Club\" (2002)\n\n\"Adventureland\" (2009)\n\n\"Holy Rollers\" (2010)\n\n\"American Ultra\" (2015)\n\n\"The Village\" (2004)\n\n\"The Art of Self-Defense\" (2019)\n\n\"Rio\" (2011)\n\n\"Rio 2\" (2014)\n\n*(Show more)*\n\n[See all related content](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/facts\/Jesse-Eisenberg)\n\n## Personal life\nDuring the filming of *The Emperor’s Club* (2002), Eisenberg met Anna Strout, who was an assistant to one of the film’s producers. The couple dated for more than 10 years before breaking up. However, they later reunited, and in 2017 Eisenberg and Strout married. That year the couple had a son.\n\n[Fred Frommer](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/contributor\/fred-frommer\/12877342)\n\n![Britannica AI Icon](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/mendel-resources\/3-179\/images\/chatbot\/star-ai.svg?v=3.179.9)Britannica AI\n\n*chevron\\_right*\n\nJesse Eisenberg\n\n*close*\n\n[AI-generated answers](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/about-britannica-ai) from Britannica articles. AI makes mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.\n\nLoad Next Page\n\nFeedback\n\nThank you for your feedback\n\nOur editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.\n\n*print* Print\n\nPlease select which sections you would like to print:\n\n*verified*Cite\n\nWhile every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions.\n\nSelect Citation Style\n\nFrommer, Fred. \"Jesse Eisenberg\". *Encyclopedia Britannica*, 20 Feb. 2026, https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Jesse-Eisenberg. Accessed 13 April 2026.\n\nCopy Citation\n\nShare\n\nShare to social media\n\n[Facebook](https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/BRITANNICA\/) [X](https:\/\/x.com\/britannica)\n\nURL\n\n<https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Jesse-Eisenberg>\n\nExternal Websites\n\n- [NPR - Jesse Eisenberg isn't ambitious Â— but he does worry about failing](https:\/\/www.npr.org\/2025\/01\/30\/nx-s1-5279170\/jesse-eisenberg-a-real-pain-wild-card)\n- [CBC Radio - Best of Q: Jesse Eisenberg and Richard Ayoade on The Double](https:\/\/www.cbc.ca\/radio\/q\/schedule-for-wednesday-11-june-1.2988842\/best-of-q-jesse-eisenberg-and-richard-ayoade-on-the-double-1.2988921)\n- [CBS News - Jesse Eisenberg on the bitter and sweet of \"A Real Pain\"](https:\/\/www.cbsnews.com\/news\/jesse-eisenberg-on-the-bitter-and-sweet-of-a-real-pain\/)","attrs_readable_markdown":"Top Questions\n\n### What type of characters is Jesse Eisenberg known for playing?\n### What are Jesse Eisenberg’s notable films and TV shows?\n### What films has Jesse Eisenberg directed?\n\n**Jesse Eisenberg** (born October 5, 1983, Queens, [New York](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/New-York-state), U.S.) is an American actor, writer, and director best known for playing smart but awkward characters. He appeared in such popular movies as *The Squid and the Whale* (2005) and *Zombieland* (2009) before his star-making turn as [Facebook](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/money\/Facebook) cofounder [Mark Zuckerberg](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/money\/Mark-Zuckerberg) in *The Social Network* (2010). Eisenberg also wrote, directed, and starred in the well-received [film](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/art\/film) *A Real Pain* (2024).\n\n## Early life\nEisenberg was born in the [New York City](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/New-York-City) borough of [Queens](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Queens-New-York) and grew up in East Brunswick, [New Jersey](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/New-Jersey). He was raised in a [Jewish](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Judaism) family. His mother, Amy Eisenberg, performed at birthday parties as a clown, and his father, Barry Eisenberg, was a sociology professor. Jesse Eisenberg, who suffers from [anxiety](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/science\/anxiety) and depression, had what he has described as a “weird childhood.” He cried every day of first grade, and the stresses of a new school resulted in his being homeschooled for the sixth grade. Struggling to fit in, Eisenberg found an outlet in [acting](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/art\/acting). He did [community](https:\/\/www.merriam-webster.com\/dictionary\/community) theater, and in 1996 he was an understudy in the Broadway production of *Summer and Smoke*.\n\nIn 1999 Eisenberg made his TV debut in *Get Real*, about a dysfunctional family; the show was canceled after one season. As a high-school senior, he landed a role in the independent film *Roger Dodger*, playing an inexperienced 16-year-old who spends a night on the town with his womanizing uncle. For his work in the [drama](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/art\/theatre-art), which was released in 2002, Eisenberg was named the “most promising new actor” at the [San Diego](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/San-Diego-California) Film Festival (later San Diego International Film Festival). After graduating from the Professional Performing Arts School in 2001, Eisenberg [attended](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/dictionary\/attended) the New School, where he studied anthropology.\n\n## Acting career\nFollowing a small role in [M. Night Shyamalan](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/M-Night-Shyamalan)’s *[The Village](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/The-Village-2004-film)* (2004), Eisenberg starred in [Noah Baumbach](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Noah-Baumbach)’s critically acclaimed *[The Squid and the Whale](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/The-Squid-and-the-Whale)* (2005), portraying an awkward teen son of divorcing parents (played by Jeff Daniels and [Laura Linney](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Laura-Linney)). Eisenberg appeared in several movies in 2007, notably *The Hunting Party*, a satire about journalists mistaken for [CIA](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Central-Intelligence-Agency) operatives, and the coming-of-age drama *The Education of Charlie Banks*. His credits from 2009 include *Adventureland* (opposite [Kristen Stewart](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Kristen-Stewart)) and *[Zombieland](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Zombieland)*, a popular horror comedy costarring [Woody Harrelson](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Woody-Harrelson) and [Emma Stone](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Emma-Stone).\n\n[*The Social Network*](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/50\/266250-050-E1DECDB1\/promotional-still-of-actor-jesse-eisenburg-as-mark-zuckerberg-in-2010-film-the-social-network.jpg)Jesse Eisenberg (right) as Mark Zuckerberg in *The Social Network* (2010), directed by David Fincher.\n\nWhile garnering attention for his previous roles, Eisenberg became a star with his portrayal of Mark Zuckerberg in [David Fincher](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/David-Fincher)’s *[The Social Network](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/The-Social-Network)* (2010); the drama was written by [Aaron Sorkin](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Aaron-Sorkin) and costarred [Andrew Garfield](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Andrew-Garfield) and [Justin Timberlake](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Justin-Timberlake). “When Mr. Eisenberg makes Mark’s face go blank, the character seems scarily emptied out: it’s a subtly great, at times unsettling, performance,” Manohla Dargis wrote in [her movie review for *The New York Times*](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2010\/09\/24\/movies\/24nyffsocial.html). Eisenberg went on to earn an [Academy Award](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/art\/Academy-Award) [nomination](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/dictionary\/nomination).\n\nIn 2012 Eisenberg joined an all-star cast for [Woody Allen](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Woody-Allen)’s *[To Rome with Love](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/To-Rome-with-Love)*. The following year he reunited with Harrelson in *[Now You See Me](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Now-You-See-Me)*, a heist drama about magicians who rob banks during their performances. Eisenberg played the group’s leader, J. Daniel Atlas. Other films from 2013 include the thrillers *The Double* and [Kelly Reichardt](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Kelly-Reichardt)’s *[Night Moves](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Night-Moves-2013-film)*. In the latter, Eisenberg was cast as an environmentalist who plots to destroy a dam. In 2016 he portrayed villain [Lex Luthor](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Lex-Luthor) in *[Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Batman-v-Superman-Dawn-of-Justice)*, returned as J. Daniel Atlas in *[Now You See Me 2](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Now-You-See-Me-2)*, and reunited with Allen and Stewart for *[Café Society](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Cafe-Society-film)*, a [romantic comedy](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/art\/romantic-comedy-film) set in 1930s [Hollywood](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Hollywood-California).\n\nNotable Roles\n\n- Columbus: *Zombieland* and *Zombieland: Double Tap*\n- James Brennan: *Adventureland*\n- Mark Zuckerberg: *The Social Network*\n- J. Daniel Atlas: Now You See Me series\n- Lex Luthor: *Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice* and *Justice League*\n- Toby Fleishman: *Fleishman Is in Trouble*\n- David Kaplan: *A Real Pain*\n\nEisenberg remained busy, and in 2019 he [reprised](https:\/\/www.merriam-webster.com\/dictionary\/reprised) his role as Columbus in *[Zombieland: Double Tap](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Zombieland-Double-Tap)* and appeared in *The Art of Self-Defense*, a dark comedy about a meek accountant who begins taking karate lessons from a hypermasculine sensei. He later starred with [Claire Danes](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Claire-Danes) in the acclaimed miniseries *[Fleishman Is in Trouble](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Fleishman-Is-in-Trouble)* (2022). It was based on a novel by Taffy Brodesser-Akner and centers on the breakdown of a couple’s marriage, as viewed from different perspectives.\n\nGo beyond the basics with trusted, in-depth knowledge for professionals, students, and lifelong learners.\n\n[SUBSCRIBE](https:\/\/premium.britannica.com\/premium-membership\/?utm_source=premium&utm_medium=inline-cta&utm_campaign=basics-2026)\n\n![Penguin, ship, mountain, atlas](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/marketing\/inline-left.webp)\n\n![shohei ohtani, plants, andy wharhol art](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/marketing\/inline-right.webp)\n\n![Mobile](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/marketing\/inline-mobile.webp?w=400)\n\nEisenberg’s distinct acting style—highlighted by quick speaking and various tics, such as finger tapping—has earned him comparisons to Allen and [Dustin Hoffman](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Dustin-Hoffman). Eisenberg has said that all of his roles are based on little parts of himself.\n\n## Directing\n[*A Real Pain*](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/51\/266251-050-6D93EA77\/screen-capture-still-of-actor-jesse-eisenberg-and-kieran-culkan-in-2024-film-a-royal-pain.jpg)Kieran Culkin (left) and Jesse Eisenberg in *A Real Pain* (2024). Eisenberg also wrote and directed the film.\n\nIn 2022 Eisenberg directed his first feature film, *When You Finish Saving the World*. The comedy, which he also wrote, centers on the strained relationship between a mother and son, played by [Julianne Moore](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Julianne-Moore) and Finn Wolfhard, respectively. Eisenberg next wrote, directed, and starred in *[A Real Pain](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/A-Real-Pain)* (2024), about two Jewish cousins (Eisenberg and [Kieran Culkin](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Kieran-Culkin)) who honor their recently [deceased](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/dictionary\/deceased) grandmother by traveling to Poland, where they tour [Holocaust](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/event\/Holocaust) sites and visit her childhood home. Eisenberg drew from his own family history for the movie. The character Grandma Dory is based on Eisenberg’s great-aunt Doris, who was born and raised in Poland. After filming *A Real Pain*, Eisenberg applied for—and received—Polish citizenship after becoming “obsessed” with his family history in that country. The movie was praised by critics, and Eisenberg received an Oscar nomination for [best original screenplay](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/art\/Academy-Award-for-best-original-screenplay).\n\n## Other activities\nEisenberg also wrote and appeared in the [Off-Broadway](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/art\/Off-Broadway) plays *Asuncion* (2011), a comedy that centers on the friendship of two men; *The Revisionist* (2013), which costarred [Vanessa Redgrave](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Vanessa-Redgrave); and *The Spoils* (2015), about a struggling filmmaker who pursues a childhood crush. In addition, Eisenberg penned short stories, and in 2015 he published the collection *Bream Gives Me Hiccups*.\n\nQuick Facts\n\nMovies\/Tv Shows (Acted In):\n\n\"Why Stop Now?\" (2012)\n\n\"The Newsroom\" (2012)\n\n\"To Rome with Love\" (2012)\n\n\"Solitary Man\" (2009)\n\n\"Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice\" (2016)\n\n\"The Squid and the Whale\" (2005)\n\n\"The End of the Tour\" (2015)\n\n\"One Day Like Rain\" (2007)\n\n\"The Hummingbird Project\" (2018)\n\n\"30 Minutes or Less\" (2011)\n\n\"Louder Than Bombs\" (2015)\n\n\"The Education of Charlie Banks\" (2007)\n\n\"Café Society\" (2016)\n\n\"The Living Wake\" (2007)\n\n\"Now You See Me 2\" (2016)\n\n\"Roger Dodger\" (2002)\n\n\"Camp Hell\" (2010)\n\n\"Get Real\" (1999–2000)\n\n\"Night Moves\" (2013)\n\n\"He's Way More Famous Than You\" (2013)\n\n\"Vivarium\" (2019)\n\n\"Now You See Me\" (2013)\n\n\"The Hunting Party\" (2007)\n\n\"Resistance\" (2020)\n\n\"The Social Network\" (2010)\n\n\"Zombieland: Double Tap\" (2019)\n\n\"Zombieland\" (2009)\n\n\"Free Samples\" (2012)\n\n\"Modern Family\" (2014)\n\n\"Cursed\" (2005)\n\n\"The Double\" (2013)\n\n\"The Emperor's Club\" (2002)\n\n\"Adventureland\" (2009)\n\n\"Holy Rollers\" (2010)\n\n\"American Ultra\" (2015)\n\n\"The Village\" (2004)\n\n\"The Art of Self-Defense\" (2019)\n\n\"Rio\" (2011)\n\n\"Rio 2\" (2014)\n\n## Personal life\nDuring the filming of *The Emperor’s Club* (2002), Eisenberg met Anna Strout, who was an assistant to one of the film’s producers. The couple dated for more than 10 years before breaking up. However, they later reunited, and in 2017 Eisenberg and Strout married. That year the couple had a son.","meta_canonical":null}

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Boilerpipe Text	Top Questions What type of characters is Jesse Eisenberg known for playing? What are Jesse Eisenberg’s notable films and TV shows? What films has Jesse Eisenberg directed? Jesse Eisenberg (born October 5, 1983, Queens, New York , U.S.) is an American actor, writer, and director best known for playing smart but awkward characters. He appeared in such popular movies as The Squid and the Whale (2005) and Zombieland (2009) before his star-making turn as Facebook cofounder Mark Zuckerberg in The Social Network (2010). Eisenberg also wrote, directed, and starred in the well-received film A Real Pain (2024). Early life Eisenberg was born in the New York City borough of Queens and grew up in East Brunswick, New Jersey . He was raised in a Jewish family. His mother, Amy Eisenberg, performed at birthday parties as a clown, and his father, Barry Eisenberg, was a sociology professor. Jesse Eisenberg, who suffers from anxiety and depression, had what he has described as a “weird childhood.” He cried every day of first grade, and the stresses of a new school resulted in his being homeschooled for the sixth grade. Struggling to fit in, Eisenberg found an outlet in acting . He did community theater, and in 1996 he was an understudy in the Broadway production of Summer and Smoke . In 1999 Eisenberg made his TV debut in Get Real , about a dysfunctional family; the show was canceled after one season. As a high-school senior, he landed a role in the independent film Roger Dodger , playing an inexperienced 16-year-old who spends a night on the town with his womanizing uncle. For his work in the drama , which was released in 2002, Eisenberg was named the “most promising new actor” at the San Diego Film Festival (later San Diego International Film Festival). After graduating from the Professional Performing Arts School in 2001, Eisenberg attended the New School, where he studied anthropology. Acting career Following a small role in M. Night Shyamalan ’s The Village (2004), Eisenberg starred in Noah Baumbach ’s critically acclaimed The Squid and the Whale (2005), portraying an awkward teen son of divorcing parents (played by Jeff Daniels and Laura Linney ). Eisenberg appeared in several movies in 2007, notably The Hunting Party , a satire about journalists mistaken for CIA operatives, and the coming-of-age drama The Education of Charlie Banks . His credits from 2009 include Adventureland (opposite Kristen Stewart ) and Zombieland , a popular horror comedy costarring Woody Harrelson and Emma Stone . The Social Network Jesse Eisenberg (right) as Mark Zuckerberg in The Social Network (2010), directed by David Fincher. While garnering attention for his previous roles, Eisenberg became a star with his portrayal of Mark Zuckerberg in David Fincher ’s The Social Network (2010); the drama was written by Aaron Sorkin and costarred Andrew Garfield and Justin Timberlake . “When Mr. Eisenberg makes Mark’s face go blank, the character seems scarily emptied out: it’s a subtly great, at times unsettling, performance,” Manohla Dargis wrote in her movie review for The New York Times . Eisenberg went on to earn an Academy Award nomination . In 2012 Eisenberg joined an all-star cast for Woody Allen ’s To Rome with Love . The following year he reunited with Harrelson in Now You See Me , a heist drama about magicians who rob banks during their performances. Eisenberg played the group’s leader, J. Daniel Atlas. Other films from 2013 include the thrillers The Double and Kelly Reichardt ’s Night Moves . In the latter, Eisenberg was cast as an environmentalist who plots to destroy a dam. In 2016 he portrayed villain Lex Luthor in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice , returned as J. Daniel Atlas in Now You See Me 2 , and reunited with Allen and Stewart for Café Society , a romantic comedy set in 1930s Hollywood . Notable Roles Columbus: Zombieland and Zombieland: Double Tap James Brennan: Adventureland Mark Zuckerberg: The Social Network J. Daniel Atlas: Now You See Me series Lex Luthor: Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and Justice League Toby Fleishman: Fleishman Is in Trouble David Kaplan: A Real Pain Eisenberg remained busy, and in 2019 he reprised his role as Columbus in Zombieland: Double Tap and appeared in The Art of Self-Defense , a dark comedy about a meek accountant who begins taking karate lessons from a hypermasculine sensei. He later starred with Claire Danes in the acclaimed miniseries Fleishman Is in Trouble (2022). It was based on a novel by Taffy Brodesser-Akner and centers on the breakdown of a couple’s marriage, as viewed from different perspectives. Go beyond the basics with trusted, in-depth knowledge for professionals, students, and lifelong learners. SUBSCRIBE Eisenberg’s distinct acting style—highlighted by quick speaking and various tics, such as finger tapping—has earned him comparisons to Allen and Dustin Hoffman . Eisenberg has said that all of his roles are based on little parts of himself. Directing A Real Pain Kieran Culkin (left) and Jesse Eisenberg in A Real Pain (2024). Eisenberg also wrote and directed the film. In 2022 Eisenberg directed his first feature film, When You Finish Saving the World . The comedy, which he also wrote, centers on the strained relationship between a mother and son, played by Julianne Moore and Finn Wolfhard, respectively. Eisenberg next wrote, directed, and starred in A Real Pain (2024), about two Jewish cousins (Eisenberg and Kieran Culkin ) who honor their recently deceased grandmother by traveling to Poland, where they tour Holocaust sites and visit her childhood home. Eisenberg drew from his own family history for the movie. The character Grandma Dory is based on Eisenberg’s great-aunt Doris, who was born and raised in Poland. After filming A Real Pain , Eisenberg applied for—and received—Polish citizenship after becoming “obsessed” with his family history in that country. The movie was praised by critics, and Eisenberg received an Oscar nomination for best original screenplay . Other activities Eisenberg also wrote and appeared in the Off-Broadway plays Asuncion (2011), a comedy that centers on the friendship of two men; The Revisionist (2013), which costarred Vanessa Redgrave ; and The Spoils (2015), about a struggling filmmaker who pursues a childhood crush. In addition, Eisenberg penned short stories, and in 2015 he published the collection Bream Gives Me Hiccups . Quick Facts Movies/Tv Shows (Acted In): "Why Stop Now?" (2012) "The Newsroom" (2012) "To Rome with Love" (2012) "Solitary Man" (2009) "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice" (2016) "The Squid and the Whale" (2005) "The End of the Tour" (2015) "One Day Like Rain" (2007) "The Hummingbird Project" (2018) "30 Minutes or Less" (2011) "Louder Than Bombs" (2015) "The Education of Charlie Banks" (2007) "Café Society" (2016) "The Living Wake" (2007) "Now You See Me 2" (2016) "Roger Dodger" (2002) "Camp Hell" (2010) "Get Real" (1999–2000) "Night Moves" (2013) "He's Way More Famous Than You" (2013) "Vivarium" (2019) "Now You See Me" (2013) "The Hunting Party" (2007) "Resistance" (2020) "The Social Network" (2010) "Zombieland: Double Tap" (2019) "Zombieland" (2009) "Free Samples" (2012) "Modern Family" (2014) "Cursed" (2005) "The Double" (2013) "The Emperor's Club" (2002) "Adventureland" (2009) "Holy Rollers" (2010) "American Ultra" (2015) "The Village" (2004) "The Art of Self-Defense" (2019) "Rio" (2011) "Rio 2" (2014) Personal life During the filming of The Emperor’s Club (2002), Eisenberg met Anna Strout, who was an assistant to one of the film’s producers. The couple dated for more than 10 years before breaking up. However, they later reunited, and in 2017 Eisenberg and Strout married. That year the couple had a son.
Markdown	[![Encyclopedia Britannica](https://cdn.britannica.com/mendel/eb-logo/MendelNewThistleLogo.png)](https://www.britannica.com/) [![Encyclopedia Britannica](https://cdn.britannica.com/mendel/eb-logo/MendelNewThistleLogo.png)](https://www.britannica.com/) [SUBSCRIBE](https://premium.britannica.com/premium-membership/?utm_source=premium&utm_medium=global-nav&utm_campaign=blue-evergreen) [SUBSCRIBE](https://premium.britannica.com/premium-membership/?utm_source=premium&utm_medium=global-nav-mobile&utm_campaign=blue-evergreen) Login https://premium.britannica.com/premium-membership/?utm\_source=premium\&utm\_medium=nav-login-box\&utm\_campaign=evergreen [SUBSCRIBE](https://premium.britannica.com/premium-membership/?utm_source=premium&utm_medium=hamburger-menu&utm_campaign=blue) [Ask the Chatbot](https://www.britannica.com/chatbot) [Games & Quizzes](https://www.britannica.com/quiz/browse) [History & Society](https://www.britannica.com/History-Society) [Science & Tech](https://www.britannica.com/Science-Tech) [Biographies](https://www.britannica.com/Biographies) [Animals & Nature](https://www.britannica.com/Animals-Nature) [Geography & Travel](https://www.britannica.com/Geography-Travel) [Arts & Culture](https://www.britannica.com/Arts-Culture) [ProCon](https://www.britannica.com/procon) [Money](https://www.britannica.com/money) [Videos](https://www.britannica.com/videos) [The Social Network](https://www.britannica.com/topic/The-Social-Network) [References](https://www.britannica.com/topic/The-Social-Network) [Images](https://www.britannica.com/topic/The-Social-Network/images-videos) [![The Social Network](https://cdn.britannica.com/12/147812-004-8CBAE669/Andrew-Garfield-The-Social-Network-David-Fincher.jpg)](https://cdn.britannica.com/12/147812-050-96F94C68/Andrew-Garfield-The-Social-Network-David-Fincher.jpg) ![Britannica AI Icon](https://cdn.britannica.com/mendel-resources/3-179/images/chatbot/star-ai.svg?v=3.179.9) Contents Ask Anything # The Social Network film by Fincher \[2010\] Homework Help ![Britannica AI Icon](https://cdn.britannica.com/mendel-resources/3-179/images/chatbot/star-ai.svg?v=3.179.9) Britannica AI Ask Anything ## Learn about this topic in these articles: ### discussed in biography - ![David Fincher](https://cdn.britannica.com/20/222620-050-FF919598/Movie-director-David-Fincher-2018.jpg?w=300) In [David Fincher](https://www.britannica.com/biography/David-Fincher#ref1108032:~:text=He%20then%20helmed%20The%20Social%20Network%20%282010%29%2C%20a%20portrait%20of%20Facebook%20founder%20Mark%20Zuckerberg%E2%80%99s%20rise%20to%20power.%20The%20film%20was%20hailed%20by%20many%20critics%20as%20a%2021st-century%20analogue%20to%20Citizen%20Kane%2C%20and%20Fincher%20won%20the%20best%20director%20Golden%20Globe%20and%20was%20nominated%20for%20an%20Academy%20Award.) He then helmed The Social Network (2010), a portrait of Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg’s rise to power. The film was hailed by many critics as a 21st-century analogue to Citizen Kane, and Fincher won the best director Golden Globe and was nominated for an Academy Award. [Read More](https://www.britannica.com/biography/David-Fincher#ref1108032:~:text=He%20then%20helmed%20The%20Social%20Network%20%282010%29%2C%20a%20portrait%20of%20Facebook%20founder%20Mark%20Zuckerberg%E2%80%99s%20rise%20to%20power.%20The%20film%20was%20hailed%20by%20many%20critics%20as%20a%2021st-century%20analogue%20to%20Citizen%20Kane%2C%20and%20Fincher%20won%20the%20best%20director%20Golden%20Globe%20and%20was%20nominated%20for%20an%20Academy%20Award.) ### Eisenberg - ![Jesse Eisenberg](https://cdn.britannica.com/36/218336-050-70238AC3/American-actor-Jesse-Eisenberg-2017.jpg?w=300) In [Jesse Eisenberg: Acting career](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Jesse-Eisenberg#ref1333172:~:text=Mark%20Zuckerberg%20in%20David%20Fincher%E2%80%99s%20The%20Social%20Network%20%282010%29%3B%20the%20drama%20was%20written%20by%20Aaron%20Sorkin%20and%20costarred%20Andrew%20Garfield%20and%20Justin%20Timberlake.%20%E2%80%9CWhen%20Mr.%20Eisenberg%20makes%20Mark%E2%80%99s%20face%20go%20blank%2C%20the%20character%20seems%20scarily%20emptied%20out%3A%20it%E2%80%99s%20a%20subtly%20great%2C%20at%20times%20unsettling%2C%20performance%2C%E2%80%9D%20Manohla%20Dargis%20wrote%20in%20her) …Mark Zuckerberg in David Fincher’s The Social Network (2010); the drama was written by Aaron Sorkin and costarred Andrew Garfield and Justin Timberlake. “When Mr. Eisenberg makes Mark’s face go blank, the character seems scarily emptied out: it’s a subtly great, at times unsettling, performance,” Manohla Dargis wrote in her… [Read More](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Jesse-Eisenberg#ref1333172:~:text=Mark%20Zuckerberg%20in%20David%20Fincher%E2%80%99s%20The%20Social%20Network%20%282010%29%3B%20the%20drama%20was%20written%20by%20Aaron%20Sorkin%20and%20costarred%20Andrew%20Garfield%20and%20Justin%20Timberlake.%20%E2%80%9CWhen%20Mr.%20Eisenberg%20makes%20Mark%E2%80%99s%20face%20go%20blank%2C%20the%20character%20seems%20scarily%20emptied%20out%3A%20it%E2%80%99s%20a%20subtly%20great%2C%20at%20times%20unsettling%2C%20performance%2C%E2%80%9D%20Manohla%20Dargis%20wrote%20in%20her) ### Garfield - ![Andrew Garfield](https://cdn.britannica.com/30/215930-050-C843AA62/British-American-actor-Andrew-Garfield-2018.jpg?w=300) In [Andrew Garfield: Budding onscreen career and breakthrough in The Social Network](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Andrew-Garfield#ref1317216:~:text=role%20of%20Eduardo%20Saverin%20in%20The%20Social%20Network%20%282010%29%2C%20a%20film%20about%20Facebook%E2%80%99s%20founding.%20He%20received%20nominations%20for%20both%20a%20BAFTA%20Award%20and%20a%20Golden%20Globe%20for%20his%20performance%20and%20was%20credited%20with%20%E2%80%9Craising%20the%20emotional%20stakes%E2%80%9D%20of%20the%20film%20by%20movie%20critic%20Peter%20Travers%20in%20Rolling%20Stone.) …role of Eduardo Saverin in The Social Network (2010), a film about Facebook’s founding. He received nominations for both a BAFTA Award and a Golden Globe for his performance and was credited with “raising the emotional stakes” of the film by movie critic Peter Travers in Rolling Stone. [Read More](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Andrew-Garfield#ref1317216:~:text=role%20of%20Eduardo%20Saverin%20in%20The%20Social%20Network%20%282010%29%2C%20a%20film%20about%20Facebook%E2%80%99s%20founding.%20He%20received%20nominations%20for%20both%20a%20BAFTA%20Award%20and%20a%20Golden%20Globe%20for%20his%20performance%20and%20was%20credited%20with%20%E2%80%9Craising%20the%20emotional%20stakes%E2%80%9D%20of%20the%20film%20by%20movie%20critic%20Peter%20Travers%20in%20Rolling%20Stone.) ### history of film - ![Vitascope](https://cdn.britannica.com/40/148840-050-882D3388/Advertisement-Thomas-Alva-Edison-Vitascope.jpg?w=300) In [History of film: United States](https://www.britannica.com/art/history-of-film/United-States#ref1291694:~:text=Case%20of%20Benjamin%20Button%20%282008%29%2C%20The%20Social%20Network%20%282010%29%2C%20Gone%20Girl%20%282014%29%2C%20and%20Mank%20%282020%29.) …Case of Benjamin Button (2008), The Social Network (2010), Gone Girl (2014), and Mank (2020). [Read More](https://www.britannica.com/art/history-of-film/United-States#ref1291694:~:text=Case%20of%20Benjamin%20Button%20%282008%29%2C%20The%20Social%20Network%20%282010%29%2C%20Gone%20Girl%20%282014%29%2C%20and%20Mank%20%282020%29.) ### Johnson - ![Dakota Johnson](https://cdn.britannica.com/66/251066-050-A318AF98/dakota-johnson-met-gala.jpg?w=300) In [Dakota Johnson: Early films: The Social Network and 21 Jump Street](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Dakota-Johnson#ref1318135:~:text=minor%20role%20in%20David%20Fincher%E2%80%99s%20The%20Social%20Network%20%282010%29.%20The%20acclaimed%20drama%20centers%20on%20the%20creation%20of%20Facebook.) …minor role in David Fincher’s The Social Network (2010). The acclaimed drama centers on the creation of Facebook. [Read More](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Dakota-Johnson#ref1318135:~:text=minor%20role%20in%20David%20Fincher%E2%80%99s%20The%20Social%20Network%20%282010%29.%20The%20acclaimed%20drama%20centers%20on%20the%20creation%20of%20Facebook.) ### Jones - ![Rashida Jones](https://cdn.britannica.com/99/215699-050-1D0444B9/American-actress-Rashida-Jones-2019.jpg?w=300) In [Rashida Jones: Acting career](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Rashida-Jones#ref1336733:~:text=appeared%20in%20the%202010%20film%20The%20Social%20Network%20and%20played%20the%20title%20role%20in%20the%20TBS%20comedy%20series%20Angie%20Tribeca%20%282016%E2%80%9318%29.) …appeared in the 2010 film The Social Network and played the title role in the TBS comedy series Angie Tribeca (2016–18). [Read More](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Rashida-Jones#ref1336733:~:text=appeared%20in%20the%202010%20film%20The%20Social%20Network%20and%20played%20the%20title%20role%20in%20the%20TBS%20comedy%20series%20Angie%20Tribeca%20%282016%E2%80%9318%29.) ### Reznor - ![Trent Reznor](https://cdn.britannica.com/49/175549-050-4E11D161/Trent-Reznor-Nine-Inch-Nails-2009.jpg?w=300) In [Nine Inch Nails](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Nine-Inch-Nails#ref1103152:~:text=Their%20music%20for%20The%20Social%20Network%20%282010%29%20won%20the%20Academy%20Award%20for%20best%20original%20score%2C%20and%20their%20work%20on%20The%20Girl%20with%20the%20Dragon%20Tattoo%20%282011%29%20was%20honoured%20with%20a%20Grammy.%20Their%20score%20for%20Gone%20Girl%20%282015%29%20was%20also%20nominated%20for%20a%20Grammy.%20The%20pair%20later%20provided%20the) Their music for The Social Network (2010) won the Academy Award for best original score, and their work on The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011) was honoured with a Grammy. Their score for Gone Girl (2015) was also nominated for a Grammy. The pair later provided the… [Read More](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Nine-Inch-Nails#ref1103152:~:text=Their%20music%20for%20The%20Social%20Network%20%282010%29%20won%20the%20Academy%20Award%20for%20best%20original%20score%2C%20and%20their%20work%20on%20The%20Girl%20with%20the%20Dragon%20Tattoo%20%282011%29%20was%20honoured%20with%20a%20Grammy.%20Their%20score%20for%20Gone%20Girl%20%282015%29%20was%20also%20nominated%20for%20a%20Grammy.%20The%20pair%20later%20provided%20the) ### Sorkin - ![Aaron Sorkin](https://cdn.britannica.com/15/147815-050-0CD67754/Aaron-Sorkin-2011.jpg?w=300) In [Aaron Sorkin: In-demand writer for television and film](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Aaron-Sorkin#ref1104792:~:text=For%20the%20film%20The%20Social%20Network%20%282010%29%2C%20Sorkin%20adapted%20writer%20Ben%20Mezrich%E2%80%99s%20account%20of%20the%20origins%20of%20Facebook%20and%20the%20legal%20battles%20faced%20by%20its%20founder%2C%20Mark%20Zuckerberg.%20Sorkin%E2%80%99s%20lively%20dialogue%20and%20classical%20storytelling%20were%20seen%20as%20instrumental%20to%20the%20movie%E2%80%99s%20success%2C%20and%20he%20won%20an%20Academy%20Award) For the film The Social Network (2010), Sorkin adapted writer Ben Mezrich’s account of the origins of Facebook and the legal battles faced by its founder, Mark Zuckerberg. Sorkin’s lively dialogue and classical storytelling were seen as instrumental to the movie’s success, and he won an Academy Award… [Read More](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Aaron-Sorkin#ref1104792:~:text=For%20the%20film%20The%20Social%20Network%20%282010%29%2C%20Sorkin%20adapted%20writer%20Ben%20Mezrich%E2%80%99s%20account%20of%20the%20origins%20of%20Facebook%20and%20the%20legal%20battles%20faced%20by%20its%20founder%2C%20Mark%20Zuckerberg.%20Sorkin%E2%80%99s%20lively%20dialogue%20and%20classical%20storytelling%20were%20seen%20as%20instrumental%20to%20the%20movie%E2%80%99s%20success%2C%20and%20he%20won%20an%20Academy%20Award) ### Timberlake - ![Justin Timberlake](https://cdn.britannica.com/07/173707-050-6C97735C/Justin-Timberlake.jpg?w=300) In [Justin Timberlake: Solo music career and acting roles](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Justin-Timberlake#ref1086899:~:text=founding%20president%20of%20Facebook%2C%20in%20The%20Social%20Network%2C%20a%20fictionalized%20account%20of%20Facebook%E2%80%99s%20origins.%20The%20same%20year%2C%20he%20provided%20the%20voice%20of%20Yogi%20Bear%E2%80%99s%20diminutive%20sidekick%20Boo%20Boo%20in%20Yogi%20Bear%2C%20a%20movie%20adaptation%20of%20the%20classic%20TV%20cartoon.) …founding president of Facebook, in The Social Network, a fictionalized account of Facebook’s origins. The same year, he provided the voice of Yogi Bear’s diminutive sidekick Boo Boo in Yogi Bear, a movie adaptation of the classic TV cartoon. [Read More](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Justin-Timberlake#ref1086899:~:text=founding%20president%20of%20Facebook%2C%20in%20The%20Social%20Network%2C%20a%20fictionalized%20account%20of%20Facebook%E2%80%99s%20origins.%20The%20same%20year%2C%20he%20provided%20the%20voice%20of%20Yogi%20Bear%E2%80%99s%20diminutive%20sidekick%20Boo%20Boo%20in%20Yogi%20Bear%2C%20a%20movie%20adaptation%20of%20the%20classic%20TV%20cartoon.) ![Britannica AI Icon](https://cdn.britannica.com/mendel-resources/3-179/images/chatbot/star-ai.svg?v=3.179.9)Britannica AI chevron\_right The Social Network close [AI-generated answers](https://www.britannica.com/about-britannica-ai) from Britannica articles. AI makes mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles. [Jesse Eisenberg](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Jesse-Eisenberg) - [Introduction & Top Questions](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Jesse-Eisenberg) - [Early life](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Jesse-Eisenberg#ref404035) - [Acting career](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Jesse-Eisenberg#ref404036) - [Directing](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Jesse-Eisenberg#ref404037) - [Other activities](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Jesse-Eisenberg#ref404038) - [Personal life](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Jesse-Eisenberg#ref404039) [References & Edit History](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Jesse-Eisenberg/additional-info) [Quick Facts & Related Topics](https://www.britannica.com/facts/Jesse-Eisenberg) [Images](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Jesse-Eisenberg/images-videos) [![Jesse Eisenberg](https://cdn.britannica.com/36/218336-004-F5375C74/American-actor-Jesse-Eisenberg-2017.jpg)](https://cdn.britannica.com/36/218336-050-70238AC3/American-actor-Jesse-Eisenberg-2017.jpg) [![The Social Network](https://cdn.britannica.com/50/266250-004-8D632625/promotional-still-of-actor-jesse-eisenburg-as-mark-zuckerberg-in-2010-film-the-social-network.jpg)](https://cdn.britannica.com/50/266250-050-E1DECDB1/promotional-still-of-actor-jesse-eisenburg-as-mark-zuckerberg-in-2010-film-the-social-network.jpg) [![A Real Pain](https://cdn.britannica.com/51/266251-004-91433D20/screen-capture-still-of-actor-jesse-eisenberg-and-kieran-culkan-in-2024-film-a-royal-pain.jpg)](https://cdn.britannica.com/51/266251-050-6D93EA77/screen-capture-still-of-actor-jesse-eisenberg-and-kieran-culkan-in-2024-film-a-royal-pain.jpg) Related Questions - [What are Jesse Eisenberg’s notable films and TV shows?](https://www.britannica.com/question/What-are-Jesse-Eisenbergs-notable-films-and-TV-shows) - [What films has Jesse Eisenberg directed?](https://www.britannica.com/question/What-films-has-Jesse-Eisenberg-directed) - [Who is William Hurt?](https://www.britannica.com/question/Who-is-William-Hurt) - [What is Warren Beatty known for?](https://www.britannica.com/question/What-is-Warren-Beatty-known-for) - [What role is Claire Danes best known for?](https://www.britannica.com/question/What-role-is-Claire-Danes-best-known-for) ![Britannica AI Icon](https://cdn.britannica.com/mendel-resources/3-179/images/chatbot/star-ai.svg?v=3.179.9) Contents Ask Anything [Entertainment & Pop Culture](https://www.britannica.com/browse/Entertainment-Pop-Culture) [Actors](https://www.britannica.com/browse/Actors) CITE Share Feedback External Websites [![Jesse Eisenberg](https://cdn.britannica.com/36/218336-050-70238AC3/American-actor-Jesse-Eisenberg-2017.jpg?w=400&h=300&c=crop)](https://cdn.britannica.com/36/218336-050-70238AC3/American-actor-Jesse-Eisenberg-2017.jpg) [Jesse Eisenberg](https://cdn.britannica.com/36/218336-050-70238AC3/American-actor-Jesse-Eisenberg-2017.jpg) American filmmaker Jesse Eisenberg, 2017. (more) # Jesse Eisenberg American actor Homework Help Written by [Fred Frommer Fred Frommer is a sports historian, author, and writer who has written for a host of national publications.](https://www.britannica.com/contributor/fred-frommer/12877342) Fred Frommer Fact-checked by [Britannica Editors Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree....](https://www.britannica.com/editor/The-Editors-of-Encyclopaedia-Britannica/4419) Britannica Editors Last updated Feb. 20, 2026 •[History](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Jesse-Eisenberg/additional-info#history) ![Britannica AI Icon](https://cdn.britannica.com/mendel-resources/3-179/images/chatbot/star-ai.svg?v=3.179.9) Britannica AI Ask Anything Table of Contents Table of Contents Ask Anything Top Questions ### What type of characters is Jesse Eisenberg known for playing? Jesse Eisenberg is best known for playing smart but awkward characters. His distinct acting style—highlighted by quick speaking and various tics, such as finger tapping—has earned him comparisons to [Woody Allen](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Woody-Allen) and [Dustin Hoffman](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Dustin-Hoffman). ### What are Jesse Eisenberg’s notable films and TV shows? Jesse Eisenberg appeared in a number of successful films, including Adventureland and Zombieland (both 2009), before his breakout role as [Facebook](https://www.britannica.com/money/Facebook) cofounder [Mark Zuckerberg](https://www.britannica.com/money/Mark-Zuckerberg) in The Social Network (2010). Among his later notable films are To Rome with Love (2012), Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016), The Art of Self-Defense (2019), and the Now You See Me series. He also starred in the TV miniseries Fleishman Is in Trouble (2022). ### What films has Jesse Eisenberg directed? In 2022 Jesse Eisenberg wrote and directed his first feature film, When You Finish Saving the World. The comedy centers on the strained relationship between a mother ([Julianne Moore](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Julianne-Moore)) and son (Finn Wolfhard). Two years later Eisenberg wrote, directed, and starred in A Real Pain (2024). In the movie, two Jewish cousins honor their recently deceased grandmother by traveling to Poland, where they tour Holocaust sites and visit her childhood home. Jesse Eisenberg (born October 5, 1983, Queens, [New York](https://www.britannica.com/place/New-York-state), U.S.) is an American actor, writer, and director best known for playing smart but awkward characters. He appeared in such popular movies as The Squid and the Whale (2005) and Zombieland (2009) before his star-making turn as [Facebook](https://www.britannica.com/money/Facebook) cofounder [Mark Zuckerberg](https://www.britannica.com/money/Mark-Zuckerberg) in The Social Network (2010). Eisenberg also wrote, directed, and starred in the well-received [film](https://www.britannica.com/art/film) A Real Pain (2024). ## Early life Eisenberg was born in the [New York City](https://www.britannica.com/place/New-York-City) borough of [Queens](https://www.britannica.com/place/Queens-New-York) and grew up in East Brunswick, [New Jersey](https://www.britannica.com/place/New-Jersey). He was raised in a [Jewish](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Judaism) family. His mother, Amy Eisenberg, performed at birthday parties as a clown, and his father, Barry Eisenberg, was a sociology professor. Jesse Eisenberg, who suffers from [anxiety](https://www.britannica.com/science/anxiety) and depression, had what he has described as a “weird childhood.” He cried every day of first grade, and the stresses of a new school resulted in his being homeschooled for the sixth grade. Struggling to fit in, Eisenberg found an outlet in [acting](https://www.britannica.com/art/acting). He did [community](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/community) theater, and in 1996 he was an understudy in the Broadway production of Summer and Smoke. In 1999 Eisenberg made his TV debut in Get Real, about a dysfunctional family; the show was canceled after one season. As a high-school senior, he landed a role in the independent film Roger Dodger, playing an inexperienced 16-year-old who spends a night on the town with his womanizing uncle. For his work in the [drama](https://www.britannica.com/art/theatre-art), which was released in 2002, Eisenberg was named the “most promising new actor” at the [San Diego](https://www.britannica.com/place/San-Diego-California) Film Festival (later San Diego International Film Festival). After graduating from the Professional Performing Arts School in 2001, Eisenberg [attended](https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/attended) the New School, where he studied anthropology. ## Acting career Following a small role in [M. Night Shyamalan](https://www.britannica.com/biography/M-Night-Shyamalan)’s [The Village](https://www.britannica.com/topic/The-Village-2004-film) (2004), Eisenberg starred in [Noah Baumbach](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Noah-Baumbach)’s critically acclaimed [The Squid and the Whale](https://www.britannica.com/topic/The-Squid-and-the-Whale) (2005), portraying an awkward teen son of divorcing parents (played by Jeff Daniels and [Laura Linney](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Laura-Linney)). Eisenberg appeared in several movies in 2007, notably The Hunting Party, a satire about journalists mistaken for [CIA](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Central-Intelligence-Agency) operatives, and the coming-of-age drama The Education of Charlie Banks. His credits from 2009 include Adventureland (opposite [Kristen Stewart](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Kristen-Stewart)) and [Zombieland](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Zombieland), a popular horror comedy costarring [Woody Harrelson](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Woody-Harrelson) and [Emma Stone](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Emma-Stone). [![The Social Network](https://cdn.britannica.com/50/266250-050-E1DECDB1/promotional-still-of-actor-jesse-eisenburg-as-mark-zuckerberg-in-2010-film-the-social-network.jpg?w=300)](https://cdn.britannica.com/50/266250-050-E1DECDB1/promotional-still-of-actor-jesse-eisenburg-as-mark-zuckerberg-in-2010-film-the-social-network.jpg) [The Social Network](https://cdn.britannica.com/50/266250-050-E1DECDB1/promotional-still-of-actor-jesse-eisenburg-as-mark-zuckerberg-in-2010-film-the-social-network.jpg)Jesse Eisenberg (right) as Mark Zuckerberg in The Social Network (2010), directed by David Fincher. (more) While garnering attention for his previous roles, Eisenberg became a star with his portrayal of Mark Zuckerberg in [David Fincher](https://www.britannica.com/biography/David-Fincher)’s [The Social Network](https://www.britannica.com/topic/The-Social-Network) (2010); the drama was written by [Aaron Sorkin](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Aaron-Sorkin) and costarred [Andrew Garfield](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Andrew-Garfield) and [Justin Timberlake](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Justin-Timberlake). “When Mr. Eisenberg makes Mark’s face go blank, the character seems scarily emptied out: it’s a subtly great, at times unsettling, performance,” Manohla Dargis wrote in [her movie review for The New York Times](https://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/24/movies/24nyffsocial.html). Eisenberg went on to earn an [Academy Award](https://www.britannica.com/art/Academy-Award) [nomination](https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/nomination). In 2012 Eisenberg joined an all-star cast for [Woody Allen](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Woody-Allen)’s [To Rome with Love](https://www.britannica.com/topic/To-Rome-with-Love). The following year he reunited with Harrelson in [Now You See Me](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Now-You-See-Me), a heist drama about magicians who rob banks during their performances. Eisenberg played the group’s leader, J. Daniel Atlas. Other films from 2013 include the thrillers The Double and [Kelly Reichardt](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Kelly-Reichardt)’s [Night Moves](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Night-Moves-2013-film). In the latter, Eisenberg was cast as an environmentalist who plots to destroy a dam. In 2016 he portrayed villain [Lex Luthor](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Lex-Luthor) in [Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Batman-v-Superman-Dawn-of-Justice), returned as J. Daniel Atlas in [Now You See Me 2](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Now-You-See-Me-2), and reunited with Allen and Stewart for [Café Society](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Cafe-Society-film), a [romantic comedy](https://www.britannica.com/art/romantic-comedy-film) set in 1930s [Hollywood](https://www.britannica.com/place/Hollywood-California). Notable Roles - Columbus: Zombieland and Zombieland: Double Tap - James Brennan: Adventureland - Mark Zuckerberg: The Social Network - J. Daniel Atlas: Now You See Me series - Lex Luthor: Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and Justice League - Toby Fleishman: Fleishman Is in Trouble - David Kaplan: A Real Pain Eisenberg remained busy, and in 2019 he [reprised](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reprised) his role as Columbus in [Zombieland: Double Tap](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Zombieland-Double-Tap) and appeared in The Art of Self-Defense, a dark comedy about a meek accountant who begins taking karate lessons from a hypermasculine sensei. He later starred with [Claire Danes](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Claire-Danes) in the acclaimed miniseries [Fleishman Is in Trouble](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Fleishman-Is-in-Trouble) (2022). It was based on a novel by Taffy Brodesser-Akner and centers on the breakdown of a couple’s marriage, as viewed from different perspectives. Explore Britannica Premium\! Go beyond the basics with trusted, in-depth knowledge for professionals, students, and lifelong learners. [SUBSCRIBE](https://premium.britannica.com/premium-membership/?utm_source=premium&utm_medium=inline-cta&utm_campaign=basics-2026) ![Penguin, ship, mountain, atlas](https://cdn.britannica.com/marketing/inline-left.webp) ![shohei ohtani, plants, andy wharhol art](https://cdn.britannica.com/marketing/inline-right.webp) ![Mobile](https://cdn.britannica.com/marketing/inline-mobile.webp?w=400) Eisenberg’s distinct acting style—highlighted by quick speaking and various tics, such as finger tapping—has earned him comparisons to Allen and [Dustin Hoffman](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Dustin-Hoffman). Eisenberg has said that all of his roles are based on little parts of himself. ## Directing [![A Real Pain](https://cdn.britannica.com/51/266251-050-6D93EA77/screen-capture-still-of-actor-jesse-eisenberg-and-kieran-culkan-in-2024-film-a-royal-pain.jpg?w=300)](https://cdn.britannica.com/51/266251-050-6D93EA77/screen-capture-still-of-actor-jesse-eisenberg-and-kieran-culkan-in-2024-film-a-royal-pain.jpg) [A Real Pain](https://cdn.britannica.com/51/266251-050-6D93EA77/screen-capture-still-of-actor-jesse-eisenberg-and-kieran-culkan-in-2024-film-a-royal-pain.jpg)Kieran Culkin (left) and Jesse Eisenberg in A Real Pain (2024). Eisenberg also wrote and directed the film. (more) In 2022 Eisenberg directed his first feature film, When You Finish Saving the World. The comedy, which he also wrote, centers on the strained relationship between a mother and son, played by [Julianne Moore](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Julianne-Moore) and Finn Wolfhard, respectively. Eisenberg next wrote, directed, and starred in [A Real Pain](https://www.britannica.com/topic/A-Real-Pain) (2024), about two Jewish cousins (Eisenberg and [Kieran Culkin](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Kieran-Culkin)) who honor their recently [deceased](https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/deceased) grandmother by traveling to Poland, where they tour [Holocaust](https://www.britannica.com/event/Holocaust) sites and visit her childhood home. Eisenberg drew from his own family history for the movie. The character Grandma Dory is based on Eisenberg’s great-aunt Doris, who was born and raised in Poland. After filming A Real Pain, Eisenberg applied for—and received—Polish citizenship after becoming “obsessed” with his family history in that country. The movie was praised by critics, and Eisenberg received an Oscar nomination for [best original screenplay](https://www.britannica.com/art/Academy-Award-for-best-original-screenplay). ## Other activities Eisenberg also wrote and appeared in the [Off-Broadway](https://www.britannica.com/art/Off-Broadway) plays Asuncion (2011), a comedy that centers on the friendship of two men; The Revisionist (2013), which costarred [Vanessa Redgrave](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Vanessa-Redgrave); and The Spoils (2015), about a struggling filmmaker who pursues a childhood crush. In addition, Eisenberg penned short stories, and in 2015 he published the collection Bream Gives Me Hiccups. Quick Facts Born: October 5, 1983, [Queens](https://www.britannica.com/place/Queens-New-York), [New York](https://www.britannica.com/place/New-York-state), U.S. (age 42) (Show more) Notable Works: [“A Real Pain”](https://www.britannica.com/topic/A-Real-Pain) [“When You Finish Saving the World”](https://www.britannica.com/topic/When-You-Finish-Saving-the-World) (Show more) Movies/Tv Shows (Acted In): "Why Stop Now?" (2012) "The Newsroom" (2012) "To Rome with Love" (2012) "Solitary Man" (2009) "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice" (2016) "The Squid and the Whale" (2005) "The End of the Tour" (2015) "One Day Like Rain" (2007) "The Hummingbird Project" (2018) "30 Minutes or Less" (2011) "Louder Than Bombs" (2015) "The Education of Charlie Banks" (2007) "Café Society" (2016) "The Living Wake" (2007) "Now You See Me 2" (2016) "Roger Dodger" (2002) "Camp Hell" (2010) "Get Real" (1999–2000) "Night Moves" (2013) "He's Way More Famous Than You" (2013) "Vivarium" (2019) "Now You See Me" (2013) "The Hunting Party" (2007) "Resistance" (2020) "The Social Network" (2010) "Zombieland: Double Tap" (2019) "Zombieland" (2009) "Free Samples" (2012) "Modern Family" (2014) "Cursed" (2005) "The Double" (2013) "The Emperor's Club" (2002) "Adventureland" (2009) "Holy Rollers" (2010) "American Ultra" (2015) "The Village" (2004) "The Art of Self-Defense" (2019) "Rio" (2011) "Rio 2" (2014) (Show more) [See all related content](https://www.britannica.com/facts/Jesse-Eisenberg) ## Personal life During the filming of The Emperor’s Club (2002), Eisenberg met Anna Strout, who was an assistant to one of the film’s producers. The couple dated for more than 10 years before breaking up. However, they later reunited, and in 2017 Eisenberg and Strout married. That year the couple had a son. [Fred Frommer](https://www.britannica.com/contributor/fred-frommer/12877342) ![Britannica AI Icon](https://cdn.britannica.com/mendel-resources/3-179/images/chatbot/star-ai.svg?v=3.179.9)Britannica AI chevron\_right Jesse Eisenberg close [AI-generated answers](https://www.britannica.com/about-britannica-ai) from Britannica articles. AI makes mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles. Load Next Page Feedback Thank you for your feedback Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. print Print Please select which sections you would like to print: verifiedCite While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. Select Citation Style Frommer, Fred. "Jesse Eisenberg". Encyclopedia Britannica, 20 Feb. 2026, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Jesse-Eisenberg. Accessed 13 April 2026. Copy Citation Share Share to social media [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/BRITANNICA/) [X](https://x.com/britannica) URL <https://www.britannica.com/biography/Jesse-Eisenberg> External Websites - [NPR - Jesse Eisenberg isn't ambitious Â— but he does worry about failing](https://www.npr.org/2025/01/30/nx-s1-5279170/jesse-eisenberg-a-real-pain-wild-card) - [CBC Radio - Best of Q: Jesse Eisenberg and Richard Ayoade on The Double](https://www.cbc.ca/radio/q/schedule-for-wednesday-11-june-1.2988842/best-of-q-jesse-eisenberg-and-richard-ayoade-on-the-double-1.2988921) - [CBS News - Jesse Eisenberg on the bitter and sweet of "A Real Pain"](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/jesse-eisenberg-on-the-bitter-and-sweet-of-a-real-pain/)
Readable Markdown	Top Questions ### What type of characters is Jesse Eisenberg known for playing? ### What are Jesse Eisenberg’s notable films and TV shows? ### What films has Jesse Eisenberg directed? Jesse Eisenberg (born October 5, 1983, Queens, [New York](https://www.britannica.com/place/New-York-state), U.S.) is an American actor, writer, and director best known for playing smart but awkward characters. He appeared in such popular movies as The Squid and the Whale (2005) and Zombieland (2009) before his star-making turn as [Facebook](https://www.britannica.com/money/Facebook) cofounder [Mark Zuckerberg](https://www.britannica.com/money/Mark-Zuckerberg) in The Social Network (2010). Eisenberg also wrote, directed, and starred in the well-received [film](https://www.britannica.com/art/film) A Real Pain (2024). ## Early life Eisenberg was born in the [New York City](https://www.britannica.com/place/New-York-City) borough of [Queens](https://www.britannica.com/place/Queens-New-York) and grew up in East Brunswick, [New Jersey](https://www.britannica.com/place/New-Jersey). He was raised in a [Jewish](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Judaism) family. His mother, Amy Eisenberg, performed at birthday parties as a clown, and his father, Barry Eisenberg, was a sociology professor. Jesse Eisenberg, who suffers from [anxiety](https://www.britannica.com/science/anxiety) and depression, had what he has described as a “weird childhood.” He cried every day of first grade, and the stresses of a new school resulted in his being homeschooled for the sixth grade. Struggling to fit in, Eisenberg found an outlet in [acting](https://www.britannica.com/art/acting). He did [community](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/community) theater, and in 1996 he was an understudy in the Broadway production of Summer and Smoke. In 1999 Eisenberg made his TV debut in Get Real, about a dysfunctional family; the show was canceled after one season. As a high-school senior, he landed a role in the independent film Roger Dodger, playing an inexperienced 16-year-old who spends a night on the town with his womanizing uncle. For his work in the [drama](https://www.britannica.com/art/theatre-art), which was released in 2002, Eisenberg was named the “most promising new actor” at the [San Diego](https://www.britannica.com/place/San-Diego-California) Film Festival (later San Diego International Film Festival). After graduating from the Professional Performing Arts School in 2001, Eisenberg [attended](https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/attended) the New School, where he studied anthropology. ## Acting career Following a small role in [M. Night Shyamalan](https://www.britannica.com/biography/M-Night-Shyamalan)’s [The Village](https://www.britannica.com/topic/The-Village-2004-film) (2004), Eisenberg starred in [Noah Baumbach](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Noah-Baumbach)’s critically acclaimed [The Squid and the Whale](https://www.britannica.com/topic/The-Squid-and-the-Whale) (2005), portraying an awkward teen son of divorcing parents (played by Jeff Daniels and [Laura Linney](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Laura-Linney)). Eisenberg appeared in several movies in 2007, notably The Hunting Party, a satire about journalists mistaken for [CIA](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Central-Intelligence-Agency) operatives, and the coming-of-age drama The Education of Charlie Banks. His credits from 2009 include Adventureland (opposite [Kristen Stewart](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Kristen-Stewart)) and [Zombieland](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Zombieland), a popular horror comedy costarring [Woody Harrelson](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Woody-Harrelson) and [Emma Stone](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Emma-Stone). [The Social Network](https://cdn.britannica.com/50/266250-050-E1DECDB1/promotional-still-of-actor-jesse-eisenburg-as-mark-zuckerberg-in-2010-film-the-social-network.jpg)Jesse Eisenberg (right) as Mark Zuckerberg in The Social Network (2010), directed by David Fincher. While garnering attention for his previous roles, Eisenberg became a star with his portrayal of Mark Zuckerberg in [David Fincher](https://www.britannica.com/biography/David-Fincher)’s [The Social Network](https://www.britannica.com/topic/The-Social-Network) (2010); the drama was written by [Aaron Sorkin](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Aaron-Sorkin) and costarred [Andrew Garfield](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Andrew-Garfield) and [Justin Timberlake](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Justin-Timberlake). “When Mr. Eisenberg makes Mark’s face go blank, the character seems scarily emptied out: it’s a subtly great, at times unsettling, performance,” Manohla Dargis wrote in [her movie review for The New York Times](https://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/24/movies/24nyffsocial.html). Eisenberg went on to earn an [Academy Award](https://www.britannica.com/art/Academy-Award) [nomination](https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/nomination). In 2012 Eisenberg joined an all-star cast for [Woody Allen](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Woody-Allen)’s [To Rome with Love](https://www.britannica.com/topic/To-Rome-with-Love). The following year he reunited with Harrelson in [Now You See Me](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Now-You-See-Me), a heist drama about magicians who rob banks during their performances. Eisenberg played the group’s leader, J. Daniel Atlas. Other films from 2013 include the thrillers The Double and [Kelly Reichardt](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Kelly-Reichardt)’s [Night Moves](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Night-Moves-2013-film). In the latter, Eisenberg was cast as an environmentalist who plots to destroy a dam. In 2016 he portrayed villain [Lex Luthor](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Lex-Luthor) in [Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Batman-v-Superman-Dawn-of-Justice), returned as J. Daniel Atlas in [Now You See Me 2](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Now-You-See-Me-2), and reunited with Allen and Stewart for [Café Society](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Cafe-Society-film), a [romantic comedy](https://www.britannica.com/art/romantic-comedy-film) set in 1930s [Hollywood](https://www.britannica.com/place/Hollywood-California). Notable Roles - Columbus: Zombieland and Zombieland: Double Tap - James Brennan: Adventureland - Mark Zuckerberg: The Social Network - J. Daniel Atlas: Now You See Me series - Lex Luthor: Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and Justice League - Toby Fleishman: Fleishman Is in Trouble - David Kaplan: A Real Pain Eisenberg remained busy, and in 2019 he [reprised](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reprised) his role as Columbus in [Zombieland: Double Tap](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Zombieland-Double-Tap) and appeared in The Art of Self-Defense, a dark comedy about a meek accountant who begins taking karate lessons from a hypermasculine sensei. He later starred with [Claire Danes](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Claire-Danes) in the acclaimed miniseries [Fleishman Is in Trouble](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Fleishman-Is-in-Trouble) (2022). It was based on a novel by Taffy Brodesser-Akner and centers on the breakdown of a couple’s marriage, as viewed from different perspectives. Go beyond the basics with trusted, in-depth knowledge for professionals, students, and lifelong learners. [SUBSCRIBE](https://premium.britannica.com/premium-membership/?utm_source=premium&utm_medium=inline-cta&utm_campaign=basics-2026) ![Penguin, ship, mountain, atlas](https://cdn.britannica.com/marketing/inline-left.webp) ![shohei ohtani, plants, andy wharhol art](https://cdn.britannica.com/marketing/inline-right.webp) ![Mobile](https://cdn.britannica.com/marketing/inline-mobile.webp?w=400) Eisenberg’s distinct acting style—highlighted by quick speaking and various tics, such as finger tapping—has earned him comparisons to Allen and [Dustin Hoffman](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Dustin-Hoffman). Eisenberg has said that all of his roles are based on little parts of himself. ## Directing [A Real Pain](https://cdn.britannica.com/51/266251-050-6D93EA77/screen-capture-still-of-actor-jesse-eisenberg-and-kieran-culkan-in-2024-film-a-royal-pain.jpg)Kieran Culkin (left) and Jesse Eisenberg in A Real Pain (2024). Eisenberg also wrote and directed the film. In 2022 Eisenberg directed his first feature film, When You Finish Saving the World. The comedy, which he also wrote, centers on the strained relationship between a mother and son, played by [Julianne Moore](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Julianne-Moore) and Finn Wolfhard, respectively. Eisenberg next wrote, directed, and starred in [A Real Pain](https://www.britannica.com/topic/A-Real-Pain) (2024), about two Jewish cousins (Eisenberg and [Kieran Culkin](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Kieran-Culkin)) who honor their recently [deceased](https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/deceased) grandmother by traveling to Poland, where they tour [Holocaust](https://www.britannica.com/event/Holocaust) sites and visit her childhood home. Eisenberg drew from his own family history for the movie. The character Grandma Dory is based on Eisenberg’s great-aunt Doris, who was born and raised in Poland. After filming A Real Pain, Eisenberg applied for—and received—Polish citizenship after becoming “obsessed” with his family history in that country. The movie was praised by critics, and Eisenberg received an Oscar nomination for [best original screenplay](https://www.britannica.com/art/Academy-Award-for-best-original-screenplay). ## Other activities Eisenberg also wrote and appeared in the [Off-Broadway](https://www.britannica.com/art/Off-Broadway) plays Asuncion (2011), a comedy that centers on the friendship of two men; The Revisionist (2013), which costarred [Vanessa Redgrave](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Vanessa-Redgrave); and The Spoils (2015), about a struggling filmmaker who pursues a childhood crush. In addition, Eisenberg penned short stories, and in 2015 he published the collection Bream Gives Me Hiccups. Quick Facts Movies/Tv Shows (Acted In): "Why Stop Now?" (2012) "The Newsroom" (2012) "To Rome with Love" (2012) "Solitary Man" (2009) "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice" (2016) "The Squid and the Whale" (2005) "The End of the Tour" (2015) "One Day Like Rain" (2007) "The Hummingbird Project" (2018) "30 Minutes or Less" (2011) "Louder Than Bombs" (2015) "The Education of Charlie Banks" (2007) "Café Society" (2016) "The Living Wake" (2007) "Now You See Me 2" (2016) "Roger Dodger" (2002) "Camp Hell" (2010) "Get Real" (1999–2000) "Night Moves" (2013) "He's Way More Famous Than You" (2013) "Vivarium" (2019) "Now You See Me" (2013) "The Hunting Party" (2007) "Resistance" (2020) "The Social Network" (2010) "Zombieland: Double Tap" (2019) "Zombieland" (2009) "Free Samples" (2012) "Modern Family" (2014) "Cursed" (2005) "The Double" (2013) "The Emperor's Club" (2002) "Adventureland" (2009) "Holy Rollers" (2010) "American Ultra" (2015) "The Village" (2004) "The Art of Self-Defense" (2019) "Rio" (2011) "Rio 2" (2014) ## Personal life During the filming of The Emperor’s Club (2002), Eisenberg met Anna Strout, who was an assistant to one of the film’s producers. The couple dated for more than 10 years before breaking up. However, they later reunited, and in 2017 Eisenberg and Strout married. That year the couple had a son.
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