Jason Mendoza, the dance-obsessed Jacksonville resident on NBC’s The Good Place, served as the primary breakout vehicle for Manny Jacinto. The role allowed the actor to subvert Hollywood stereotypes regarding Asian men, establishing a career path that transitioned from competitive hip-hop dancing in Vancouver to major feature film productions and high-profile streaming series.
Formative years in Canada
Born in Manila, Philippines, in 1987, Jacinto relocated to Canada with his family at the age of three. His youth in Richmond, British Columbia, centered on organized sports, specifically basketball and baseball. He attended Vancouver College, a Catholic high school for boys, before enrolling at the University of British Columbia. He completed a bachelor's degree in civil engineering during his time at the university.
Transition from engineering to performance
While pursuing an internship in engineering, Jacinto became involved in the local hip-hop dance scene. His participation in dance competitions redirected his career interests toward professional acting. Motivated by the limited representation of Asian actors within the Vancouver film industry, he relocated to Los Angeles to seek broader opportunities. Early television credits included guest appearances on programs such as Once Upon a Time, Supernatural, and iZombie.
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Take the IQ test →Establishing a television presence
In 2015, Jacinto secured the role of triad leader Wing Lei in Chris Haddock’s Canadian spy drama, The Romeo Section, earning a Leo Award nomination. This led to his casting as Jason Mendoza in 2016 for The Good Place, which aired until 2020. Subsequent television work includes the Netflix horror miniseries Brand New Cherry Flavor, released in 2021, and voice acting for the Disney Channel series Hailey's On It!, which began in 2023.
Film and franchise expansion
Jacinto’s transition into feature films included appearances in Bad Times at the El Royale in 2018 and the 2022 blockbuster Top Gun: Maverick. In 2024, he portrayed Qimir, also known as the Stranger, in the Star Wars series The Acolyte. His filmography expanded further in 2025 with a role in Disney’s Freakier Friday, alongside Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis. Future projects scheduled for 2026 include the DreamWorks Animation film Forgotten Island and the web series Sun Chaser, both featuring Liza Soberano.
Fast facts
- Born: 19 August 1987, Manila
- Education: Vancouver College, University of British Columbia
- Notable TV role: Jason Mendoza in The Good Place
- Spouse: Dianne Doan
- Current residence: Los Angeles
- Fields of work: Acting, Dancing
- 2024 Role: Qimir in The Acolyte
- Degree earned: Bachelor's in Civil Engineering
Questions readers ask
What did Manny Jacinto study before becoming an actor?
He earned a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from the University of British Columbia.
Who is Manny Jacinto married to?
He is married to actress Dianne Doan, whom he married in 2021.
Did he have a background in performance before acting?
Yes, he was involved in competitive hip-hop dance before deciding to pursue acting as a full-time career.