Jesse Ridenour as Jesse, (who) holds her own and injects a real spark to the film. Ridenour creates an authentic connection with her onscreen Grandfather that feels genuine and familiar.

APEX Film Awards, 2024

Jesse Ridenour is a nonunion actress based in Los Angeles, recently nominated for Best Actress in the Corsenal Production International Monthly Film Festival, March 2024, for her role as lead actress opposite Raymond J. Barry in the dramatic short film, The Painter, written and directed by Jahanshah Vafaeisefat. The film just had its world premiere at the Fisheye Film Festival, UK 2024 and has already won several awards during its festival run. 

Jesse is a primarily Method trained actress, having studied at the Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute (LSTFI) under the mentorship of artists such as Sharon Angela, Michael Yurchak, and Kymberly Harris. She has studied a variety of other techniques as well, including Meisner, Chekhov, and Improv, and focuses on developing her craft for acting on camera. She pursues projects with the goal of portraying complex characters and stories; to give insight and understanding through representation.

She also recently made her stage debut as a lead in the original sci-fi thriller play, Cadenza, as part of the 2023 Hollywood Fringe Festival. For this role, Jesse not only acted live, but also did pre-recorded and live voiceover. Of her performance, a HIFF reviewer stated that,

“Jesse Ridenour as the “Overseer” was a powerhouse throughout even when she was only heard and not seen.”

Certified Reviewer, Hollywood International Film Festival 2023

Prior to moving to Los Angeles in 2022, Jesse lived on Oahu for nearly five years, working as an Architect. She is a Washington state native, received her BS in Architecture from Washington State University, and spent nearly six years working as an architectural designer.

Her first acting class was at the end of 2019 through a local theatre on Oahu. She quickly fell in love with the craft and began acting on the side, participating in film festivals, producing her own short films, and acting in student films. 

Jesse loves now being at the heart of the industry in LA, pursuing acting full time. She is excited to continue growing as an actress while pursuing her goal of creating a better, more connected and empathetic world through innovative storytelling.

Connect with her here.