You’ve probably seen him. Maybe it was that sharp-jawed guy causing chaos in a Ryan Murphy show, or perhaps you remember him as the blue-haired god of the underworld in a Disney flick. Honestly, Cheyenne Jackson is everywhere. He’s one of those rare performers who managed to jump from the "Broadway star" box into a legit, multi-decade career across every screen imaginable.
People usually start their search for Cheyenne Jackson movies and tv shows because they recognize the face but can't quite place the role. Was he the vocal coach on Glee? Yes. Was he the designer on American Horror Story? Also yes. He’s a bit of a chameleon, which is wild considering he has the kind of leading-man looks that usually get actors typecast for life.
The FX Era: Making a Mark in American Horror Story
If we’re talking about where most people first "met" Cheyenne on TV, it’s almost certainly the American Horror Story (AHS) universe. He didn’t just pop in for a cameo; he became a staple of the troupe.
His debut in AHS: Hotel as Will Drake—the fashion designer who makes the mistake of buying the Cortez—was a masterclass in playing "the sane guy in a crazy room." But the range really showed up later. By the time he played the manipulative producer Sidney Aaron James in Roanoke and then Dr. Rudy Vincent in Cult, it was clear he could play dark, smarmy, or vulnerable with equal ease.
He even made a splash in Apocalypse as John Henry Moore. For fans of the franchise, his presence provided a sort of grounding energy. It’s hard to stand out in a show filled with witches and rubber-suited ghosts, but Jackson has this way of commanding the frame without overacting.
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From 30 Rock to Call Me Kat: The Comedy Credits
A lot of actors with theater backgrounds struggle with the subtlety of a sitcom, but Cheyenne treats it like a playground. His stint on 30 Rock as Danny Baker is a fan favorite for a reason. He played the "new guy" who was so Canadian and so nice that he drove everyone else crazy. It was a perfect foil for Tina Fey’s Liz Lemon.
More recently, he spent a few seasons on Call Me Kat playing Max. The chemistry he had with Mayim Bialik felt genuine, and it gave him a chance to lean into that "boy next door" energy that he's naturally got. It’s a far cry from the haunted hallways of AHS, but that’s the point.
- 30 Rock: Danny Baker (The "street performer" who was actually just very talented).
- Glee: Dustin Goolsby (The rival coach who took over Vocal Adrenaline).
- Modern Family: Max (A brief but memorable guest spot).
- Saved by the Bell (2020): René (A fun nod to the reimagined universe).
The Disney Villain Transition
If you have kids, you probably don't know him as a Broadway star. You know him as Hades.
His portrayal of the god of the underworld in Descendants 3 (2019) and the subsequent Descendants: The Royal Wedding (2021) basically gave him a whole new generation of fans. He brought a rock-star edge to the character—literally. The "Do What You Gotta Do" duet with Dove Cameron is still a bop. It’s campy, it’s over-the-top, and he looks like he's having the time of his life.
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Serious Film Roles and Real-Life Drama
While he’s great at the "fun" stuff, Cheyenne Jackson's movie career started with a project that couldn't be more serious. In 2006, he played Mark Bingham in United 93. It’s a heavy, visceral film about the 9/11 attacks, and Jackson’s performance as the real-life rugby player who helped fight back against the hijackers is incredibly moving.
It’s easy to forget he has that gear when you’re watching him in Hurricane Bianca: From Russia with Hate or A Clüsterfünke Christmas. But the depth is there. He’s also popped up in indie gems like Love is Strange (2014) alongside John Lithgow and Alfred Molina, and the 2021 horror-comedy Werewolves Within.
What’s New in 2025 and 2026?
If you're looking for what he's doing right now, the guy hasn't slowed down. As of early 2026, he’s been touring his "Mid Life Torso" show, which is a mix of music and storytelling. But on the screen side, he recently appeared in the medical drama Doctor Odyssey as Bryan.
There’s also the buzz surrounding Queens of the Dead, where he plays Jimmy. This project is a big deal for fans of his more "genre" work, and it’s expected to hit the festival circuit and streaming soon.
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Why We Keep Watching
The reality is that Cheyenne Jackson movies and tv shows work because he’s a professional. He’s not just a "celebrity." He’s a guy who spent years understudying on Broadway (Thoroughly Modern Millie, Aida) before getting his big break in All Shook Up. That work ethic translates to the screen. Whether he’s playing a guest role on The Morning Show or lead in a Netflix series like Julie and the Phantoms, he shows up ready to play.
If you want to dive deeper into his filmography, start with the "Ryan Murphy" years and then jump back to United 93. The contrast will give you a real appreciation for what he does.
To keep up with his latest projects, the best move is to watch for his name on the "Guest Star" credits of major network dramas—he has a knack for appearing in the best ones—or follow his concert tour dates, as he often tests out new material that eventually finds its way into his televised performances.