Hollywood has this weird habit of finding a massive talent and then keeping them in the background until they suddenly explode. If you’ve been watching Netflix’s The Diplomat, you definitely recognize the face. You might even still be a little traumatized by what happened to their character, Ronnie Buckhurst. But jess chanliau movies and tv shows go way deeper than just a single high-stakes political thriller.
Honestly, it’s refreshing to see an actor who doesn't just "act" but actually moves. Jess is a trained movement artist and clown. Yeah, you heard that right. Before they were dealing with international crises on screen, they were mastering the physical language of performance in Glasgow and Paris. This background is exactly why their screen presence feels so grounded and specific. It’s not just about hitting a mark; it’s about how they occupy the space.
The Breakout: Why Everyone Is Searching for Jess Chanliau Movies and TV Shows
Most people probably first encountered Jess as Ronnie in The Diplomat. Ronnie was that reliable, sharp-as-a-tack embassy officer who worked under Stuart Hayford. In a show filled with fast-talking diplomats and chaotic power players, Ronnie was the anchor. They didn't need a ten-minute monologue to command a scene.
Then, the finale happened.
The car bomb that rocked the end of Season 1 left fans reeling. When Season 2 premiered in late 2024, we got the heartbreaking confirmation: Ronnie didn't make it. It was a massive blow to the team at the US Embassy in London and, frankly, to the fans who wanted to see more of that character's trajectory.
But if you think that's the only place they've popped up, you're missing out on some gritty indie gems and sci-fi world-building.
✨ Don't miss: Why La Mera Mera Radio is Actually Dominating Local Airwaves Right Now
Inmate Zero (Patients of a Saint)
Before the polished suits of the state department, Jess was fighting for survival in a prison-turned-zombie-lab. In the 2020 horror-thriller Inmate Zero (also known as Patients of a Saint), Jess played Stone.
It’s a brutal, claustrophobic film.
Stone is an ex-military prisoner, and this role really let Jess lean into that physical training. It’s a complete 180 from the diplomatic world. You get to see them handle action choreography in a way that feels raw and desperate. If you’re a horror fan, this is the one to track down. It’s a low-budget indie, but it has a cult following for a reason.
Brave New World
Remember the Peacock adaptation of Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World? It only lasted one season back in 2020, but it was a visual feast. Jess appeared in this series, adding another sci-fi credit to their resume. Even in a small role, being part of a production with that much world-building is a testament to the kind of projects they gravitate toward—smart, slightly off-kilter, and visually distinct.
The Voice and the Machine: Chorus
One of the coolest things about the jess chanliau movies and tv shows list isn't actually a movie or a show. It’s a video game.
🔗 Read more: Why Love Island Season 7 Episode 23 Still Feels Like a Fever Dream
In 2021, the space-combat game Chorus was released. Jess provided the motion capture and performance for Nara’s sentient starfighter, Forsaken.
Think about that for a second. Playing a sentient ship.
That’s where the movement artistry comes back into play. They had to convey emotion and character through motion capture, essentially breathing life into a machine. It’s one of those "hidden" roles that people often miss when they look up an actor's filmography on a whim.
Shakespeare and the Stage
You can't really understand Jess’s career without looking at their stage work. They are bilingual—fluent in French and English—and have a deep history with Shakespeare.
They’ve played Viola in Twelfth Night and a "queer, punky" version of Mercutio in Romeo and Juliet.
💡 You might also like: When Was Kai Cenat Born? What You Didn't Know About His Early Life
In interviews, Jess has been open about how playing these characters helped them navigate their own identity as a non-binary performer. They’ve often mentioned that Viola, in particular, is a character that lives in that "in-between" space. This theatrical foundation is why their TV performances feel so layered. There is a precision to their work that you only get from doing live theater in places like the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.
What’s Next for Jess Chanliau?
Since Ronnie’s exit from The Diplomat, everyone is wondering where they’ll show up next. There have been rumors about more sci-fi projects, which makes total sense given their vibe.
Jess has expressed interest in doing a "queer road trip movie" or something in the realm of high-concept science fiction. Honestly? We need more of that. The industry is slowly getting better at casting non-binary actors in roles where their identity is just one part of a complex human being, rather than the entire plot point.
If you’re looking to binge their work, here’s a quick roadmap:
- The Diplomat (Netflix) – Start here for the "Ronnie" experience.
- Inmate Zero (VOD/Streaming) – Go here for the gritty, survivalist action.
- Chorus (Gaming) – If you want to see (or feel) their performance in a digital space.
- Brave New World (Peacock) – For the dystopian vibes.
It’s rare to find an actor who can jump from a Shakespearean stage to a zombie-infested prison to the high-stakes world of international diplomacy without missing a beat. Jess Chanliau is one of those performers. They make every minute on screen count, even if it’s just a look or a subtle shift in posture.
Keep an eye on indie film circuits and upcoming Netflix casting announcements. While Ronnie Buckhurst might be gone, Jess Chanliau is clearly just getting started.
If you're diving into their filmography today, the best move is to start with Inmate Zero to see the range they had before the Netflix fame. It shows a totally different side of their physical acting capability that The Diplomat only hinted at. From there, re-watching Season 1 of The Diplomat feels different—you start to notice the small, intentional choices they made that turned a supporting character into a fan favorite.