You know the face. Honestly, even if you can’t immediately place the name Jimmy Bellinger, you’ve definitely seen him pop up on your screen at some point over the last decade. Maybe he was the guy wearing a fedora in a raunchy R-rated comedy, or perhaps you remember him as the slightly intense, lovestruck rival to Joey Bragg on the Disney Channel.
He’s one of those actors who has mastered the art of being "that guy." You see him and think, Oh, I love him! What was he in again? Basically, Jimmy Bellinger has carved out a niche as the go-to actor for characters who are quirky, dorkily confident, or just plain weird in the best way possible. From his early days in Maryland to his transition into major studio films like Blockers, his filmography is way more diverse than people realize. Let’s get into the weeds of what makes his career actually interesting.
The Disney Days: Artie Smalls and the "Diva" Energy
If you grew up watching Liv and Maddie, you know Artie Smalls. Artie wasn't just a side character; he was a force of nature. He was Joey Rooney’s arch-nemesis, the leader of the "Minions," and a guy who was deeply, perhaps concerningly, obsessed with Liv Rooney.
What made Jimmy’s performance as Artie stand out was the sheer commitment. Most Disney Channel "nerd" characters are written one-dimensionally. They’re just shy. Artie, however, was a "diva." Jimmy once mentioned in an interview that one of his favorite moments was a scene where he got to have a full-blown diva meltdown on Liv’s bed. He brought a theatricality to the role that most actors wouldn’t bother with for a sitcom.
Before he was Artie, he was already in the Disney ecosystem. You might have spotted him as Steven in the 2011 Disney Channel Original Movie Geek Charming. It’s a classic "popular girl meets film geek" story, and while Jimmy wasn't the lead, he brought that same specific energy that would eventually make Artie a fan favorite.
Why Blockers Was a Career Turning Point
A lot of child or teen stars get stuck in the "Disney box" forever. It’s hard to transition from G-rated hijinks to "grown-up" movies without it feeling forced. Jimmy managed to do it by leaning into his strengths.
In 2018, he appeared in Blockers, directed by Kay Cannon. If you haven’t seen it, it’s a raunchy comedy about parents (played by John Cena, Leslie Mann, and Ike Barinholtz) trying to stop their daughters from losing their virginity on prom night.
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Jimmy played Chad. Chad is Sam’s (Gideon Adlon) prom date, and he is... a lot. He’s a musical theater enthusiast who wears a fedora and has zero clue that his date is actually struggling with her own identity and sexuality throughout the night.
- The Audition: Jimmy actually auditioned for a completely different character that ended up getting cut from the script. He went through a two-month process before landing Chad.
- The Vibe: He described Chad as "dorky yet confident." That’s the Bellinger sweet spot. He isn't the guy who gets bullied; he’s the guy who is so comfortable in his own weirdness that he’s actually kind of intimidating.
- The Impact: Blockers proved that Jimmy could hold his own alongside comedy heavyweights like Ike Barinholtz. He wasn't just a "kid actor" anymore.
The Stuff You Probably Forgot He Was In
Jimmy Bellinger movies and tv shows aren't just limited to teen comedies. He’s a "jobbing actor," meaning he’s been in everything from prestige TV to bizarre creature features.
Have you seen Homecoming on Amazon Prime? It’s a psychological thriller starring Julia Roberts (and later Janelle Monáe). Jimmy showed up in the second season as Chad. It was a complete pivot from his usual comedic roles—much more grounded, much more "real world."
Then there’s the weird stuff. Specifically, 2 Lava 2 Lantula! (2016). Yes, that is a real movie title. It’s a sequel to Lavalantula, and it involves giant fire-breathing spiders. Jimmy plays a character named Kyle. It’s the kind of movie you watch at 2 AM with friends while eating questionable pizza, and honestly, Jimmy looks like he’s having the time of his life.
He’s also popped up in:
- The Middle: He played Edwin, a manager at a cinema who takes his job way too seriously.
- New Girl: A tiny role as a "Lighting Guy," but still—it’s New Girl.
- Shameless: He played a character named Max.
- Parks and Recreation: A quick appearance as Mike Harlmpton.
More Than Just a Comedian
One thing that doesn't get talked about enough is Jimmy’s work in projects with a bit more heart. In 2012, he was in a TV movie called A Smile as Big as the Moon. It’s based on a true story about a special education teacher who takes his students to Space Camp. Jimmy played Matt, and it’s a genuinely moving performance that shows he has range beyond just being the "funny guy with a fedora."
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He’s also a singer. He’s performed at various events and has a background in musical theater, which explains why he was so good at playing the theater-obsessed Chad in Blockers.
The Skittles Guy?
If you feel like you’ve seen him even if you don't watch Disney or R-rated comedies, it’s probably because of the commercials. Jimmy was the face of a very famous (and slightly gross) Skittles commercial. You know the one—where the guy has Skittles growing on his skin like a rash?
Yeah, that was him.
He’s talked about how that commercial was supposed to be a short-lived thing, but it ended up being so weirdly memorable that they kept renewing it for years. It’s a testament to his ability to make an impression with very little screen time.
What’s Next for Jimmy Bellinger?
As we move through 2026, Jimmy is still working steadily. He recently appeared in the series Not Dead Yet as Mason, continuing his streak of being a reliable presence in network comedies. He also starred in the 2022 horror-comedy Shaky Shivers, which was directed by Sung Kang (yes, Han from Fast & Furious).
There’s also buzz about him being involved in Freakier Friday, the long-awaited sequel to the Lindsay Lohan/Jamie Lee Curtis classic. While details are often kept under wraps until the last minute in Hollywood, it fits his brand perfectly.
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Key Takeaways for Fans
If you’re looking to binge some Jimmy Bellinger content, here is the "essential viewing" list:
- For the laughs: Liv and Maddie (specifically the episodes where Artie tries to woo Liv).
- For the raunchy comedy: Blockers.
- For the "Wait, he was in this?" factor: Homecoming Season 2.
- For the cult classic vibes: Shaky Shivers.
Jimmy Bellinger isn't trying to be the next leading man heartthrob, and that’s why he’s successful. He’s an actor who wants to "play different characters well," as he once told a group of students during a charity event. In an industry full of people trying to be "cool," his commitment to being "weird" is exactly why he keeps getting hired.
Next time you’re scrolling through Netflix or Disney+, keep an eye out for him. Chances are, he’ll be the most interesting person in the scene.
Pro Tip: If you're a collector of physical media or rare credits, try to track down his earliest work in An American Affair (2008). It’s a much more somber, period-piece drama that shows a side of him you won't see in his Disney or Skittles work. Watching his progression from a dramatic child actor to a comedic staple is a masterclass in longevity in the entertainment industry.
Next Steps for You
- Check out "Shaky Shivers": If you want to see Jimmy in a lead role where he gets to flex both his comedic and horror muscles, this is the one to find on streaming.
- Rewatch "Blockers": Pay attention to the background during the prom scenes; Jimmy’s physical comedy (and that fedora) adds a whole layer of hilarity to the subplots.
- Follow his 2026 projects: Keep an eye on casting announcements for upcoming indie horror films, as he’s been leaning heavily into that genre lately.