You’ve definitely seen his face. Whether he’s pulling someone out of a burning building or sporting cybernetic dreadlocks while hunting superheroes, Jordan Calloway has become one of those "wait, I know him" actors who suddenly seems to be in every hit series on your DVR.
Honestly, it’s been a wild ride watching him go from a Nickelodeon teen heartthrob to the gritty, complicated world of Edgewater. Most people think he just popped up out of nowhere when Fire Country blew up, but he’s been grinding in the industry for over two decades.
He isn't just another TV actor. He's a chameleon.
The Evolution of Jordan Calloway Movies and Shows
Most fans today know him as Jake Crawford. As a series regular on CBS’s Fire Country, Calloway plays a character that’s basically the emotional anchor—and sometimes the punching bag—of the show. Jake is a Station 42 captain who has dealt with everything from being a prime suspect in an arson investigation to navigating the messiest of family dynamics.
But if you’re a 90s kid or an early 2000s devotee, you probably first met him on Nickelodeon’s Unfabulous. He played Zach Carter-Schwartz. He was the eco-conscious, slightly dorky best friend to Emma Roberts’ Addie Singer.
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Think about that range for a second. Going from middle school comedy to high-stakes firefighting drama isn't easy, yet he makes it look effortless.
The CW Years: From Villain to Anti-Hero
Before he put on the turnouts and helmet for CBS, Calloway spent a lot of time over at The CW. This is where he really showed his teeth as an actor.
- Riverdale: He played Chuck Clayton. Now, if you watched Season 1, you probably hated him. He was the ultimate "alpha-male douchebag" football player. He was part of a major slut-shaming scandal that involved a "sticky maple" (Riverdale writers were weird, we know). But he eventually came back in Season 2 with a redemption arc that felt surprisingly grounded.
- Black Lightning: This is where things got serious. He was Khalil Payne, who eventually became the lethal assassin Painkiller. This wasn't just a guest spot; Calloway was eventually upped to a series regular. He played two personalities trapped in one body—the soft-hearted Khalil and the cold, calculating killing machine.
The CW even filmed a backdoor pilot for a Painkiller spinoff. It didn’t ultimately get picked up, which sort of felt like a missed opportunity given how much lore they had built, but it paved the way for his move to network television’s biggest stages.
Breaking Down the Filmography
Calloway doesn't just stick to the small screen. He's dipped his toes into film quite a bit, though his TV work often gets the most limelight.
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Countdown (2019)
This was a fun, "don't think too hard about it" horror flick. He played Matt Monroe, a guy trying to survive an app that tells you exactly when you're going to die. It's the kind of movie you watch on a rainy Tuesday night, and he holds his own as the male lead.
Always a Bridesmaid (2019)
If you want something lighter, this rom-com is actually quite charming. Written by Yvette Nicole Brown, it stars Javicia Leslie, but Calloway shows up as Mark, the guy who just might be "the one."
Drumline: A New Beat (2014)
He took on the lead role of Jayven in this VH1 sequel. It’s a high-energy movie about competitive marching bands. If you liked the original Nick Cannon version, this one is worth a watch just for the choreography and Calloway’s charisma.
A Career of Longevity
It is actually pretty rare for a child actor to transition into a successful adult career without a massive, public meltdown or a ten-year hiatus. Calloway managed it. He even had a recurring role on ER back in the day (Seasons 11 and 12), playing K.J. Thibeaux. He was literally working with the best in the business before he was even out of high school.
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What's Next for the Actor?
As of 2026, Calloway is expanding his horizons. On Fire Country, he isn't just acting anymore. Like his co-star Max Thieriot, he’s stepped behind the camera. He directed the fourth episode of Season 4, proving he’s looking at the industry from a much broader lens than just "the guy in front of the lens."
There were rumors in early 2025 that his character, Jake, might be leaving the show to become a Battalion Chief elsewhere. Fans were worried. But as the "Fire Country" universe expands—with spinoffs like Sheriff Country and Fire Country: Surfside—it seems like he’s firmly planted in the franchise for the long haul.
Making Sense of the Journey
- Early Success: Nickelodeon's Unfabulous (2004-2007).
- The Pivot: Guest spots on ER, The Glades, and Switched at Birth.
- The CW Era: Transforming into Chuck Clayton and Khalil Payne/Painkiller.
- The Leading Man: Starring roles in Countdown and Fire Country.
- The Director: Helming episodes of major network dramas.
How to Watch Him Now
If you want to catch up on his best work, here’s the most efficient way to do it:
- For the Drama: Start Fire Country on Paramount+. It’s his most mature work to date.
- For the Action: Watch Black Lightning on Netflix. The Painkiller fight choreography is genuinely top-tier for broadcast TV.
- For the Nostalgia: If you can find Unfabulous on streaming (it pops up on NickHits or Paramount+ occasionally), it’s a total time capsule.
Jordan Calloway has proven that he isn't just a flash in the pan. He’s a guy who puts in the work, respects the craft, and knows how to pick roles that keep people talking. Whether he’s directing or acting, he’s one of those rare talents who actually deserves the "expert" label in the world of television.
Keep an eye on the Friday night lineups. Jake Crawford isn't going anywhere, and honestly, the show is better for it.