
Jake Epstein
Career at a glance
12Hallmark films
2 at Christmas
across 4 rated films
Mostly standard issue
Best reviewed
Most recent
Jake Epstein is the guy Hallmark keeps around the edges of the frame, not the one carrying the poster. He has 12 films going back to 2015, but only one as the lead, which makes him a dependable ensemble player rather than a romantic anchor. He also keeps the same company: he has worked with Kathryn Davis on seven films and Ashley Newbrough on six, so when you see his name, a familiar troupe is usually nearby. His settings lean urban rather than the usual snow-globe town, and he mostly skips the Christmas circuit, with just two holiday titles to his name. His best-reviewed outing is Good Witch Spellbound from 2017, sitting at a tidy 7.4. He plays it straight, no winking, the kind of steady presence a comfort-viewer stops noticing in the best way.
Follow & about Jake
- From
- Toronto
Jacob Lee Epstein is a Canadian actor and singer. He is known for playing Craig Manning, a musician with bipolar disorder, on Degrassi: The Next Generation. He has also had recurring roles in the television series Designated Survivor and The Hardy Boys.
Jake’s signature
Across 12 films, Jake returns to Christmas, often plays a small business owner and is often set in the big city.
- Christmas2 films
- the big city4 films
- a small business owner4 films
3 films
Jake has shared more Hallmark sets with Cindy Busby than with anyone else.
3 films, one enduring on-screen pairing.
Known for
On-screen partners

Jake’s most frequent on-screen partner is Cindy Busby, with 3 films together.
Recurring roles
Jake is a recurring face in Hearts Around the Table, and 1 other franchise.
Where Jake fits in
The corners of the Hallmark universe Jake keeps turning up in. Each one is a full ranked guide.
All 12 movies
Newest first2020s
10 films- 2025
Hearts Around the Table: Jenna's First LoveActor as Josh Adler · Big CityNot ratedWeird 3/10 - 2025
Hearts Around the Table: Josh's Third ServingActor as Josh Adler · SuburbNot ratedWeird 3/10 - 2025
Hearts Around the Table: Kiki's Fourth IngredientActor as Josh Adler · Big CityNot ratedWeird 3/10 - 2025
Hearts Around the Table: Shari's Second ActActor as Josh Adler · SuburbNot ratedWeird 2/10 - 2025
Oy to the World!Actor as Josh · Small TownNot ratedWeird 5/10 - 2024
Unwrapping Christmas: Lily's DestinyActor as Benjamin Hall · ChristmasNot ratedWeird 3/10 - 2024
Unwrapping Christmas: Olivia's ReunionActor as Benjamin Hall · ChristmasNot ratedWeird 2/10 - 2024
Unwrapping Christmas: Tina's MiracleActor as Benjamin Hall · Christmas GalaNot ratedWeird 3/10 - 2023
The Wedding ContractActor as Adam · Big City6.2Weird 2/10 - 2021
Eight Gifts of HanukkahActor as Daniel · Hanukkah6.9Weird 4/10
Jake’s standouts
In pictures
A quick look at Jake’s Hallmark run — headshot and the posters fans know best.
Beyond Hallmark
Where else you might recognise Jake from — notable roles outside the Hallmark catalogue.
- The Umbrella Academyas Alphonso Hargreeves2019 · TV
- Star Trek: Discoveryas Dr. Attis2017 · TV
- Designated Survivoras Chuck Russink2016 · TV
- 4th Man Outas Marc Peters2015
- Full Outas Coach Pierce2015
- Suitsas Brian Altman (voice)2011 · TV
- My Babysitter's a Vampireas David Stachowski2011 · TV
- Charlie Bartlettas Dustin Lauderbach2008
Jake’s creative circle
Most directed by
- Jessica Reis4 films
- Marco Deufemia3 films
- Craig Pryce2 films
- Josie Fitzgerald2 films
- Lex Emanuel2 films
Most written by
- Karen Berger2 films
Who Jake works with
The cast and crew Jake keeps ending up on set with — the regular faces you’ll recognise from one film to the next. Bigger circle, more films together.


