“I like telling stories that feel honest and a little bit dangerous.” — Jared Keeso
Jared Keeso is a Canadian actor, writer, producer, and creator best known for his breakout role as Donny “The Moose” Smith in the hit Canadian series Letterkenny, which he co‑created and co‑wrote. Keeso first gained attention for his performance in the hockey drama Goon (2011) and later adapted his comedic web series Letterkenny Problems into the acclaimed television show Letterkenny (2016–present). He has earned multiple awards and nominations for his work and is recognized for his sharp comedic voice, authentic portrayals of rural Canadian life, and contributions behind the camera.
Timeline Overview
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1984 | Born July 1 in Listowel, Ontario, Canada |
| 2003–2006 | Early acting roles and appearances in Canadian TV and film |
| 2011 | Breakout film role in Goon as young Doug Glatt |
| 2013 | Starred in Goon: Last of the Enforcers (cameo/continuing association) |
| 2013–2015 | Created and released Letterkenny Problems web shorts |
| 2016 | Letterkenny premiered on Crave (Canada) and Hulu (U.S.) |
| 2017–2020s | Won Canadian Screen Awards for Letterkenny; continued as showrunner and lead actor |
| 2020s | Expanded production credits; continued acting in film and TV |
| Present | Active actor, writer, producer, and creator with ongoing Letterkenny projects |
Quick Facts
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jared Keeso |
| Birthdate | July 1, 1984 |
| Birthplace | Listowel, Ontario, Canada |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Ethnicity | White (of Canadian descent) |
| Religion | Not publicly emphasized |
| Age | 42 years (as of 2026) |
| Height | 6 ft 0 in (183 cm) |
| Hair | Brown |
| Eyes | Blue |
| Education | Attended high school in Ontario; trained in acting through early career work |
| Profession | Actor, Writer, Producer, Creator |
| Employer | Independent; projects with Crave, Hulu, and various film producers |
| Residence | Canada (Toronto area; varies with production) |
| Years Active | 2003–Present |
| Awards | Canadian Screen Awards (including Best Comedy Series/Performance) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $2–6 million |
| Zodiac Sign | Cancer ♋ |
Parents, Siblings & Relatives
- Parents: Names not widely publicized; raised in Listowel, Ontario.
- Siblings: Brother Dylan Keeso (less public).
- Spouse/Partner: Jared Keeso keeps his personal life relatively private; he has been linked publicly to long‑term relationships but does not frequently share family details.
- Children: Publicly available information about children is limited; Keeso maintains privacy around family life.

Early Life & Education
Jared Keeso was born and raised in Listowel, Ontario, where he developed an early interest in sports and storytelling. He played hockey growing up, an experience that later informed his roles in hockey‑themed projects like Goon. Keeso moved into acting in his late teens and early twenties, taking on small roles in Canadian television and film while honing his craft.
Career Journey
Keeso’s early career included guest roles on Canadian television and small film parts. His notable early film work came with Goon (2011), where his performance helped raise his profile. He created the short web series Letterkenny Problems, which captured a distinct rural Canadian voice and comedic rhythm; that concept was expanded into the full series Letterkenny in 2016, which Keeso co‑created, co‑wrote, and stars in as Donny “The Moose” Smith.
Letterkenny became a cultural phenomenon in Canada and found an international audience via streaming platforms. Keeso has served as a showrunner and executive producer, guiding the series’ tone and expansion into multiple seasons and spinoff content. He has continued to act in film and television while developing new projects as a producer and writer.
Major Works
- Letterkenny (Co‑creator, Writer, Executive Producer, Actor)
- Letterkenny Problems (Web shorts; precursor to the TV series)
- Goon (2011) — Actor
- Goon: Last of the Enforcers — Associated film work and franchise ties
- Various Canadian TV guest roles and film appearances
Awards & Recognition
- Canadian Screen Awards for Letterkenny (including recognition for comedy and performance)
- Critical acclaim for authentic comedic writing and character work
- Recognized as a leading voice in contemporary Canadian comedy and television production
Public Persona & Style
Jared Keeso is known for:
- Dry, rapid‑fire comedic delivery and sharp dialogue
- Authentic portrayals of rural and working‑class characters
- Hands‑on creative leadership as a writer and producer
- A preference for keeping personal life private while engaging publicly about his work
Lifestyle & Personal Insights
Keeso divides his time between acting, writing, and producing. He remains connected to his Canadian roots and often draws on personal experiences—like hockey and small‑town life—for creative inspiration. He is active in the Canadian entertainment community and collaborates frequently with fellow creators and actors from Letterkenny.
Physical Appearance
Jared Keeso has a tall, athletic build, standing around 6 ft 0 in (183 cm). He has brown hair, blue eyes, and a rugged, approachable screen presence that suits both comedic and dramatic roles.
Salary & Net Worth
His estimated net worth is $2–6 million, derived from acting salaries, production and writing credits, and ongoing royalties from Letterkenny and related projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Jared Keeso? He is a Canadian actor, writer, producer, and co‑creator of Letterkenny.
What is Jared Keeso’s breakout role? His breakout film role was in Goon (2011); his breakout TV success came with Letterkenny (2016).
Has Jared Keeso won awards? Yes — he has received Canadian Screen Awards and other industry recognition for Letterkenny.
Where is Jared Keeso from? He was born in Listowel, Ontario, Canada.
What is Jared Keeso’s zodiac sign? His zodiac sign is Cancer.
Related Figures
- Nathan Dales Biography
- K. Trevor Wilson Biography
- Michelle Mylett Biography
- Tyler Johnston Biography
- Mark Forward Biography
Legacy
Jared Keeso’s legacy centers on creating a distinctly Canadian comedy that resonated internationally, his role in bringing rural Canadian voices to mainstream streaming audiences, and his success as a multi‑hyphenate creator who writes, produces, and performs his own material.
Sources
- Canadian Screen Awards records
- Interviews and profiles in Canadian media
- Film and television credits (IMDb, production notes)
- Media coverage and industry profiles
Interesting Facts
- Letterkenny began as short web sketches titled Letterkenny Problems before becoming a full television series.
- Keeso’s background in hockey informed his casting and performance in Goon.
- He often collaborates with a recurring ensemble cast from Letterkenny.
- He keeps his personal and family life largely private.