Jake Johnson is a beloved American actor known for his everyman charm, comedic timing, and distinctive voice. From his breakout role as Nick Miller on the hit sitcom New Girl to voicing a jaded version of Spider-Man in the animated Spider-Verse films, Johnson has built a diverse and impressive career in Hollywood. This guide explores everything you need to know about Jake Johnson, including his personal life, wife, children, notable roles, and his connection to The Rookie and Spider-Man.
Who Is Jake Johnson?
Jake Johnson, born Mark Jake Johnson Weinberger on May 28, 1978, is an American actor, comedian, filmmaker, and producer . He is best known for his long-running role as Nick Miller on the Fox sitcom New Girl (2011–2018), a performance that earned him a Critics’ Choice Television Award nomination for Best Actor in a Comedy Series. Johnson is also widely celebrated for voicing Peter B. Parker (an older, more weary Spider-Man) in the acclaimed animated films Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018) and Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023)
He has also appeared in numerous films and television shows, including Let’s Be Cops, Jurassic World, 21 Jump Street, Tag, and the Starz series Minx, In 2023, Johnson made his directorial debut with the comedy film Self Reliance, which he also wrote and produced.
Johnson grew up in Evanston, Illinois, and later moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting. He attended the University of Iowa, where he studied theater and film. His early career included minor roles in television shows and independent films before he landed his breakthrough role on New Girl. His journey from struggling actor to household name is an inspiring story of persistence and talent.
Jake Johnson’s Wife: Erin Payne
Jake Johnson is married to Erin Payne, a successful artist and scenic painter, The couple is famously private about their relationship, rarely sharing details with the public.
How They Met
Johnson revealed during an appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show in 2022 that he met Erin while she was working as a bartender at The Cat and The Fiddle in Los Angeles. Johnson was a regular customer who admired her from afar and eventually worked up the courage to ask her out. He has described their meeting as a pivotal moment in his life, noting that he knew almost immediately that she was the one.
How Long Have They Been Married?
The exact date of their marriage is not publicly confirmed, but Johnson mentioned in a 2012 interview that he and his wife had been married for seven years at that time, This suggests they likely tied the knot around 2005, As of 2026, they have been married for about 21 years, which is a significant achievement by Hollywood standards. Johnson has often joked that his long marriage is the secret to his grounded personality and success.
Who Is Erin Payne?
Erin Payne is a recognized artist and scenic painter. She works primarily in the art world, although she also has credits as a scenic artist on major films such as The Other Guys, The Last Airbender, Sex and the City 2, Shutter Island, The Lovely Bones, and The Happening .
In 2012, Payne won the New American Paintings Reader’s Choice Prize for her work . Her art has been displayed at galleries like OBJECT Gallery, the First Street Gallery Art Center, and White Box Contemporary. Her artistic style is known for its vibrant colors and emotional depth, often exploring themes of nature and human connection.
Collaborations with Jake Johnson
Payne and Johnson have worked together creatively on several occasions:
• Artwork on New Girl: The drawings hanging in the room of Johnson’s character Nick Miller were created by Erin Payne, This personal touch added authenticity to the character’s quirky personality.
• Digging for Fire (2015): Payne provided crucial feedback on the script for this film, which Johnson co-wrote and produced. She initially told him, “Not only do I hate your character, but I hate this movie,” leading to significant rewrites that made the film stronger, Johnson has credited her honest feedback as instrumental to his growth as a writer and filmmaker.
Jake Johnson’s Children
Jake Johnson and Erin Payne have two children, twin daughters named Elizabeth and Olivia, born in 2014, The couple is very private about their family life, and Johnson rarely posts pictures of his children or talks about them in detail during interviews, During an interview for Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, Johnson shared that, like his character Peter B. Parker, he is obsessed with his kids and thinks they are incredible . He has described fatherhood as the most rewarding experience of his life, often joking that it has made him softer and more emotional.
Johnson has also spoken about the challenges of balancing a demanding acting career with fatherhood. He credits his wife for their partnership in parenting and has expressed gratitude for the support system they have built together.
Jake Johnson and The Rookie: Is He In It?
No, Jake Johnson is not a cast member on the police procedural drama The Rookie. The character named “Jake Butler” appears in The Rookie and is played by Eric Winter, who also plays the main character Tim Bradford . The character Jake Butler looks nearly identical to Tim Bradford, leading to an undercover storyline where Lucy Chen nicknames him “Dim”. However, this is a different actor and has no connection to Jake Johnson.
Despite this confusion, many fans have expressed interest in seeing Jake Johnson appear on The Rookie in a guest role. Given his comedic timing and dramatic range, he could potentially be a great fit for the show’s tone. However, as of 2026, there are no official plans for Johnson to join the cast.
Jake Johnson as Spider-Man
Jake Johnson is widely celebrated for his voice role as Peter B. Parker / Spider-Man in the animated Spider-Verse films. Unlike the younger, more idealistic versions of Spider-Man, Johnson’s Peter B. Parker is an older, jaded, and world-weary version of the character. He is in his late 30s, has been Spider-Man for over two decades, has gone through a divorce, and is struggling with his personal and professional life . This version of Peter Parker serves as a mentor to Miles Morales (voiced by Shameik Moore) and provides comic relief while also showing a more vulnerable and realistic side of the superhero.
Critical reception to his performance has been overwhelmingly positive. Many reviewers called his Peter Parker the highlight of the film, noting that the concept of a past-his-prime Peter Parker is “oddly refreshing” Johnson’s voice performance has been praised for its authenticity and emotional depth. He brings a unique blend of humor, weariness, and heart to the role, making his version of Spider-Man one of the most memorable in recent years.
Johnson has expressed interest in continuing to voice the character in future Spider-Verse films. He has also noted that his portrayal of Peter B. Parker has been influenced by his own experiences as a husband and father, adding a layer of personal authenticity to the performance.
Jake Johnson Movies and TV Shows
Jake Johnson has a prolific filmography spanning both television and film. Here is a detailed overview of his most notable work.
Popular TV Shows
• New Girl (2011–2018):
Johnson’s breakout role came when he was cast as Nick Miller on the Fox sitcom New Girl. He was a main cast member for all 146 episodes of the show’s seven-season run. His character, a sarcastic, lovable slacker with a hidden romantic side, became a fan favorite. Johnson received a Critics’ Choice Television Award nomination for Best Actor in a Comedy Series for his performance . The show remains popular in syndication and streaming, and Johnson frequently reunites with his castmates at fan conventions and in interviews.
• Minx (2022–2023):
Johnson starred as Doug Renetti, a porn magazine publisher in the Starz comedy series set in the 1970s. The show earned positive reviews for its sharp writing and Johnson’s performance, which was praised for its comedic timing and surprising depth. The show ran for two seasons and developed a cult following.
• Stumptown (2019–2020):
Johnson played Grey McConnell, the best friend and business partner of the main character Dex Parios, in this ABC drama series, The show, though short-lived, was praised for its strong cast and engaging storylines. Johnson’s performance demonstrated his ability to handle dramatic material alongside comedy.
Drunk History (2013–2019):
Johnson made guest appearances on this Comedy Central show, appearing in three episodes. His segments were notable for their comedic energy and his willingness to fully commit to the absurd premise.
Hoops (2020):
Johnson voiced the lead role of Ben Hopkins in this adult animated series, which he also executive produced. Although the show was canceled after one season, Johnson’s voice work was praised for its comedic intensity.
Lost Ollie (2022):
He played Daddy in this Netflix limited series, a drama about a lost toy searching for his owner . The show was a departure from his usual comedy work, showcasing his range as an actor.
Popular Movies
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018) and Across the Spider-Verse (2023):
Johnson’s voice role as Peter B. Parker is arguably his most iconic film role. His portrayal of the jaded, older Spider-Man has been praised for its humor and emotional depth. The first film won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, and both films are considered masterpieces of animation.
Jurassic World (2015):
Johnson played Lowery Cruthers, a control room employee with a dry, sarcastic sense of humor. His performance provided much-needed comic relief in the blockbuster film, which grossed over $1.6 billion worldwide.
Let’s Be Cops (2014):
Johnson co-starred with Damon Wayans Jr. in this comedy about two friends who fake being police officers. The film was a commercial success and further cemented Johnson’s reputation as a leading comedic actor.
21 Jump Street (2012):
He played Principal Dadier, a weary and unimpressed school principal. The film was a critical and commercial hit, and Johnson’s brief but memorable performance stood out.
Tag (2018):
Johnson was part of an ensemble cast in this comedy about a group of friends who have played the same game of tag for thirty years. The film was praised for its comedic energy and strong ensemble chemistry.
Safety Not Guaranteed (2012):
Johnson played Jeff Schwensen, a journalist investigating a classified ad from a man claiming to have a time machine. The indie comedy-drama was a critical darling and marked one of Johnson’s first notable film roles .
The Mummy (2017):
Johnson played Chris Vail, a soldier, in this action-adventure film starring Tom Cruise. Although the film received mixed reviews, Johnson’s performance was noted as one of its highlights.
Self Reliance (2023):
Johnson made his directorial debut with this comedy film, which he also wrote and produced, The film premiered on Hulu and was praised for its creative premise and Johnson’s performance as the lead character.
Other Notable Appearances
• Drinking Buddies (2013): Johnson starred in this indie film with Olivia Wilde, part of his collaboration with director Joe Swanberg . The film was praised for its naturalistic dialogue and strong performances.
• Win It All (2017): Johnson co-wrote and starred in this Netflix film about a gambler trying to turn his life around, It was another collaboration with Joe Swanberg and received positive reviews.
• The Lego Movie (2014): Johnson voiced Barry the construction worker in this acclaimed animated film.
• Balls Out (2014): He played a lovable loser in this comedy about an intramural football team.
Jake Johnson’s Net Worth
As of 2026, Jake Johnson’s estimated net worth is approximately $12 million to $14 million. His wealth comes primarily from his acting roles in film and television, along with his work as a producer and director. Johnson’s long-running role on New Girl provided a steady income, and his voice work in the Spider-Verse films has added to his net worth. He has also earned money through his production company and various endorsement deals. Despite his success, Johnson is known for his relatively modest lifestyle and has often joked about his frugality.
Jake Johnson has established himself as a versatile and beloved figure in Hollywood. Whether through his comedic work on New Girl, his voice work as a weary Spider-Man, or his indie film collaborations, Johnson continues to captivate audiences with his relatable, sarcastic, and authentic performances. Despite his public success, he remains notably private about his personal life, especially his long-standing marriage to artist Erin Payne and his twin daughters. As he continues to take on new projects, Johnson’s popularity only continues to grow.
