Netflix Star Jack Seavor McDonald Portrays Tristan in the Movie “Ick”

Jack Seavor McDonald's journey from doing pratfalls to impress a kindergarten crush to starring alongside Seth MacFarlane in "Ted" embodies the power of unwavering determination in Hollywood's notoriously challenging landscape.

The Los Angeles-based actor, best known for his roles as Clive on "Ted," Eric on Netflix's "Never Have I Ever," and Tristan in the comedic horror film "Ick," has built his career on a foundation of resilience, humor and an infectious belief that comedy can heal. After a theatrical release this past summer, "Ick" is now available on both iTunes and Amazon Prime.
"I've loved making people laugh for as long as I can remember," McDonald said. "It started as a self-defense mechanism, but now I find it to be an important tool in interacting with the world. I enjoy making people smile and laugh.” His agent, Lisa Berman of Berman/Sacks Talent Agency, LLC based in Los Angeles states, "Jack is a master of physical comedy, and has perfect comedic timing. He is absolutely outstanding in each of his roles and never misses a beat to make you laugh." McDonald is the founder of an improv group called, "Heatwave."

McDonald's earliest performing memory traces back to kindergarten, where he discovered his passion for entertainment while trying to make a classmate laugh. From that moment, he seized every opportunity to perform, participating in school choirs and plays from "Scarecrow's Shirt" in kindergarten to playing Dogberry in "Much Ado About Nothing" during his senior year of high school.

"There were those who saw my talent, telling me I should “hedge my bets” on becoming an actor, and there were others who told me how difficult it is to succeed as an actor," McDonald recalled. "The naysayers only served to encourage me to be certain that I would take my talent, grit, determination and work ethic to succeed as an actor in Hollywood."

His first professional break came during the summer after his junior year of high school when he booked a leading role in "Love in Moreno Valley," an independent film directed by Steven Huffaker for his UCLA thesis project. The experience, which McDonald described as "one part summer camp, another part crash course in filmmaking," provided invaluable training with a patient and nurturing cast and crew.

McDonald's path wasn't without unconventional detours. While attending Cal State Fullerton, he worked the graveyard shift at a gas station from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. His friend Casey created posters declaring "Come Visit Graveyard Jack" to help him stay awake, inadvertently turning the gas station into a popular campus destination. Professors and students would visit for selfies, and fellow actors even performed impromptu skits during his shifts. "Visiting Jack at the gas station became one of the ‘cool things’ to do in the area," McDonald said. After college, McDonald started working as a background actor, gradually building his resume and honing his craft. His breakthrough came when he auditioned for "Ted," drawing on his grandfather's Massachusetts accent for the Boston-accented character of Clive.

"I felt quite intimidated at first working with Seth MacFarlane," McDonald admitted. "I grew up with Family Guy on television and all of my school mates quoting it all the time." However, his concerns proved unfounded as MacFarlane created a collaborative, welcoming and professional environment.
McDonald found particular satisfaction in bringing depth to Clive's character. "I really loved bringing the pain and sadness of Clive to the forefront, showing why a bully often behaves the way they do," he said. "It's very helpful for everyday life to help remember that each person you interact with can have deep wells of emotions. "His role as Eric on "Never Have I Ever" came about serendipitously during a string of auditions. Initially not thinking much of the character, McDonald improvised funny lines during filming, prompting writers to expand his role throughout the series. "My favorite part about playing Eric was seeing how much of the crew I could get to burst into laughter," McDonald said.

McDonald's recent work includes horror-comedy "Or Else" and the upcoming "Villa Hollywood." He's also appeared in memorable commercials, including a 2018 Geico spot that provided crucial financial stability early in his career, and a recent collaboration with comedy idol Tim Robinson for a Skate video game commercial. "At the end of the day, I came over to Tim and told him I really enjoyed working with him, and he said that I was hilariously funny," McDonald recalled. "It was a great day."
Looking ahead, McDonald harbors ambitious goals that challenge industry stereotypes.
McDonald draws inspiration from figures like Mister Rogers, Buster Keaton, and his mother, who "has been through an immense amount of personal growth in her life and never stops striving for that." His motivation stems from what he calls his "inexperience" — the excitement of trying new things and seeking fresh opportunities. "There's still so much to try in life," McDonald said. "I still feel like I'm in the beginning of my career, and I can't wait to experience new parts of filmmaking."
For aspiring actors, McDonald emphasizes persistence and perspective. "Every single audition you do makes you better," he said. "Many of the 'no's you get are not related to your skill level. You could be two inches too tall or not have the hair texture they imagined for the character."
When McDonald reflects on his journey, he thinks of his five-year-old self who once aspired simply to be a dad and work at Taco Bell. "I definitely think my 5-year-old self would be inspired, but mostly relieved," he said, "I remember how lonely I felt as a child, and it makes me sad for him. It's also a relief because I can tell him that it's okay and we are loved."

Living in Los Angeles with his spouse Jo and their beloved dog Willy — a unique mix of cattle dog, Chihuahua and mini pinscher — McDonald continues to approach his craft with the same joy that drove him to make that kindergarten classmate laugh.

"I think the world needs more compassion and malleability to strive for better for everyone," McDonald said, encapsulating the philosophy that guides both his personal life and professional aspirations. Keep up with Jack Seavor McDonald on his Instagram page @jackseavor and check back frequently to view his IMDb page for his latest productions: imdb.me/jackseavormcdonald. His website is www.jackseavormcdonald.com.