by abby crabill
photo courtesy of jesse kove
Jesse Kove is no stranger to the film industry. Growing up in Hollywood as the son of The Karate Kid star, Martin Kove, Jesse has seen the inner workings of the industry throughout his life. Besides acting in film, he has also used his talent to perform Off-Broadway as well. Jesse soon found himself able to utilize his martial arts skills when he was asked to join the third season of Cobra Kai. Jesse has already been in several television and film projects, and is prepared to be inspired by whatever comes next.
Can you tell me a little bit about your childhood and growing up in the acting industry?
Jesse: “I grew up in Los Angeles. I was always on film sets around the world and I always loved traveling to visit my dad on the different sets. It was my magical playland.”
Do you think that your father's career had an impact on your decision to get into acting? If so, how?
Jesse: “Yes. Watching him work was inspiring and it opened the doors for me to see what’s possible in this business and the successes an actor can have. I’ve also seen the ups and downs in this business. My dad has always made a joke that Hollywood is a yoyo on a golden string.”
Besides acting on television, you've performed Off-Broadway as well. Do you prefer performing live on stage or recording on a set?
Jesse: “They’re both very different. The stage has its own excitement and you only get one shot on the day or night of the performance. You can’t go back and redo it. I also appreciate being able to mold a scene and make it better moment to moment with film and television.”
When you joined Cobra Kai, how did you feel the moment you realized you were joining the Karate Kid universe?
Jesse: “It really didn’t feel real. It was a delightful surprise. I felt an immense amount of gratitude pour in. And I really felt I had to put on my big-boy pants so I could step up to the plate and hit a home run.”
If you weren't acting, what do you think you would be doing right now?
Jesse: “[I would] probably be a veterinarian and helping animals in some capacity.”
photo courtesy of jesse kove
Can you tell me a little bit about your film, A Taste of Love?
Jesse: “A Taste of Love is opening the Sunshine Film Festival in St. Petersburg FL in April, which is close to where we filmed it in Dunedin. It’s a beautiful, heartfelt story surrounded by food, love, a little bit of drama, and family. I’m very excited for the world to see this lovely film.”
What is your favorite film genre to watch? Which is your favorite to act in?
Jesse: “I would say my ultimate genre is total escapism, which I think would go under action-adventure. I think we all love to get lost in movies in the different times, planets, and genres.”
What is the best piece of advice that you've received as an actor?
Jesse: “Take your time.”
As you continue your journey in the film industry, where do you see yourself in the future?
Jesse: “I am constantly looking for the next piece of cinema or television that will inspire me and move people. I feel like I'm an open book and ready for all that comes my way.”