A beloved sitcom star from the 2010s showcases a dramatic physical transformation while filming a new NBC comedy pilot. The 47-year-old actor, known for his lean frame in his breakout series, appears noticeably bulkier in a form-fitting white tank top tucked into belted jeans on set.
From New Girl to Private Investigator
Observers spotted Jake Johnson hard at work on the untitled NBC pilot, where he stars as Mickey, a former LAPD officer whose life unraveled three years ago. Now a private investigator skilled at cracking cases, Mickey comes across as smart, cynical, and heartbroken, though he masks his pain.
Johnson rose to fame portraying Nick Miller, one of three male roommates alongside Zooey Deschanel’s quirky Jess Day in New Girl. The Fox series, which aired from 2011 to 2018, featured a classic will-they-won’t-they romance between Jess and Nick, reminiscent of Ross and Rachel from Friends. Deschanel first gained notice for her role in the 2009 rom-com 500 Days of Summer.
Hollywood Blockbusters and Voice Work
Beyond sitcom success, Johnson lent his voice to a Spider-Man in the 2018 animated hit Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. He also appeared in major franchises like the 2015 Jurassic World and Tom Cruise’s 2017 reboot The Mummy.
Cast and Creative Team
Keith David, 69, joins the pilot as Garner Taggert, Johnson’s boss. The PI agency’s disinterested receptionist role goes to Mary Shalaby. The script comes from Brooklyn Nine-Nine alumni Dan Goor, the show’s co-creator, and writer Luke Del Tredici.
On a personal note, Johnson has been married to artist Erin Payne since 2006. The couple welcomed twin daughters, Elizabeth and Olivia, in 2014.
