Maxwell Jenkins is one of Hollywood’s most promising young actors—a performer who has successfully combined circus artistry, music, and acting into an impressive and well-balanced career. Born on May 3, 2005, in Chicago, Illinois, Maxwell has already made his mark in television and film, all while maintaining his grounded upbringing and a strong connection to his family’s creative roots.
At just 20 years old (as of 2025), Maxwell has become known not only for his natural talent and professionalism but also for his humility and social awareness. Standing at 5′11″ (1.80 m), with a lean, athletic build, he embodies a blend of confidence and warmth that translates effortlessly on screen.
Maxwell Jenkins – Quick Facts (2025)
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Maxwell Jenkins |
| Date of Birth | May 3, 2005 |
| Age (2025) | 20 years old |
| Birthplace | Chicago, Illinois, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5′11″ (1.80 m) |
| Weight | Around 70 kg (154 lbs) |
| Profession | Actor, Musician, Circus Performer |
| Famous For | Role as Will Robinson in Lost in Space |
| Parents | Jeff Jenkins and Julie Greenberg |
| Siblings | One sister – Samantha “Sammy” Jenkins |
| Education | UCLA – Global Studies, Film & Media |
| Net Worth (Est.) | $500,000 (USD) |
| Current Residence | Los Angeles, California |
| Relationship Status | Single |
| Hobbies | Music, Surfing, Skateboarding, Snowboarding |
| Social Media | Instagram: @maxwelljenkins8 |
| Awards | Young Artist Academy – Community Leadership Award (2020) |
| Notable Works | Lost in Space, Joe Bell, Reacher, Arcadian |
Family Roots and Early Life
Maxwell was born into a family deeply connected to performance. His father, Jeff Jenkins, is a former Ringling clown, and his mother, Julie Greenberg, is a theatrical director and co-founder of the family’s circus company, Midnight Circus. The troupe is well known in Chicago for its community performances in parks, bringing the magic of the circus to neighborhoods across the city while raising funds for local charities.
From the age of just three, Maxwell began performing alongside his parents. He learned acrobatics, tight-wire walking, rola-bola balancing, and juggling, developing the coordination and discipline that would later serve him as an actor. He also plays several instruments, including the mandolin and guitar, and has performed music publicly with his family and friends.
Growing up surrounded by performers and creative thinkers gave Maxwell a strong sense of empathy, teamwork, and confidence. He has often credited his circus upbringing for teaching him resilience—the ability to “get up after falling”—a lesson that has followed him throughout his acting career.
Education and Early Interests
Maxwell attended Lane Tech College Prep High School in Chicago, a school known for its academic rigor and creative opportunities. He balanced a regular school life with his performing career, maintaining a strong focus on education. Later, he enrolled at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), majoring in Global Studies and minoring in Film and Media Studies.
Outside the classroom, Maxwell is an enthusiastic learner with a love for storytelling, music, and sports. He enjoys activities such as snowboarding, skateboarding, surfing, and soccer. Despite his busy schedule, he has managed to maintain a lifestyle that feels authentic and grounded—something many young actors struggle to do.
Career Beginnings
Maxwell’s professional acting journey began when he was around eight years old. His debut role came in the ABC drama series Betrayal (2013–2014), where he played Oliver, the son of the main character. The role allowed him to experience working on a major television production and helped him develop a natural on-screen presence.
He soon gained additional experience with guest roles in popular shows like Sense8, Chicago Fire, and NCIS: New Orleans. These appearances showcased his versatility and professionalism, and casting directors began to take notice of the young actor’s emotional depth and composure.
His parents encouraged him to take only one acting job per year during his early teens, ensuring that he could continue his education and enjoy a normal childhood. This thoughtful approach prevented burnout and helped him transition smoothly from a child actor into more mature roles.
Breakthrough and Rise to Fame
Maxwell’s major breakthrough came in 2018 when he was cast as Will Robinson in the Netflix reboot of Lost in Space. The show became an international hit, running for three seasons until 2021. Maxwell’s performance as the brilliant, empathetic youngest member of the Robinson family earned widespread praise. His portrayal combined vulnerability, intelligence, and bravery—qualities that resonated with viewers of all ages.
Lost in Space also provided Maxwell the chance to perform physically demanding scenes, something that came naturally to him thanks to his circus training. His ability to bring emotional truth to a science-fiction setting marked him as one of Hollywood’s most talented young performers.
Following the success of Lost in Space, Maxwell landed key roles in several films and TV projects. In 2020, he starred opposite Mark Wahlberg in the film Joe Bell, portraying Joseph Bell, a real-life teenager whose tragic story brought attention to the struggles faced by LGBTQ+ youth. The role demanded emotional range and authenticity, and Maxwell’s performance was widely praised.
In 2022, he appeared in the Amazon Prime Video series Reacher as the young version of Jack Reacher, offering viewers a glimpse of the character’s early years. Most recently, in 2024, Maxwell took on a more mature role in the thriller Arcadian, further solidifying his reputation as an actor capable of handling complex characters.
Awards and Recognition
Maxwell’s work has earned him multiple nominations and awards. He received several Saturn Award nominations for Best Performance by a Younger Actor in a Television Series for his role in Lost in Space. In 2020, he was honored by the Young Artist Academy with a Community Leadership Award for his contributions to both entertainment and community service.
These recognitions reflect not only his artistic ability but also his commitment to social responsibility—a theme that runs deeply through his family’s values and his own choices.
Philanthropy and Community Involvement
Maxwell continues to perform with the Midnight Circus, which donates proceeds to park renovations, social programs, and animal rescue efforts in Chicago. He also advocates for animal welfare and supports organizations focused on youth education and inclusivity. His activism and charitable efforts have made him a respected voice among young entertainers who use their platform for positive change.
Personal Life and Interests
Despite his fame, Maxwell remains grounded and close to his family. He often credits his parents and sister, Samantha (Sammy) Ray Jenkins, for keeping him balanced. His upbringing in a collaborative, artistic household has instilled a strong sense of gratitude and responsibility.
When not acting, Maxwell enjoys spending time outdoors—surfing, snowboarding, and playing soccer. He also loves playing music with friends and occasionally performs live. He has expressed an interest in pursuing directing and producing in the future, aiming to tell stories that have a social or emotional impact.
As of 2025, Maxwell Jenkins’s estimated net worth is around $500,000, accumulated through his film, television, and music work. While modest compared to some Hollywood peers, it reflects a careful, steady career built on talent and integrity rather than overexposure.
He is active on social media, especially on Instagram, where he shares glimpses of his travels, work projects, and family life. His posts often highlight gratitude toward fans, behind-the-scenes photos from film sets, and his involvement with community projects.
Future Aspirations
Maxwell has expressed a desire to continue acting while exploring writing and directing. His studies in Global Studies at UCLA have broadened his perspective, and he hopes to use storytelling as a way to shed light on real-world issues. He has mentioned that he wants to remain selective with his roles—preferring quality projects that challenge him intellectually and emotionally.
Conclusion
From circus performer to celebrated actor, Maxwell Jenkins has carved an inspiring path defined by creativity, discipline, and compassion. His journey illustrates how early passion, family support, and grounded values can lead to success without losing authenticity.
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Still only in his early 20s, Maxwell’s career is just beginning. With his diverse talents, emotional depth, and commitment to meaningful work, he stands as one of Hollywood’s most promising young stars—proof that you can grow up in the spotlight and still stay true to who you are.
