Jeffrey Bowyer-Chapman
Jeffrey Bowyer-Chapman
Jeffrey Bowyer-Chapman (born October 21, 1984) is a Canadian actor and fashion model. He is known for appearances in films and television, most notably as Jay in the Lifetime dark comedy-drama series Unreal (2015–2018).
Early life
Bowyer-Chapman was born in Edmonton, Alberta and raised in Rimbey.[1] Born in 1984, he was adopted when he was 12-days old.[2] He carries the family name of both his mother and father. His biological younger brother is Cleyon Laing, defensive end for the Toronto Argonauts.[3] His biological father is Jamaican.[4]
Career
At the age of 16, he began his modeling career, shooting for a number of fashion brands.[5] He is represented by Wilhelmina Models.[6] Alongside modeling, Bowyer-Chapman also began acting career, making his screen debut in gay-themed film Shock to the System (2006). He was named one of "Five of the Best..." in Out magazine's 2007 feature article "Canada's Coolest" and was listed in Mwinda magazine's 2009 special issue "The 10 Most Beautiful Africans In Entertainment". He has modeled in many venues including USA, Canada, South Africa and Europe and modeled in international campaigns for American Apparel and Levi's.
In 2012, he starred alongside Jussie Smollett in Patrik-Ian Polk's LGBT-themed romantic comedy-drama film The Skinny.[7] In 2015, he began starring alongside Constance Zimmer and Shiri Appleby in the critically acclaimed Lifetime dark comedy-drama series Unreal, playing the role of Jay, a gay reality television producer.[8][9][10] In 2016, Bowyer-Chapman appeared in the comedy film Dirty Grandpa.[11]
In 2018, Bowyer-Chapman joined the cast of the FX anthology series American Horror Story for its eighth season, subtitled Apocalypse
In September 2019, he was announced as one of the three permanent judges on Drag Race Canada, the forthcoming Canadian version of RuPaul's Drag Race.[12]
Personal life
Bowyer-Chapman is gay.[13]
Filmography
Film
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | Shock to the System | Levon | |
| 2007 | I Know What I Saw | Marco | Television film |
| 2007 | The Brown Bag Mystery | Justin | Short film |
| 2008 | On the Bus | Jeremy | Short film |
| 2009 | Encounter with Danger | Mr. Gaitan | Television film |
| 2009 | The Break-Up Artist | Steven | |
| 2010 | Another Brief Moment | Trevor | Short film |
| 2010 | Dear Mr. Gacy | Male hustler | |
| 2012 | The Skinny | Joey | |
| 2012 | Grave Encounters 2 | Vlogger | |
| 2013 | Lucille's Ball | Walter | |
| 2015 | Stray | Alex | Short film |
| 2016 | Dirty Grandpa | Bradley | |
| 2016 | Tao of Surfing | Val Stone | |
| 2017 | Love by the 10th Date | Freddy Mitchell | Television Film |
| 2019 | Falling Inn Love | Dean |
Television
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | Stargate SG-1 | Server | Episode: "Memento Mori" |
| 2006 | Noah's Arc | Brandy's Assistant | Episode: "Under Pressure" |
| 2007 | The Virgin of Akron, Ohio | Brick | Unsold pilot |
| 2007 | The L Word | Cowboy | Episode: "Livin' La Vida Loca" |
| 2009–2011 | Stargate Universe | Pvt. Darren Becker | Recurring role, 19 episodes |
| 2011 | Fairly Legal | Server | Episode: "Coming Home" |
| 2011 | Warehouse 13 | Jalapeño | Episode: "Trials" |
| 2009–2012 | Iron Man: Armored Adventures | Black Panther | Voice, 4 episodes |
| 2013 | Hatfields & McCoys | Owen Rodney | Unsold pilot |
| 2015–2018 | UnREAL | Jay | Series regular |
| 2017 | RuPaul's Drag Race | Guest judge | Episode: Season 9, Good Morning Bitches, week 4 |
| 2018 | RuPaul's Drag Race: All Stars | Guest judge | Episode: Season 3, The B*tchelor, week 3 |
| 2018 | American Horror Story: Apocalypse | Andre Stevens | 3 episodes |
| TBA | Drag Race Canada | Judge |