American musician and actor Maxwell Jenkins is well recognized for playing Will Robinson in the Netflix series Lost in Space (2018–2021). His captivating on-screen and off-screen roles have won him praise from critics and a devoted following.
Personal Details
| Full Name | Maxwell Jenkins |
|---|---|
| Nickname | Max |
| Date of Birth & Age in 2025 | May 3, 2005 (19 years old) |
| Profession | Actor, Musician |
| Nationality | American |
| Marital Status | Single |
| Family Members | Father: Jeff Jenkins (Co-founder and Director of Midnight Circus, Chicago) <br> – Mother: Julie Greenberg (Co-founder and Director of Midnight Circus, Chicago) <br> – Sister: Samantha Jenkins (Younger Sister) |
| Hobbies & Interests | Playing mandolin, guitar, bass guitar, violin, drums; performing circus acts; advocating for animal rights |
| Net Worth | Not publicly disclosed |
Childhood and Schooling
Maxwell Jenkins was reared surrounded by the performing arts in Chicago, Illinois. The Midnight Circus is a nonprofit organization based in Chicago that was co-founded by his parents, Jeff Jenkins and Julie Greenberg. At the age of three, Maxwell started performing with the circus, showing skills including tightwire walking, juggling, rola-bola, acrobatics, and mandolin playing.
He enrolled at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) after attending Chicago’s Lane Tech College Prep High School. He intends to major in Global Studies and minor in Film and Media Studies.
Motivators & Impacts
Maxwell’s love for acting was greatly influenced by his early exposure to the performing arts through his family’s circus. His acting career has also been impacted by his work with renowned directors like the Wachowskis on Sense8 and by his partnerships with seasoned actors like Mark Wahlberg and Gerard Butler.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013–2014 | Betrayal | Oliver | Recurring role; 12 episodes |
| 2015 | Sense8 | Young Will | Recurring role; 8 episodes |
| 2015 | NCIS: New Orleans | Ryan Griggs | Episode: “I Do” |
| 2015 | Chicago Fire | J.J. | Guest role; 2 episodes |
| 2016 | A Family Man | Ryan Jensen | Feature film |
| 2018–2021 | Lost in Space | Will Robinson | Main role; 28 episodes |
| 2020 | Joe Bell | Joseph Bell | Feature film |
| 2021 | Chicago Med | EJ Daniels | Guest role; 1 episode |
| 2022 | Reacher | Young Jack Reacher | Recurring role |
| 2023 | Dear Edward | Jordan | Main role |
| 2024 | Arcadian | Thomas | Feature film |
| 2025 | The Bondsman: Hell and Back | Cade Halloran | Feature film |
Background of the Family
Maxwell’s mother, Julie Greenberg, is an actress who has worked in theater and movies, and his father, Jeff Jenkins, was a former Ringling Bros. clown. In order to collect money for community programs and park renovations in Chicago, they co-founded the Midnight Circus. Samantha, Maxwell’s younger sister, takes part in the family’s circus acts as well.
Physical Measurements
| Height & Weight | Approximately 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm); weight not publicly disclosed |
|---|---|
| Eye Color & Hair Color | Brown eyes; honey blonde hair |
| Distinctive Features | Not publicly documented |
Career Journey
Early Career: Maxwell began his acting career at the age of eight, securing a recurring role as Oliver in ABC’s Betrayal. He continued to build his portfolio with roles in Sense8, Chicago Fire, and NCIS: New Orleans.
Breakthrough Role: In 2016, Maxwell was cast as Will Robinson in Netflix’s Lost in Space, a role that brought him widespread recognition and critical acclaim.
Major Films & TV Shows: Following his success in Lost in Space, Maxwell took on significant roles in films like A Family Man and Joe Bell, and portrayed Young Jack Reacher in Amazon’s Reacher.
Notable Co-Stars & Directors: Throughout his career, Maxwell has worked with industry veterans such as Gerard Butler, Mark Wahlberg, and directors like the Wachowskis, enriching his acting experience and skill set.
Also Read: Austin Butler: From Disney Star to Hollywood Icon – Full Biography
Awards & Achievements
- Saturn Awards: Nominated for Best Supporting Actor in a Streaming Presentation for Lost in Space (2019); Best Performance by a Younger Actor in a Television Series (2021); Best Performance by a Younger Actor in a Streaming Television Series (2022).
- Young Artist Award: Nominated for Best Performance in a Streaming Series or Film: Young Actor for Lost in Space (2019); Won the Community Leadership Award (2020).
