ComScore

I Just Realized Why ‘The Waterfront’ Star Jake Weary Looks So Familiar (He Was in Another Wild Crime Drama)

He looked a tad bit different, though

The Waterfront Cast Jake Weary
DANA HAWLEY/NETFLIX

The Waterfront is the latest series to rocket to the top of Netflix’s Top 10 list, claiming the number one spot—and it’s already stirring up plenty of buzz. Depending on who you ask, it’s either a total binge-worthy hit or not quite their thing. Set in the fictional town of Havenport, North Carolina, the thriller follows the Buckleys—a family of fishermen whose lives are tangled up in secrets, betrayal, greed and addiction.

The cast includes Holt McCallany, Melissa Benoist and even guest stars Topher Grace. But there’s one actor you might not immediately recognize—even though he’s been in some serious fan-favorite shows. That would be Jake Weary, who plays Cam Buckley in The Waterfront.

The Waterfront Jake Weary
DANA HAWLEY/NETFLIX

Before this role, Weary starred in another gritty crime drama that also happens to be inspired by real-life events (and also is streaming on Netflix): Animal Kingdom. That series follows Joshua "J" Cody, a teenager who moves in with his estranged relatives after his mother’s death—only to discover they run a full-blown criminal operation in Oceanside, California, led by the family matriarch, Smurf.

Weary played Deran Cody, the youngest of the Cody brothers and a former competitive surfer. Unlike his more ruthless siblings, Deran tries to pull away from the family business and navigates a complex gay relationship with a fellow surfer.

And if you didn’t clock that it was him—totally understandable. He had much longer hair in Animal Kingdom, which ran for six seasons from 2016 to 2022.

Jake Weary Animal Kingdon
Photograph by TNT

But that’s not his only major credit. Jake also appeared as Luke Snyder in As the World Turns (2005), Vince Keeler in Chicago Fire (2014), and in horror hits It Follows (2014) and It Chapter Two (2019).

So if Cam Buckley looked familiar while you were watching The Waterfront—now you know why.

Want all the latest entertainment news sent right to your inbox? Click here.



LongHeadshot

Assistant Editor, News and Entertainment

  • Writes breaking news and entertainment content
  • Covers award show red carpets and movie premieres
  • Has earned two Edward R. Murrow Awards