Biography
About Me
Jesse Kitten is an accomplished actor, producer, and director with a career spanning stage, film, and international arts. From roles in Mahogany and Hollywood Shuffle to directing award-winning short films and leading samba performances worldwide, he blends creative vision with cultural passion. His work continues with published books and film projects in development. He’s also an Amazon Kindle author, reflecting his enduring commitment to storytelling in all its forms.
Most recently, Jesse has expanded into multimedia collaborations, exploring the intersections of performance, literature, and digital art. His dynamic presence remains a force in both traditional and emerging creative spaces.
1969
Began as a stagehand working with the IPPA (Independent Professional Performing Artists) at the Louis Theater in Chicago, Illinois under the artistic direction of noted Broadway Playwright Theodore Ward ("Our Lan" Royale Theater 1947)
1971
Theatrical stage debut in "Ole Judge Moses" at Chicago State University.
1974
Toured the US as Uncle Remus in the children's play "The Black Fairy"
1975
Feature film debut in "Mahogany" (Diana Ross)
1976
Appeared in "Million Dollar Rip-off" (Freddie Prinze)
1979
Professional stage debut in the Goodman Theater production "Native Son"
1979
Appeared in the Peabody award winning tele-film "Dummy" (Levar Burton)
1980
Originated the role of Sgt. Amusa in the US premiere of Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka's stage play " Death and the King's Horseman" at the Goodman Theater and Kennedy Center
1981
Appeared in "Ragtime" (James Cagney, Howard Rollins Jr.)
1982
Appeared in "Looking To Get Out " (Jon Voigt)
1984
Appeared in "Cotton Club" (Gregory Hines, Richard Gere)
1983
Off Broadway debut in the NYSF/Mabou Mines production "Cold Harbor"
1984
Appeared in "Cotton Club" (Gregory Hines, Richard Gere)
1988
Stand-up comedy performances in New York, New Jersey, Chicago, and Los Angeles.
1986
West Coast theatrical stage debut in "Drums Across the Realm" (Directed by Forest Whitaker)
1987
Appeared in feature film "Hollywood Shuffle" (Robert Townsend)
1988
Produced and directed short film "Extensions"
1990
Produced and directed short film "Sherlock Jones and the missing Hot Dog"
1992
Film Research (Hong Kong and Macau)
1994
Founding member Sambala Samba School www.sambala.org
1996
Director Sambala Bateria (Drum Section)
1994
Present Numerous performances with a variety of samba groups throughout Southern California, Las Vegas, Arizona, Mexico, and Korea.
2000
Produced and directed "Enter...the Afro". Winner of the Communities.com 2000 online short film festival award (20–30-minute category)
2001
Film Research (India)
2005
Producer of Lionsgate Films "Vampire Assassin"
2009
“The Deathtrap Trilogy” feature film series currently in development.
2015
Musical stage play: “The Jazz Rehearsal” currently in development
2021
“Enter the Afro” Pan African Film Festival (short film selection)
2022
Rotten Eggs Compilation Movie streaming on Tubi and several other online platforms
2024
Seven titles published on Amazon Kindle
2025
“Point of Pressure” Feature film in development
Production Credits
1988 - Extensions
Produced & Directed
1990 - Sherlock Jones and the Missing Hot Dog
Produced & Directed
2021 Enter the Afro
Produced & Directed
Carrer Awards
Jesse Kitten has received several awards and notable mentions for his innovative contributions to digital media and visual storytelling. His work has been recognized for its unique aesthetic and impactful narratives across both independent and commercial projects.
Bombay Death trap
Barcelona Film Festival 2018 Best Screenplay Honorable Mention Award
Bombay Deathtrap was created after a trip to India in 2000.I had always held a facination for the country, culture,and people. After making travel plans.the US State Dept issued a warning for Americans traveling to the region.