Jesse Kove on Fire, Focus, and Finding His Voice in Film
Following the release of President Down on Tubi and his work opposite Jon Voight and Kelsey Grammer in The Last Firefighter, Jesse Kove is carving out a dynamic path across action and drama. Recently back from Toronto, where he filmed Tennessee Ride-Along, Kove opens up about his latest projects, what he’s learned from industry veterans, and how he’s defining this next chapter of his career.
What first drew you to The Last Firefighter and this character?
The first thing that really excited me when I saw the audition was the cast attachments. For me, the potential chance to work with Jon Voight and Kelsey Grammer was an actor’s dream. These two actors have done it all, and their craft is their life—and they are wonderful men. Secondly, my character, Shane, was extremely complex. He had a heart of gold, full of bravery and courage, and was willing to lay his life down for those he didn’t know. At the same time, he was dealing with his own troubled past and his inner journey in search of deeper meaning. This, of course, is very intriguing to touch upon and dive into as an actor. And what was also exciting was the action elements, which I love! Shane is strong but also dynamically vulnerable.
What was that experience like on set with them?
It was enlightening and a full-circle moment for me. Two titans of cinema and theater! I found myself coming to sit on days I wasn't working just so I could watch them work. It was like a master class from them and our producer, Steven Paul. I was grateful to be there and be part of this great story through the vision of our incredible director, the very talented Sean McNamara, and my co-star Jessica Lord, who was a joy to work with—she’s a star. Our rapport on set was creative and full of positivity and love for the story and our craft. We played with dialogue, tried things in the moment, and kept pushing scenes to be better. I asked a lot of questions when I could, and these two had stories—unbelievable stories. I still think about how lucky I was to spend that time with them. We pushed each other to do our best work, and I won’t forget their dedication.
The Last Firefighter explores redemption and resilience—what did those themes mean to you while filming?
These themes meant a lot to me. I'm a huge fan of resilience and the human spirit being able to push beyond expectations. And I think audiences love to see that, too. It's what inspires us to do great things. It’s what inspires me. And this movie is full of that. Facing impossible odds by going into a burning building, not knowing what’s going to happen. Into the darkness with courage and willingness to suffer so others may not. I’ve always wanted to tell the story of firefighters who dedicate their lives to us selflessly. We owe them the spotlight to be seen, honored, and recognized. Jon and I actually met with the LAFD in Studio City, Station 78. These were the kindest men. I showed up one day and told them I was doing a firefighter movie and I'd love to chat with them. They happily agreed and asked if Jon and I would come by for lunch on a Sunday. So, we did. A huge meal was prepared. We sat with a dozen of them at the main kitchen table and talked, laughed, and shared stories for hours. It was incredible.
You also recently starred in President Down, which is a very different kind of project. How did that role challenge you?
Yes, very different. It’s high-paced and action-packed from moment to moment—a driving film that keeps you on the edge of your seat. I love making these types of films. They require a lot from you physically, and that's where the challenge comes in. The Last Firefighter also challenged me physically, but in a different way. Carrying the full gear with a 180-pound guy is no walk in the park. But there was a lot of vulnerability in this movie, too. In President Down, there's fight choreography and shootouts. Very different—and I enjoyed them both!
Was moving toward more dramatic, grounded work a conscious shift for you after Cobra Kai?
Yes. I try not to stick with just one genre. I like to balance it out. There's action and comedy and emotion and depth to all of these stories, and I want to take part in all of it. I never want to pigeonhole myself into one thing. When The Last Firefighter came along, it was a chance to show the physicality but also the deep undertones of emotion that come with it, too. This is where the true meaning comes in, shedding a light on what these men deal with and how it impacts us emotionally—and how it affects our souls as people.
What kind of feedback or reaction have you gotten from President Down’s release on Tubi?
Honestly, I've gotten nothing but positive feedback. People are loving it, and they want more. I'm very proud of that movie. It’s almost a throwback to 80s and 90s action films—classic action.
You just wrapped filming in Toronto. What can you share about that project or the kind of story it tells?
It’s an action-comedy called Tennessee Ride-Along. I play a detective solving a murder who then gets sideswiped with a wild situation with actress Leah White. I can't give away too many details, but I think the title gives you a hint. It’s fun, hilarious—and it’s got heart. And, of course, action!
With these films, what have you learned about yourself as an actor?
I've learned and continue to learn that you don't know everything. You think you've hit a certain area with your craft, but it's always changing and evolving. I'm a craftsman, so we always have to be tinkering and molding things. There’s also the beauty of it all. It never gets old.
How do you decide which roles to take on—what needs to be there for you to say yes?
I think about the characters' journey—where they start and where they end up. Is this something that is going to move me as an artist? And is it also going to move an audience? Are they going to be inspired or laugh with joy? Are they going to feel something? I think what's important is to portray characters that make us feel. That's what helps me choose my characters.
What do you want audiences to take away from this chapter of your work?
I want people to see my own resilience within all this work, that anything is possible with belief in yourself and continued effort towards that goal, that your dreams can come true! It's not about “look at me, look what I did.” It’s more about “look at what's possible.” We all can achieve our dreams. I'm just on the ride in the car of life in art and cinema. And I feel like we're just getting started!