Imagine walking into an audition with no martial arts experience and leaving with one of the most action-packed roles on modern television. That is exactly what happened to a young kid from California.
You probably know him best with a giant blue mohawk, striking a fierce karate stance. But there is a lot more to this actor than just his famous on-screen kicks. Jacob Bertrand has spent over a decade quietly building one of the most versatile careers in young Hollywood. From voice acting for toddlers to fighting in high-stakes karate tournaments, he has done it all. And yet, he remains surprisingly down-to-earth.
Let’s take a deep dive into his incredible journey.
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Jacob Bertrand |
|---|---|
| Birthdate | March 6, 2000 |
| Birthplace | California, USA |
| Spouse | Single |
| Net Worth 2026 | $2 million |
| Recent Works | Cobra Kai (Season 6), Kirby Buckets, Lone Lobos Podcast |
| Key Facts | Plays Eli ‘Hawk’ Moskowitz in Cobra Kai. Voiced the lead in the animated series Kirby Buckets. Avid rock climber. |
Before he became a household name fighting on screen, Jacob was just a regular kid growing up in the sunny suburbs of California.
Early Life
Jacob Bertrand was born on March 6, 2000, right in the heart of California. Growing up in Southern California meant he was never too far from the magic of Hollywood. But his family did not have deep roots in show business. He was just a regular kid who loved to run around, play outside, and make people laugh.
From a very young age, Jacob showed an absolute love for performing. He would put on little shows for his parents and siblings in the living room. His energy was boundless, and his parents realized he needed a creative outlet. So, they decided to let him try his hand at acting classes. It did not take long for casting directors to notice his natural charm and expressive face.
But here is the thing: acting at a young age is not easy. It requires an incredible amount of discipline for an eight-year-old child. Jacob had to balance regular schoolwork with busy audition schedules.
While other kids were playing tag after school, Jacob was often sitting in traffic, memorizing lines for commercials. But he never saw it as a chore. To him, acting felt like a giant game of pretend.
He loved meeting new people on set and learning how the cameras worked. His parents made a conscious effort to keep his life as normal as possible. They insisted that school always came first, no matter what. This solid foundation helped him stay incredibly grounded.
He did not get caught up in the vanity of the industry. Instead, he focused on sharpening his craft and having fun. This healthy attitude would prove crucial as he grew older and the roles became much bigger.
With his childhood years defined by hard work and a love for the craft, Jacob was ready to make his mark on the television industry.
Career
Jacob’s professional journey is a perfect example of versatility. He did not just stick to one genre or format. Instead, he jumped from voice booths to multi-camera sitcoms, and eventually to high-octane action sets.
Let’s start with his early voice acting career.
Many fans who know him as a tough karate fighter are shocked to learn about his preschool television past. He voiced the adorable character of Gil in the massive Nickelodeon hit Bubble Guppies. Recording voiceovers taught Jacob how to convey deep emotion using only his voice. It was a unique skill set that set him apart from other young actors.
But he was hungry for live-action roles as well. Soon, he landed a recurring role on the Nickelodeon comedy Marvin Marvin. Working on a sitcom helped him develop his comedic timing and physical comedy skills.
But wait, there’s more. In 2014, Disney XD came knocking with a life-changing opportunity. They cast Jacob as the lead character in the innovative series Kirby Buckets. The show followed a young animator whose drawings come to life. This meant Jacob had to act alongside animated characters that were not actually there on set. It required an immense amount of imagination and focus. The show was a massive hit for the network, running for three successful seasons.
During this time, Jacob became a true Disney star, even starring in the Disney Channel Original Movie The Swap. But as he entered his late teens, Jacob wanted to transition into more mature roles. He wanted a challenge that would test him physically and emotionally.
Enter Cobra Kai. When the producers of the Karate Kid sequel series were casting, they needed someone who could play two completely different people. They needed an actor who could play Eli, a quiet, bullied teenager with a cleft lip scar. But they also needed that same actor to transform into Hawk, a trash-talking, aggressive karate prodigy. Jacob nailed the audition.
But the real work was just beginning. He had no prior formal martial arts training when he got the role.
Think about it: he had to learn complex karate choreography from scratch. He spent weeks in intense training camps, pushing his body to the absolute limit. He learned how to punch, kick, block, and tumble like a real martial artist.
And then came the physical transformation. The iconic blue mohawk became a character of its own.
Jacob has admitted in interviews that getting the hair ready took hours in the makeup chair. But the moment he put on the mohawk, he truly became Hawk.
The character’s journey from a victim of bullying to a bully himself, and finally to a redeemed hero, is one of the most compelling arcs in modern television. When the show moved from YouTube Red to Netflix, it exploded into a global phenomenon.
Suddenly, Jacob was being recognized on streets all over the world. Now, with Cobra Kai (Season 6), he continues to push the character’s limits.
But Jacob did not stop at acting. He wanted to connect with his fans on a deeper, more personal level. So, he teamed up with his best friend and co-star Xolo Maridueña to launch the Lone Lobos Podcast. The podcast is a fun, unfiltered look into their lives, friendships, and pop culture interests. It has quickly gathered a massive, loyal listening audience. It shows that Jacob is not just a talented actor, but also a savvy content creator.
Even with a packed schedule of filming and podcasting, Jacob always makes time to escape the spotlight and recharge his batteries.
Personal Life
In an industry where young stars often find themselves in the tabloids, Jacob keeps a remarkably low profile. He has managed to keep his personal life private and drama-free. As of now, Jacob is single.
He focuses most of his free energy on his personal growth, friendships, and intense outdoor hobbies. If you want to know what Jacob is doing on his days off, look no further than the nearest mountain.
He is an absolute fanatic when it comes to rock climbing. We are not talking about just casual indoor climbing walls.
Jacob loves real, outdoor rock climbing and bouldering. He has spent years honing his skills, scaling challenging rock faces across California and beyond.
This hobby is not just a great workout; it is a mental sanctuary for him. When you are hanging off the side of a cliff, you cannot think about scripts, auditions, or social media. You have to be completely present in the moment. It keeps him centered and incredibly physically fit. But his love for the outdoors does not end there.
He is also a passionate hiker and camper. He loves nothing more than packing a backpack, heading into the wilderness, and sleeping under the stars. This rugged, outdoor lifestyle contrasts beautifully with the flashy red carpets of Hollywood.
Another massive part of Jacob’s life is his tight-knit circle of friends. Many young actors struggle to find genuine connections in the industry. But Jacob found a true family on the set of Cobra Kai.
He, Xolo Maridueña, and the rest of the young cast are genuinely best friends in real life. They travel together, support each other’s charity work, and help each other navigate the crazy world of fame. This strong support system is one of the main reasons Jacob has stayed so humble. He values authenticity above all else, which shines through in everything he does.
Staying grounded and working consistently since childhood has also put Jacob in an enviable position financially.
Jacob Bertrand Net Worth 2026
When we look at the financial success of young actors in Hollywood, Jacob Bertrand stands out.
By the year 2026, his estimated net worth is projected to reach an impressive $2 million. This is a massive milestone for an actor in his mid-twenties.
But how did he build this impressive nest egg? It did not happen by luck. It is the result of multiple, highly successful revenue streams.
First, we have to look at his primary source of income: Cobra Kai. As a major cast member on one of Netflix’s most popular shows, his salary has grown significantly over the seasons.
With Cobra Kai (Season 6) wrapping up, his per-episode rate reached its highest point yet. These starring roles on major streaming platforms pay incredibly well, especially when you factor in global popularity.
But the acting salaries are just one piece of the puzzle. Do not forget about his extensive voice acting career. Voiceover work for long-running animated shows like Bubble Guppies generates steady residual payments. Every time those episodes air on TV or stream online, Jacob receives a royalty check.
These residuals can add up to a very comfortable passive income over time. Then there is the Lone Lobos Podcast. Podcasting has become a highly lucrative industry. Because of their massive fanbases, Jacob and Xolo have secured top-tier sponsors for their show. This steady stream of advertising revenue is split directly between them.
Finally, Jacob has a massive social media presence. With millions of followers on platforms like Instagram, he is a prime target for brand partnerships. When he collaborates with brands, he can command top dollar for sponsored posts and campaigns.
By saving wisely and diversifying his income, Jacob has set himself up for long-term financial freedom.
With such an active career and a bright financial future, fans are always curious to learn the details behind the man with the mohawk.
FAQ
How old was Jacob Bertrand when he started acting?
Jacob began his professional acting career at just eight years old. He started out booking commercials before moving on to major voiceover roles and television shows.
Did Jacob Bertrand have to shave his head for Cobra Kai?
Yes, Jacob actually had his head shaved into the signature mohawk look for his role as Hawk. In the later seasons, the production team used a mix of his real hair and extensions to create the colorful, towering mohawks.
What is Jacob Bertrand’s favorite rock climbing spot?
While he climbs all over, Jacob frequently climbs in the indoor gyms and outdoor parks of Southern California. He loves the mental and physical challenge that natural rock formations provide.
How did Jacob Bertrand get the role of Hawk?
Jacob auditioned for the creators of Cobra Kai and impressed them with his ability to play both the sweet, vulnerable Eli and the aggressive, confident Hawk. His natural physical coordination also helped him secure the action-heavy role.
Are Jacob Bertrand and Xolo Maridueña friends in real life?
Yes, they are best friends in real life. Their close bond led them to launch the Lone Lobos Podcast together, where they share stories and discuss their daily lives.
From his early voice work to his current status as a streaming star, Jacob’s journey shows no signs of slowing down.
Conclusion
Jacob Bertrand has proven that you can have a long, successful career in Hollywood without losing yourself. He transitioned from a child star to a Disney lead, and finally to a global action star. Through it all, he has kept his passion for acting and his love for adventure alive.
His portrayal of Eli “Hawk” Moskowitz will go down as one of the most memorable character transformations in modern television history. But as we look ahead, it is clear that Jacob is ready for even bigger challenges.
With a net worth of $2 million by 2026, a hit podcast, and a loyal global fanbase, the sky is the limit for this talented actor.
We cannot wait to see what heights he conquers next. One thing is for sure: Jacob Bertrand is a force to be reckoned with.
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