Summary – Jared Hess is an American filmmaker best known for Napoleon Dynamite and his collaborations with wife Jerusha Hess. The couple, who met in college, share four kids and have co-created several films. Jared also directed Nacho Libre and is leading the upcoming Minecraft Movie. His short film Ninety-Five Senses earned an Oscar nomination in 2024.
Meet Jared Hess – The Filmmaker Who Turns Ordinary Stories into Global Hits
Alright! So, what exactly is a filmmaker? It’s not just one thing – it can be a director, writer, producer, or even a screenwriter. Unlike actors who perform in front of the camera, filmmakers work behind the scenes to make sure everything flows smoothly and transforms into a polished, final product.
And Jared Hess? He’s the creative mind behind some pretty popular films – especially Nacho Libre, the quirky tale of a masked wrestler that became a cult favorite. He didn’t just direct it, he also co-wrote the story.
But wait, is that all? What about his other film roles or the story of how he got here? Well, that’s exactly what we’re diving into in this blog – so let’s get started!
Table Of Content
- Who is Jared Hess?
- Social Media Handles
- Early Childhood
- Education
- Family
- Wife/Girlfriend
- Career
- Future Goals
- Favorites
- Net Worth
- Facts
1. Who is Jared Hess?
JJared Hess is a 46-year-old Hollywood filmmaker known for creating some truly unique and memorable films. You might know him from:
- Napoleon Dynamite (2004)
- Nacho Libre (2006)
- Gentlemen Broncos (2009)
A fun fact? Jared doesn’t work alone. He often collaborates with his wife, Jerusha Hess, whether it’s writing, directing, or developing stories – and that’s true for the films listed above too!
Credit – Instagram
But Jared’s talent isn’t limited to just feature films. He’s also dabbled in animated short films like Ninety-Five Senses, and even directed music videos like “We Will Become Silhouettes” and The Killers’ Christmas single “Boots.”
So yeah, Jared Hess has definitely made a name for himself in the industry – and a big part of that success is thanks to the creative partnership he shares with his wife.
2. Social Media
Want to check out what Jared Hess is up to off-screen? While he mostly stays low-key online, here are the known platforms where you might find updates, collaborations, or just a glimpse into his creative world.
3. Childhood of Jared Hess
Jared Hess was born on July 18, 1979, in Omaha, Nebraska. From a young age, he had a keen interest in movies, storytelling, and filmmaking. And the best part? His parents supported his creative spark right from the beginning.
Credit – Instagram
Thanks to that support, Jared got the chance to study filmmaking seriously. He was later sent to Preston High School in Idaho, where he explored his passion in more depth. Interestingly, most of the scenes from his breakout movie Napoleon Dynamite were shot at the same school he once studied in. How cool is that?
Fun Fact: Jared also met his future wife and creative partner, Jerusha Hess, at Preston High School. Their shared love for filmmaking brought them together.
After reaching his teenage, Jared didn’t stopped. He worked in film production sector with T. C. Christensen.
4. Education
When it comes to Jared Hess’s education, it’s clear that filmmaking wasn’t just a hobby—it was his calling. So, he knew that he need to attend a school that got theatres, filmmaking clubs and give endless opportunities for his career.
When it comes to Jared Hess’s education, it’s clear that filmmaking wasn’t just a hobby—it was his calling.
He began his schooling at Manhattan High School in Kansas, where he completed two years of basic education. Later, he moved to Preston High School in Idaho, there he learn the basics of filmmaking.
However, it was the Brigham Young University‘s (BYU) film school, which turned out to be a major turning point for his filmmaking journey.
At Brigham Young University‘s (BYU) film school, Jared didn’t just study film—he lived it. He practiced it regularly, joined clubs, worked on creative projects, and even crossed paths with two people who’d shape his career: Jerusha Hess, his wife and partner, and a classmate who would go on to produce his first film Napoleon Dynamite.
5. Family of Jared Hess
From what we know, Jared comes from a family of six – yes, six! That includes Jared himself, his wife Jerusha, and their four adorable children.
First up is his wife, Jerusha Elizabeth Hess, who, like Jared, is originally from Omaha, Nebraska. The two met at Brigham Young University‘s (BYU) film school, and it wasn’t just love at first sight—it was a creative match too! Their shared love for filmmaking, writing, and storytelling brought them together. Fun fact: they co-wrote their very first movie, Napoleon Dynamite, while still at school.
Credit – Instagram
Note: Jerusha Hess is also a filmmaker, writer, and director in her own right. She directed Austenland (2013) and has co-written several projects with Jared.
Now, coming to their children—Jared and Jerusha have four kids. While not much is publicly known about their names or lives (since the couple keeps their family life quite private), it’s believed that their kids are now either in their teens or young adulthood.
Another interesting detail? The entire Hess family are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Their faith has been an important part of their personal and family life.
6. Relationship
Jared Hess is married to Jerusha Elizabeth Hess, whom he met at Brigham Young University‘s (BYU) film school. They bonded over their shared interest in filmmaking and later co-wrote their first hit movie, Napoleon Dynamite.
Jerusha is also a filmmaker and has directed films like Austenland. Together, they form a strong creative team in both their personal and professional lives.
7. Career
Jared always had a keen interest in filmmaking, and his real journey in this field began at Brigham Young University’s (BYU) film school. There, he not only studied the craft but also practiced hands-on by creating short films and working on school projects. And guess what? It’s also where he met his future wife and creative partner, Jerusha Hess.
To make it easier to follow, let’s walk through Jared Hess’s career timeline step by step:
a) BYU & Napoleon Dynamite
Credit – Instagram
Jared Hess’s journey into the world of filmmaking began at Brigham Young University’s (BYU) film school, a place well-known for nurturing creative minds and practical storytelling. It wasn’t just a regular film school—it was a launchpad for hands-on experience, collaboration, and real-world production. During his time here, Jared didn’t just learn theory; he lived and breathed cinema—writing scripts, directing short films, and experimenting with visual storytelling.
It was also at BYU where Jared met Jerusha Elizabeth, a fellow film enthusiast who would later become both his wife and long-time creative partner. Their shared passion for quirky, character-driven stories laid the foundation for one of indie cinema’s most unexpected hits.
Notable Student Films at BYU:
- Peluca (2003): This short film, created while Jared was still a student, starred Jon Heder as Seth—an awkward, lovable nerd navigating small-town life. The film was quirky, offbeat, and deeply personal. It became the prototype for Napoleon Dynamite, using the same tone, setting, and even cast.
- Cardboard Only: Another standout student film by Jared, Cardboard Only told the story of a seven-year-old Idaho farm boy battling boredom while wearing a cardboard box over his head. It was simple yet imaginative, showcasing Jared’s knack for turning everyday oddities into compelling narratives.
Through these early projects, Jared honed his voice—one that combined dry humor, awkward charm, and heartfelt simplicity.
b) Teamwork That Sparked a Classic
During their time at BYU:
- Jared and Jerusha Hess began co-writing stories, often drawing from their small-town experiences and quirky observations of human behavior.
- Their classmate Jeremy Coon—a talented editor and producer—joined the team. The trio shared a creative bond that would soon translate into their first feature film.
Their big moment came when they turned Peluca into a full-length feature:
Napoleon Dynamite (2004)
- Jared and Jerusha co-wrote the script, maintaining the deadpan humor and oddball charm of the original short.
- Jeremy Coon stepped in as producer and editor, helping them bring the project to life on a shoestring budget.
- With Jon Heder returning as the lead, Napoleon Dynamite became a sleeper hit, celebrated for its authenticity, awkward brilliance, and unforgettable lines (“Tina, you fat lard, come get some dinner!”).
📌 Despite its modest budget, the film gained cult status, turning Jared Hess into one of the most recognizable names in indie filmmaking.
c) Hollywood Leap – Nacho Libre (2006)
Riding the success of Napoleon Dynamite, Jared entered the big leagues with Nacho Libre.
Credit – Instagram
- Co-Writers: Jared, Jerusha Hess, and Mike White
- Star: Jack Black as a monastery cook turned wrestler
- Released: June 16, 2006
- Produced by: Paramount Pictures & Nickelodeon Movies
The film introduced Jared’s quirky style to a global audience—mixing awkward comedy, heartfelt undertones, and eccentric characters in a hilariously weird world.
d) Return to Indie & Experimentation
Gentlemen Broncos (2009)
Back to his indie roots, Jared delivered a strange and surreal coming-of-age story:
- Plot: A teen writer (Michael Angarano) has his sci-fi story stolen by a famous author.
- Cast: Michael Angarano, Jemaine Clement, Sam Rockwell
- Style: Filled with imaginative fantasy sequences and absurd humor, this film was a bold, artistic experiment.
e) Commercial Controversy (2010)
Jared tried his hand at advertising with a series of radio commercials for the 2010 Utah State Fair. However, the ads never aired on TV due to a dispute:
- Reason for Ban: Officials claimed “sexual overtones.”
- Jared’s Perspective: He believed it was actually about racial bias, as the lead actor Markus T. Boddie was African-American.
Credit – Instagram
f) Jared Hess as Executive Producer
Napoleon Dynamite: The Animated Series (2012)
- Jared & Jerusha returned as executive producers for this short-lived Fox animated series, based on the original film.
- Jared even voiced Don Moser, reviving his character.
Making History (2017)
- Jared served as an executive producer on Fox’s time-travel sitcom, which followed a modern man navigating the American Revolution.
- Though it was short-lived, it showcased Jared’s knack for blending historical settings with quirky humor.
g) Comedy Project – Masterminds (2016)
Taking on a bigger budget project, Jared directed Masterminds, a comedy inspired by a real-life heist:
- Cast: Zach Galifianakis, Kristen Wiig, Owen Wilson, Jason Sudeikis
- Released: 2016
- Though reviews were mixed, it proved Jared could handle large productions while maintaining his offbeat style.
h) Netflix Projects
Thelma the Unicorn – Animated Musical (2019)
- Directors: Jared Hess & Lynn Wang
- Writers: Jared & Jerusha Hess
- Genre: Musical, animated, inspirational
- Based on: The popular book by Aaron Blabey
This uplifting Netflix film celebrates individuality and self-love, continuing Jared’s theme of embracing the wonderfully weird.
Murder Among the Mormons (2021)
- Co-Directed with: Tyler Measom
- Released: March 3, 2021
- Subject: The 1985 Salt Lake City bombings and document forger Mark Hofmann
This true crime docuseries marked a major tonal shift for Jared, highlighting his range and skill in serious, investigative storytelling.
i) Minecraft: The Movie (2025)
Credit – Instagram
Jared took on one of his biggest projects yet—bringing the beloved game Minecraft to the big screen.
- Title: Minecraft: The Movie
- Stars: Jason Momoa, Jack Black
- Studio: Warner Bros. Pictures
This film reunites Jared and Jack Black after their Nacho Libre success, and is poised to be a blockbuster mix of gaming culture and quirky storytelling.
8. Future Goals
Jared Hess continues to push creative boundaries with his unique filmmaking style. His recent works, like Ninety-Five Senses and collaborations with animation and music videos, show his interest in experimenting beyond traditional films.
Looking ahead, Jared aims to explore more animated projects, biopics, and possibly OTT platform content, all while continuing to work alongside his wife, Jerusha.
9. Achievements
In a career that span over three decades, Jared has achieved some crazy and worthy achievements. Like
First is his Oscar Nomination (2024): Nominated for Best Animated Short Film (Ninety-Five Senses) at the Academy Awards, shared with Jerusha Hess.
Then the Breakthrough with Napoleon Dynamite (2004): Earned multiple nominations including:
- Independent Spirit Award for Best First Feature
- OFCS Award for Breakthrough Filmmaker
- Grand Jury Prize Nominee at Sundance
- Winner at the US Comedy Arts Festival for Best Feature
He is also the Director of Minecraft: The Movie (2025): Chosen to helm the highly anticipated live-action adaptation of the global video game phenomenon.
Other notable awards
- Won Grand Jury Award at Florida Film Festival (2023) – Ninety-Five Senses
- Won Audience Award at Calgary International Film Festival (2023) – Ninety-Five Senses
- Won Jury Award at Santa Fe International Film Festival (2023) – Ninety-Five Senses
- Won Best Short Animation at Rhode Island International Film Festival (2023) – Ninety-Five Senses
- Won Best Short Film at Desertscape International Film Festival (2023) – Ninety-Five Senses
- Won Best Feature at US Comedy Arts Festival (2004) – Napoleon Dynamite
- Nominated for Independent Spirit Award (2005) – Best First Feature for Napoleon Dynamite
- Nominated for OFCS Award (2005) – Best Breakthrough Filmmaker for Napoleon Dynamite
- Nominated for Grand Jury Prize at Sundance Film Festival (2004) – Napoleon Dynamite
- Director of the upcoming Minecraft Movie (2025)
10. Net Worth
As of 2025, Jared Hess has an estimated net worth of around $6 million.
His income mainly comes from:
- Film directing and writing – from cult hits like Napoleon Dynamite and Nacho Libre to major projects like Minecraft: The Movie.
- Producing roles – including shows like Making History and Napoleon Dynamite: The Animated Series.
- Streaming collaborations – especially with Netflix for projects like Thelma the Unicorn and Murder Among the Mormons.
Alongside his creative ventures, Jared often works closely with his wife Jerusha Hess, who co-writes and co-directs many of his projects. The duo is known for their strong creative bond and unique storytelling style.
There is no public record of any major charitable donations by Jared, but he has been active in supporting independent filmmakers and collaborating with faith-based communities in Utah.
11. Facts about Jared Hess
🎮 He’s directing the highly anticipated Minecraft: The Movie (2025), teaming up with stars like Jason Momoa and Jack Black for one of the biggest video game adaptations in Hollywood.
📝 He co-wrote Napoleon Dynamite with his wife, Jerusha Hess. The quirky cult classic was based on their real-life experiences and even shot in Jared’s hometown of Preston, Idaho.
🎬 He and Jerusha met at Brigham Young University (BYU) while studying film. Their shared love for offbeat humor and small-town charm sparked both a romantic and creative partnership.
🧑🤝🧑 Jared and Jerusha are not just collaborators—they’re parents too. The couple has four children and continue to balance family life with filmmaking.
🎤 Jared lent his own voice to the Napoleon Dynamite animated series, voicing Don Moser, a character from the original movie.
🎥 His short film Peluca, made during college, directly led to Napoleon Dynamite—same actor, same vibe, just in a full-length version.
🎭 Despite his comedic background, he showed range by co-directing the true-crime docuseries Murder Among the Mormons, proving he’s more than just awkward laughs.
🌟 Jared is known for casting non-traditional and oddball characters in lead roles—celebrating awkwardness, weirdness, and authenticity like no one else in Hollywood.
FAQs
Q: Is Jared Hess still LDS?
A: Yes, Jared Hess is still a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS). His faith has influenced aspects of his life and storytelling, especially in terms of values and clean humor, though his films often reach a wider, secular audience.
Q: What is Jared Hess famous for?
A: Jared Hess is best known for directing and co-writing the cult-classic comedy Napoleon Dynamite (2004). He’s also recognized for other offbeat films like Nacho Libre, Gentlemen Broncos, and the upcoming Minecraft movie.
Q: Who wrote the script for Napoleon Dynamite?
A: The script was co-written by Jared Hess and his wife, Jerusha Hess. The story was inspired by their small-town experiences and Jared’s earlier short film Peluca.
Q: Did Jared Hess serve an LDS mission?
A: Yes, Jared Hess served a mission in Venezuela for the LDS Church before attending BYU film school, which helped shape some of his cultural observations and storytelling style.
