Jesse Leigh is an up-and-coming breakout star and member of Rutherford Falls’s star-studded ensemble, including Ed Helms (The Office) and Dustin Milligan (Schitt’s Creek). A SoCal local, Leigh grew up in South Bay and attended the Orange County School of the Arts, where they studied musical theater. While Rutherford Falls is their first starring role, Leigh made a notable debut in the Heathers reboot as well as appearing in Henry Danger and Superstore.
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Leigh is returning to the Peacock sitcom for its second season, playing Bobbie Yang, a driven high school student and personal assistant to Nathan (Ed Helms). Like their television character, the California-based actor identifies as nonbinary. While the character was originally intended to be a gay male, the makers of Rutherford Falls cast Leigh and later reshaped the character to be more similar to its portrayer, giving the SoCal native the opportunity to represent the nonbinary community.
We sat down with Leigh to talk about all things Rutherford Falls, Ed Helms, and their favorite spots in SoCal.
How and why did you get interested in acting?
I started doing musicals in elementary school, then moved on to community theater. I thought it was thrilling to step into another character's shoes, especially on stage with other actors. Plays and musicals were a great creative outlet when I was younger.
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How did you get started in television?
I got started in television as soon as I feasibly could. Both of my parents worked full-time, so I knew I needed a mode of transportation to auditions. At 18, I got my driver's license and a car. Then I started submitting my headshot and resume to every talent agency and audition I could find. Not too long after, I was cast in Heathers, a remake of the 80’s cult-classic movie.
Tell me about your role in Rutherford Falls. Does the character you play, Bobbie Yang, relate to you in real life?
My character Bobbie Yang is a nonbinary child of immigrants. They grew up in the small town of Rutherford Falls knowing they wanted to make an impact. I very much relate to this. I’ve always been business-minded and knew from a young age that I wanted to do something big. We’re both into fashion and make-up as well.
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What’s it like working with The Office alumni Ed Helms?
Besides being the famous comedian that he is, Ed is one of the most down-to-earth men I’ve ever met. He wears a lot of hats on the Rutherford Falls set: actor, producer, and writer. Watching him make creative decisions in a split second inspires me.
What can fans of the show be excited to see in season 2?
Fans of the show will be excited to see that Bobbie Yang is running for mayor. In season 2, they have some serious debates during their race for mayor. They also take to social media, filming makeup tutorials in hopes of gaining constituents. Overall, my character has a much bigger arch than in season 1.
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How would you spend your ideal day in Orange County?
My favorite city in Orange County is Laguna Beach. First, I would grab some lunch in town and then walk on the sand. Next, I would lay out for a few hours and jump into the ocean. Laguna has beautiful coves and tide pools, so I would definitely make time to explore those too.
What are some of your favorite spots for dinner in Orange County?
Orange County has some of the best restaurants in California. One of my favorites is Brodard in Fountain Valley. They are obviously famous for their spring rolls, but their noodle soups are delicious as well.
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Stream seasons 1 and 2 of Rutherford Falls on Peacock today!
Photography by: Kelly Balch
