A familiar face from one of the 2010s’ most popular sitcoms has undergone a striking physical change. The 47-year-old actor, known for his role in the Fox series that aired from 2011 to 2018, appeared noticeably bulkier while filming a new comedy pilot for NBC.
New Role as a Hardened Private Investigator
Spotted on set this week, the star donned a form-fitting white tank top tucked into belted jeans, highlighting his newly muscular frame. He portrays Mickey, a former LAPD officer whose life fell apart three years ago. Now working as a private investigator, Mickey excels at cracking cases while masking his smart, cynical, and heartbroken nature.
Beloved New Girl Star
Fans recognize him as Jake Johnson, who played Nick Miller in New Girl. As one of three male roommates sharing a loft with Zooey Deschanel’s quirky Jess Day, Johnson’s character developed a classic will-they-won’t-they romance with her, reminiscent of iconic TV pairs.
The series propelled Deschanel to stardom following her breakout in the 2009 rom-com 500 Days of Summer. New Girl wrapped after seven seasons in 2018, coinciding with Johnson’s voice work as a Spider-Man in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.
Hollywood Blockbuster Credits
Johnson’s resume includes major franchises like the 2015 Jurassic World and Tom Cruise’s 2017 The Mummy reboot. His lean physique from New Girl contrasts sharply with his beefed-up look for this latest project.
Cast and Creative Team
Keith David, 69, stars as Garner Taggert, Mickey’s boss. David’s film credits span There’s Something About Mary, Armageddon, and Requiem for a Dream. Mary Shalaby plays the agency’s disinterested receptionist.
The untitled pilot comes from writers Dan Goor, co-creator of Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and Luke Del Tredici, a veteran scribe from the same series.
Family Life
Johnson has been married to artist Erin Payne since 2006. The couple welcomed twin daughters, Elizabeth and Olivia, in 2014.
