Jeremy Sisto Reflects on His Most Significant Career Milestones

Can you believe that Clueless is celebrating its 30th anniversary this July? (Totally unreal!)

Jeremy Sisto had just begun his acting career a few years prior in his debut film, 1991’s Grand Canyon, where he felt “starstruck” while sharing the screen with talents like Kevin Kline and Steve Martin. However, it was his role alongside Alicia Silverstone in the iconic ’90s film that truly launched his career.

Looking back, Sisto, now 50, reveals exclusively to Us Weekly, “At that moment, it felt like a bit of a setback. The other movies I had worked on didn’t achieve the success I had anticipated.” Clearly, he bounced back, going on to portray various characters including the title role in the Italian miniseries Jesus (1999), where he humorously recalls meeting the pope while feeling a bit “hung over,” and a recovering addict in the critically acclaimed film Thirteen (2003).

Currently, Sisto is a crime fighter on CBS’s hit show FBI (Tuesdays, 8 p.m. ET). Ahead of a pivotal episode for his character airing on February 4, he humbly reflects on his Hollywood journey, quipping, “My career path really just depends on the roles that come my way. I don’t refuse many because they all seem fun and exciting—especially knowing that someone wants me for the part.”

When asked about the highlights of his career, he enthusiastically states, “The best part is just being able to keep doing this. Every new offer feels like a highlight.”

Scroll down to take a look back at Sisto’s most significant roles in TV and film throughout the years:

‘Clueless’ (1995)

At just 21, Sisto teamed up once again with Hideaway co-star Silverstone, now 48, in this beloved coming-of-age film. He recalls, “We relied on each other, learning how to manage the pressures of being young actors trying not to mess up major opportunities.” What made Clueless so special to audiences? Sisto believes it’s the “genuine sweetness it embodies.”

‘Six Feet Under’ (2001 – 2005)

Landing the role of the multifaceted Billy Chenowith, who battled bipolar disorder, was a “true gift” and a “confidence booster,” according to Sisto. “With each episode, I was aware that [creator] Alan Ball crafted this scene with the belief that I could pull it off.” He still holds incredible admiration for the series finale, which is often ranked among the best in television history, saying, “Every great series should conclude like that. It was flawless.”

‘Take Me Out’ (2004)

Sisto scored acclaim portraying a prejudiced baseball player in this West Coast production, ultimately earning a Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Award. In portraying “narrow-minded, nasty” Shane Mungitt, he explained to Us, “I focused on channeling a defensive mindset, as if everyone was against me.” He aspires to return to the stage once his children are older.

‘Law & Order’ (2007 – 2010)

Dun-dun: Although NBC’s legal drama has been airing since 1990, Sisto admits he had never watched an episode prior to auditioning because he didn’t own a television! “I first appeared as a lawyer before becoming a detective, just to familiarize myself with the show,” he recalls, “and I showed up having memorized all of Sam Waterston’s lines. Wrong lawyer, my bad!” He portrayed Detective Cyrus Lupo in more than 60 episodes.

‘Suburgatory’ (2011 – 2014)

Portraying single father George Altman on the ABC comedy, Sisto shares, “It was the ideal moment in my life to be involved in a comedic role, especially since I had young children at home.” He and Jane Levy, who played his daughter Tessa, “instantly connected.”

‘Break Point’ (2014)

In his first venture as a writer, Sisto crafted a story about tennis-playing brothers, collaborating with court competitor Gene Hong. “We were fans of sports comedies and desired to bring an irreverent character into the country-club scene,” he shares about the film, also starring David Walton, J.K. Simmons, and Amy Smart. Unexpectedly, his skills on the court improved due to postproduction magic: “I never knew I [could] enhance my swing speed!”

‘FBI’ (2018 – Present)

In the upcoming episode on February 4, Assistant Special Agent in Charge Jubal Valentine encounters a critical situation. (We wish we could get a sneak peek of the episode details if Sisto could share them!) Portraying the enthusiastic Fed in Dick Wolf’s crime drama is an exciting challenge for him. “I appreciate his playfulness and dedication to maintaining high energy during investigations,” Sisto adds.

With contributions from Andrea Simpson