Jesse Kove is an American actor, producer, and director with a passion for storytelling rooted in his cinematic upbringing. The son of Martin Kove (John Kreese in The Karate Kid and Cobra Kai), Jesse grew up on film sets, crafting home movies with his father’s camera by age 10. His early immersion in the industry fueled a lifelong dedication to acting, honed through performing arts, improv classes, and off-Broadway performances in New York.
Kove is known for his role as Varsity Captain David in Cobra Kai (2021), where he portrayed a young bully tormenting his father’s character, John Kreese, in flashbacks. He starred as Hugh Johnson in the WWII drama On Wings of Eagles (2016) alongside Joseph Fiennes, an unofficial sequel to Chariots of Fire. His lead role as Sgt. Lommell in D-Day: Battle of Omaha Beach (2019) featured him with MMA stars Chuck Liddell and Randy Couture. Kove also played Officer Trent Miller in the thriller Bring Me a Dream (2020) and Ethan in Psycho Stripper (2019).
Recent roles include Kip Bravo in the romantic TV movie The Holiday Proposal Plan (2023), Jacob in Hallmark’s A Taste of Love (2024), and Clay Cassidy in Far Haven (2023). Upcoming projects include Dark Night of the Soul and A Gunfighter’s Deal. Kove co-produced and starred in the teen crime drama As Night Comes (2014) and produced short films Teach Peace (2017) and The Audition (2012).