Jeff Violette: From Running Construction Jobs to Playing Villains in Vertical Dramas

From construction sites to screen villains, this actor’s unexpected journey into the world of vertical dramas shows how a single chance can change a career.

Jeff Violette never planned to become an actor. Born in Connecticut and trained in construction management, he never imagined stepping onto a stage or in front of a camera. But a chance social media post during the pandemic changed everything. 

It led to modeling opportunities, which pulled him to Los Angeles. Soon after, he landed roles in vertical dramas, where his commanding presence and first villain performance earned him a spot on the shortlist for best villain.

Jeff Violette Once Built Sets and Ran Construction Jobs

Growing up in Connecticut, Violette didn’t imagine a future in entertainment. “Like, acting itself is, it just wasn’t on my radar. I’m like, no, I can’t sing,” he said in an April 2025 interview with Vertical Drama Love, hosted by Jen Cooper. 

He also revealed that his only exposure to theater was helping build sets for school musicals, while other students rehearsed lines and sang. 

At college, Violette became the first in his family to earn a four-year degree. Initially majoring in business, he found it uninspiring. 

After seeing a classmate build a shed for a construction management course, he switched majors and eventually graduated in the engineering field. For the next six years, he ran large construction projects.

Fitness was another defining part of his college years. Daily workouts at the campus gym began as a hobby and soon became routine. 

In April 2020, during the pandemic, Violette posted a photo on Instagram out of boredom — a move that unexpectedly opened the door to modeling. 

Within days, a New York photographer invited him for a shoot. At first, he declined, thinking it wasn’t for him, but his close friend Eric Guilmette, who is already a professional model, urged him to give it a try.

That first photo session changed his perspective. “It was really neat when I was like, oh, that’s actually, it was almost a little bit of a confidence booster when you see yourself like that, and you’re like, oh, that’s how some people, that’s how I can be seen, that’s how people see me,” Violette recalled. 

Soon, more photographers reached out. After balancing construction work through the pandemic, he eventually decided to move to Los Angeles and pursue modeling full-time.

Jeff Violette’s Rise in Vertical Dramas

Acting entered Violette’s life almost by accident. While helping Guilmette rehearse for auditions, he decided to submit for a role himself. His first appearance came in 2023 with a small background role in “Become the Idol: Crazy Beach.” He followed with speaking parts in “Seeking Justice” and the short comedy “Definitely Not Bombaywatch.”

By 2024, he was steadily booking roles in vertical dramas. He appeared in “The Divorced Housewife Turned CEO,” “Yes! Your Highness,” “Falling for a Superstar,” and “Be My Wife Be My Boss,” among others. His first major villain role came in “The Dual Nature of His Seductive Wife,” playing Damien.

“I had no clue what to do, but it was one of the scariest things,” Violette admitted. I walked into it like, I used to run construction jobs. I used to have 180, these grown iron workers in front of me.”

Despite the nerves, the role became a breakthrough. His role as Damien reportedly earned him a spot on the shortlist for best villain. He credits the production team and cast for making the experience memorable. 

The project went on to become one of the most-watched vertical dramas, staying high on streaming charts long after its release. “That’s what I see every now and then and it’s kind of crazy because I’m like, that’s still up there? And I keep it going,” Violette said.

By 2025, he gained leading parts in “Shoot at My Heart,” “Catch Me, Love Me,” and “Destined for My Billionaire Soulmate,” marking his steady rise in the genre.

His Insights on the Fast-Paced World of Vertical Series

Violette, who has acted in numerous vertical dramas, explains that the production process is very fast-paced, requiring actors to work efficiently and be fully prepared for each day of shooting.

He added, “Everyone needs to be on their game in order to stay on schedule. You really only get 1-2 takes of a scene, unless you’re really lucky and get 3. So you really need to be prepared for each day in order to not fall behind.”

Looking ahead, he hopes the genre will continue experimenting with new genres and storylines. “I would love the stories to expand into a few other genres. I am excited seeing that there are new storylines and themes being experimented with,” he said.

Jeff Violette Reflects on Growth and Milestones

Beyond the growing list of credits, Violette has taken time to reflect on how quickly his life has changed. In an Instagram post marking his 30th birthday in October 2024, he looked back on his 29th year as a turning point. 

He had started acting, filmed in cities including New York, Atlanta, and LA, and built friendships that he described as lifelong. The year, he admitted, was such a whirlwind that he often forgot to capture the moments on camera — a sign, he noted, that he was too busy living them. 

Looking ahead, he expressed gratitude, adding, “But here’s to 30. Here’s to new friends, to old friends, and to all crazy times and memories lying just ahead. That’s a wrap on 29, and let’s roll on 30.”