Jared Keeso (/ˈkiːsoʊ/ KEE-soh; born July 1, 1984) is a Canadian actor. He currently has the leading role of Wayne in the sitcom Letterkenny, as well as being series creator. Keeso is also known for his co-leading role, portraying Ben Chartier, in the 2014 TV series 19-2.
Jared Keeso was born in Listowel, Ontario. His father owns and operates the Keeso Sawmill company just north of town. The company was founded in 1872 by Keeso's ancestors and has remained in the family ever since. Jared spent several years working in the mill before embarking on his acting career. (A fire that started on Sept. 9, 2018 has totally destroyed the sawmill). As a youth, just as most boys his age in town, Keeso played junior hockey. He played for the Strathroy Rockets of the Western Ontario Hockey League and the Listowel Cyclones of the GOJHL.
Keeso starred in two made-for-TV movies about the life of former hockey coach and player (and controversial commentator) Don Cherry, playing Cherry himself. The first film, titled Keep Your Head Up Kid: The Don Cherry Story, aired in early 2010 on CBC Television, and was followed by The Wrath of Grapes: The Don Cherry Story II in 2012.