Jacob was born in St. Joseph, Missouri on August 21, 1995. When he was almost three years old, his family relocated to Bingen, Germany for a three year work assignment. He attended a preschool (Kindergarten) where he met a friend who taught him to speak the local German dialect. The Hays Family traveled to Italy, Greece, Denmark and France where Jacob learned to appreciate different cultures at an early age.

In 2001, they returned to St. Joseph where Jacob started Kindergarten (again) learning to play and read in English and slowly left the German language behind. By the end of first grade, the family moved to San Diego, CA where Jacob continued his education and performed in many of his school's talent shows.

A flyer from Broadway Bound Youth Theatre about a play called “Oliver” caught his attention; as it sounded like fun. Once on the stage, Jacob was hooked. He views himself as a writer, actor (both film and stage) and often plays characters that are over the top. Jake has a great sense of humor but can do justice to the more serious roles. He has had 3 years of voice lessons and 4 years of acting classes with Broadway Bound Community Theater and various workshops in LA and San Diego. Director Lynne Broyles taught the classes and incorporated her love of the theater to her students.

In August 2007, Jacob not only turned twelve but started middle school. He is no longer a 5th grader and yet knows that he will always be remembered as one. He definitely will not forget his friends and fans from the show!

In January 2008, Jacob flew into Burbank to shoot the latest episodes of Disney’s Really Short Report. He continues to audition for various roles in TV/Film, commercials and occasionally stage. In his spare time, Jacob loves camping, fishing, hiking, swimming and playing basketball.