Actor Dominic Sessa, born on Oct. 25, 2002, in Cherry Hill, N.J., has become a breakout star ever since his role as Angus Tully in Alexander Payne’s film, The Holdovers. Despite his rising fame, little is known about the family and upbringing that paved the way for his success.
Sessa’s journey into acting began unexpectedly during his high school years at Deerfield Academy, a prestigious preparatory school in Massachusetts, where he found his passion for the performing arts. Growing up in South Jersey with a focus on hockey, fate took a turn, leading him to The Holdovers and marking the start of his flourishing career.
The Influence of Tragedy and Resilience
At the tender age of 14, Dominic faced a significant loss with the passing of his father, who was described by The New Yorker as a “payroll guy.” Left without his father’s guidance, he navigated the challenges of adolescence with the unwavering support of his mother, a dedicated teacher who played a pivotal role in nurturing his personal and academic growth. Their resilience in the face of adversity undoubtedly contributed to shaping Dominic’s character and determination.
While specific details about Dominic’s parents remain limited, the influence of his mother’s teaching profession and the impact of his father’s untimely passing have undoubtedly shaped the actor into the rising star he is today.
From Broken Dreams to Unexpected Stardom
Dominic’s path to stardom took an unexpected turn after a broken femur shattered his dreams of becoming a hockey star during his time at Deerfield Academy. Reluctantly turning to drama as an alternative activity, little did he know that this decision would set the stage for his remarkable journey in the world of acting.
Cast as Angus Tully in The Holdovers, Dominic’s natural talent and ability to access genuine emotions for his performances caught the eye of the director, Alexander Payne. This breakthrough marked the beginning of Dominic’s acting career and earned him recognition as one of Variety’s “10 Actors to Watch for 2023.”
As Dominic continues to refine his craft at Carnegie Mellon School of Drama, his trajectory in the acting industry holds much promise. From a broken femur that redirected his life’s course to the unexpected audition that led to a breakout role, it seems that Dominic is destined for great things—and we are here for it!