Jerry O'Connell  was born on February 17, 1974, in New York City. He grew up in Manhattan and attended the Professional Children's School before studying film at New York University. His first major acting role came in 1986 when he played Vern Tessio in Stand by Me. He later starred in the Canadian series My Secret Identity from 1988 to 1991.

     O'Connell gained widespread recognition as Quinn Mallory in Sliders (1995–2000), a sci-fi series about parallel universes. He also appeared in Jerry Maguire (1996), Scream 2 (1997), Kangaroo Jack (2003), and Crossing Jordan (2002–2007). In 2020, he joined Star Trek: Lower Decks as the voice of Commander Jack Ransom.

     Beyond acting, O'Connell ha worked as a television host, including co-hosting The Talk since 2021 until the show was canceled.   He was also a game show host hosting Pictionary.

     He married actress Rebecca Romijn in 2007, and they have twin daughters.