Rakefet Abergel
"Jax"
A native of Los Angeles, Rakefet Abergel is an accomplished American/Israeli actress, writer/producer, and outspoken stand up comedian. One month after taking a stand up class, Rakefet won Best Comic and Best Overall Talent on the Tyra Banks Show. She appeared in the movie Superbad with Jonah Hill, and as Adam Sandler's sister in Just Go with It . She can also be seen in the films My Best Friend's Girl opposite Dane Cook, with Halle Berry in The Call, and alongside Eddie Murphy & Kerry Washington in the film, A Thousand Words. Rakefet regularly guest stars on TV shows including Showtime's Shameless, New Girl, My Name is Earl, Bella and the Bulldogs, and iCarly. For a laugh, check her out as the crazy lady who shoots up her own living room over a good deal, on the hilarious commercial for Kayak. She was also a series regular on two popular web series, Breaking Fat and Addicts Anonymous.
Rakefet has performed stand up comedy all over Los Angeles, including the World Famous Comedy Store and The Improv in Hollywood, as well as the University of Las Vegas and as a featured performer with Sweet, a women's travel company, in Mexico.
Recently, Rakefet wrote and starred in a dramatic short film called Jax in Love, which she co-produced with executive producer & casting director Jory Weitz (Napoleon Dynamite). The film, directed by Oscar-nominated director Colin Campbell, will be making the festival rounds this year.
She originated the role of "Brooke" in the hilarious and touching play, The Furniture, written by Marc Warren (Even Stevens, Full House) and directed by industry veteran Joel Zwick (Full House, My Big Fat Greek Wedding), that premiered at the Hillcrest Center for the Arts.
She teaches sixth grade religious school and Hebrew in Los Angeles and also works as an acting coach and mentor for kids and adults at Kid (F)Actor, a company she founded in 2010.
Devi Veysey
"Sunny"
Born and Raised in Los Angeles, Devi Veysey is an up and coming actress and artist of many platforms. She has studied many aspects of performance art ranging from stage to film. After producing her own short film, in which she also starred, Devi won a Jury Award and was asked to screen her film in the Short Film Corner at the Cannes Film Festival in 2015. She has appeared in the TV series short Breaking Fat as an Undercover DEA Agent. She has also performed in many theatrical productions including Fiddler on the Roof, Grease, and As You Like It. Catch Devi on her newly developing YouTube channel for a quick glimpse into the many characters and creative mind that make up this upbeat performer.
After taking improv and stand up coaching, Devi now performs in monthly shows with her improv team in Whittier California. She also works as a performance coach and a theatrical design mentor for children of all ages at Catskills West Performing Arts Camp, where she has been working since 2012.
John Gammon
"Vince"
Funny and charming, John Gammon is one of the freshest faces in the entertainment industry today. Just emerging on the scene, his witty disposition paired with his natural comedic timing has positioned him to be “one to watch” this year. Gammon can currently be seen starring as “Darrin,” on the hit ABC series “The Middle.” In addition to “The Middle,” you may recognize Gammon from the web series to promote Disney’s feature film PROM; “Cory and Lucas for the Win”, and he has also appeared on “CSI” on CBS.
When not working, Gammon loves to go-cart, hike, visit the shooting range, and he has a road cycle that he rides frequently. He also practices Jiu Jitsu, and is into dream analysis and journaling. He actively supports the non-profit organization Elevate Hope, which aids abused children and helps them explore the arts, and International Rescue.
Ben Kacsandi
"Jake / Hot Guy"
BEN KACSANDI is the lead actor of PLEASE TELL ME I’M ADOPTED, the brand new AMAZON exclusive comedy in which he portrays the hilarious Bob Thomas. He is also the co- head writer for Season 2 which is currently in pre-production. Other television work includes playing a Mammoth Falls Cop on DAYS OF OUR LIVES (NBC), detective Bobby Dunes in MURDER BOOK (ID Discovery) as well as prosecuting attorney Charles S. Deenan on TRUE NIGHTMARES (ID Discovery).
In film, Ben is awaiting the release of the highly anticipated short film JAX IN LOVE, directed by Academy Award Nominee Colin Campbell. Ben's supporting role as Jake, a handsome road tripper, is pivotal to the climax of the film. Ben also has a supporting role along with Academy Award winner Whoopi Goldberg in the upcoming James Franco produced feature film RIO.
Ben has an extensive background in comedy. He is a graduate of the SECOND CITY Conservatory Program and can be seen performing on the Main Stage at The Second City Hollywood in their newest Saturday Night Premium Sketch Comedy Show- PURPLE MOUNTAIN TRAVESTY, of which he is also a writer. This is his 4th Main Stage show at Second City Hollywood. Ben has also trained with THE GROUNDLINGS and the Upright Citizens Brigade (UCB). His theatrical training includes 5 years with the Michael Laskin Acting Studio and 2 years at The Brian Reise Acting Studio.
Laura Slade Wiggins
"Daisy"
Laura is best known for her role on Showtime's Shameless, as Karen Jackson, a series regular. After a successful first season, the show was renewed for a second season, which premiered January 8, 2012. Wiggins remained part of the main cast as a series regular for the first two seasons. For season three, she became a recurring series member. She has also appeared in Gregg Bishop's Dance of the Dead, Eleventh Hour, and in an episode of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation titled "World's End". Wiggins played a pregnant teenager in an episode of the fourth season of Private Practice called "The Hardest Part" and in the 2011 comedy film Hit List. She had a recurring role in the 2013 series The Tomorrow People. In 2014 Wiggins appeared in the Law & Order: Special Victims Unit episode "Comic Perversion" as Carly Rydell. She also played the main character "Hannah Warner" in the 2014 Lifetime original movie "Starving in Suburbia" also known as "Thinspiration".
Christopher Illing
"Hoagie"
Originally from Olympia Washington and currently residing in Los Angeles, Christopher Illing spent 7 years in New York City performing off and off/off Broadway, studying with Lloyd Richards, Anne Bogart, and even studying clown with Christopher Bayes while a member of The Actors Center. He was an early part of CollegeHumors online sketches, playing Jack Bauer in a 24 spoof, among others. Having multiple commercial campaigns under his belt, he in currently in one for AT&T. He's appeared in music videos for Amanda Palmer, Reggie Watts, and Soulsavers. He's been seen on television in Criminal Minds, The Event, and Power Rangers.
Lia Mariella Russo
"Jane"
Lia Mariella Russo is making her debut appearance in JaxInLove! Lia is a ten year old girl's girl whose interests include tennis, all things Harry Potter and spending quality time with friends and family. She lives in Los Angeles with her two mini schnauzers, two sisters, one brother and her two loving parents, Alicia and Joe Russo.