Dominic Sessa is a rising American actor who achieved widespread recognition with his breakout debut performance in Alexander Payne’s 2023 Christmas comedy-drama The Holdovers. In the film, Sessa delivered a standout portrayal that immediately captured the attention of audiences and critics alike, marking him as one of the most promising new talents in Hollywood.
Following the release of The Holdovers, Dominic Sessa won awards and received multiple nominations for his exceptional debut, solidifying his status as a breakthrough actor to watch. His performance was widely praised for its authenticity and depth, especially remarkable given that it was his first major acting role. With a strong entry into the film industry and growing industry recognition, Sessa is quickly establishing himself as a notable figure in contemporary American cinema.
Essential Data
- Full Name: Dominic Sessa
- Stage Name: Dominic Sessa
- Born: October 25, 2002
- Age: 24 years old
- Height: 6′ (1.83 m)
- Birthplace: Cherry Hill, New Jersey
- Nationality: American
- Occupation: Actor
- Religion: Unknown
- Parents: Mr and Mrs Sessa
- Siblings: 1
- Spouse: None
- Children: N/A
- Relationship: Unknown
- Net Worth: $2 million USD
Early Life and Education
Dominic Sessa was born on October 25, 2002, in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, and spent his early years in South Jersey before moving with his family to Egg Harbor Township. His mother is a teacher, while his father worked in payroll before he passed away in 2017, leaving him and his sister to be raised by their mother alone.
He attended Alder Avenue Middle before receiving a scholarship in tenth grade to attend the college-preparatory school Deerfield Academy in Massachusetts, where he planned to play ice hockey before a broken femur forced him to switch to drama classes.
Graduated from Deerfield in 2022, he is currently pursuing a degree in a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Drama at Carnegie Mellon University.
Career
Dominic Sessa began his acting journey through school theater activities at Deerfield Academy, where he first discovered his passion for performance. Participating in stage productions helped him develop confidence, discipline, and a strong foundation in acting. These early experiences proved instrumental in shaping his interest in pursuing a career in the entertainment industry.
His major breakthrough came when a casting audition for the comedy-drama The Holdovers was held at Deerfield Academy. During the audition process, Dominic caught the attention of renowned casting director Susan Shopmaker, which led to a second audition with acclaimed director Alexander Payne. His performance stood out among many candidates, marking the beginning of a life-changing opportunity.
Dominic was ultimately cast as Angus Tully, selected alongside 11 other students from the school who made the final casting list. Before securing the role, he went through multiple callbacks and intensive coaching sessions with Alexander Payne to refine his acting skills. One of the defining moments in the casting process was a Zoom script reading with co-star Paul Giamatti, which further showcased his potential and solidified his place in the film.
Following the success of The Holdovers, Dominic Sessa quickly emerged as a fast-rising star, earning several award nominations and industry recognition. His expanding career includes a role in the Rose Byrne–led drama Tow (2025), an appearance in a Yves Saint Laurent brand advertisement, and a feature on Made in Hollywood in 2023. He has also been cast in projects such as Now You See Me: Now You Don’t as a magician and the Christmas comedy Oh What Fun (2025), signaling a promising and dynamic future in film.
Award and Nominations
- London Film Critics Nominee Circle (2023)
- Chicago Film Critics Association Nominee (2023)
- Won critics’ choice awards for Best Young Performer (2023)
- Won Independet spirit awards for Best Breakthrough performance (2024)
- Won Utah Film Critics Association award for Best Supporting Performance (2024)
- Satellite Awards Nominee (2024)
Social Media
- Instagram: @Dominic.sessa
Personal life
Following his major breakthrough in the film industry, Dominic Sessa has chosen to keep a low profile in his personal life. He has not publicly shared details about any romantic relationships, as he appears to be fully focused on developing his acting career and pursuing new creative opportunities.
Filmography
- The Holdover (2023)
- Tow (2023)
- Now You See Me: Now You Don’t (2025)
- Oh. What. Fun (2025)
Net Worth
Dominic Sessa’s net worth is estimated at $2 million, driven by his massive debut performance and brand endorsement deals, which are boosting his fortune.