Key Takeaways
- His parents’ support was evident when they embraced his coming out as gay in fourth grade.
- Jake’s father, Matt Roshkow, has over three decades of experience in Hollywood.
- His mother, Helaine Olen, is a journalist known for her work in personal finance and economic issues.
Jake Shane, a TikTok personality and comedian born on October 27, 1999, is the son of Helaine Olen, a journalist, and Matt Roshkow, a screenwriter, whose support has been a cornerstone of his success.
Growing up in New York City’s Washington Heights, Jake was raised alongside his brother, Luke Roshkow, in a creatively nurturing and intellectually stimulating household.
Jake’s social media journey began in 2021 when he started an Instagram account, @passthatpuss, to share food reviews of octopus dishes.
This passion for food reviews was sparked during high school when his mother introduced him to octopus for the first time, creating a memorable moment that inspired his content.
Later, he joined TikTok as @octopusslover8, where he quickly gained over 3 million followers by November 2024.
Jake credits his grounded upbringing and creative spark to his parents, who fostered his individuality and always took his ideas seriously.
Their support shone brightly when they wholeheartedly embraced his coming out as gay in fourth grade, offering him love and encouragement.
Helaine Olen and Matt Roshkow’s values and achievements have profoundly influenced Jake, instilling in him the confidence to pursue his passions while staying true to himself.
Their guidance has helped him remain authentic and become a trailblazer in the Gen Z entertainment space.
Both of Jake Shane’s Parents Are Influential Figures in Writing and Media
Jake Shane’s father, Matt Roshkow, is a scriptwriter and producer known for his creative contributions to television and film.
With over three decades of experience in Hollywood, he has worked with major studios and networks such as Paramount, New Line, Fox, Warner Brothers, and The Disney Channel.
A graduate of Johns Hopkins University and the University of Southern California’s film program, Matt has an impressive portfolio of work.
According to IMDb, he wrote and directed “The Jacket” (2009) and wrote TV movies like “Campus Confidential” (2005), “Model Behavior” (2000), “Switching Goals” (1999), and “Mr. Headmistress” (1998).
As a producer, his credits include the TV movie “Spring Break Lawyer” (2001).
Beyond television and film, Matt has created advertising content for major brands, including the MetroPCS “Blue Tooth Fairy” campaign, and is currently developing a half-hour TV pilot called “Stick Men.”
Jake Shane’s mother, Helaine Olen, is a journalist and author recognized for her incisive analysis of personal finance and economic issues.
Based in New York City, she writes a column for The Washington Post and previously authored the popular column “The Bills” for Slate.
Helaine graduated from Smith College with a BA in English and earned an MA in Journalism from the University of Minnesota.
She has authored or co-authored three acclaimed books: “Office Mate” (2007), “Pound Foolish” (2012), and “The Index Card” (2016).
Her work has been featured in prominent publications such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and The Atlantic, and she has appeared on platforms like NPR, MSNBC, and The Daily Show.
She has received multiple awards, including the National Women’s Political Caucus Exceptional Merit in Media Award and recognition as one of Business Insider’s “50 Women Who Are Changing the World.”
Jake’s parents have been unwavering in their support of his career. His father expresses pride in his accomplishments, and his mother occasionally appears in his TikTok videos.
Their encouragement has been instrumental in Jake’s journey as a content creator.
Jake currently resides in New York City with his parents, maintaining close ties to the family that nurtured his creativity and individuality.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Jake Shane attended the University of Southern California, graduating in 2022 with a Bachelor of Arts and Science in Public Relations.
- He launched his podcast Therapuss with Jake Shane in January 2024. In each episode, he answers listener questions in a therapy-style format with a new co-host.
- On November 22, 2024, he launched his debut album, “Puss & Poems.”
