Jake Goldberg is a name that resonates with two very different audiences: fans of mid-2000s animated children's television and enthusiasts of Adam Sandler’s ensemble comedies. After rising to prominence as a child actor, Goldberg took a significant hiatus to focus on his education before making a surprising return to the screen in a competitive format.

Understanding his filmography requires looking at his early start in voice acting, his breakout roles in major Hollywood blockbusters, and his most recent endeavors in reality television.

Iconic Roles in Film and Comedy

For many, Jake Goldberg is most recognizable as Greg Feder, the sarcastic and often tech-obsessed son of Lenny Feder (Adam Sandler) in the "Grown Ups" franchise. This role defined his teen acting years and placed him alongside comedy legends like Chris Rock, Kevin James, and David Spade.

  • Grown Ups (2010): Goldberg made his debut as Greg Feder, capturing the dynamic of a spoiled city kid adjusting to the outdoors.
  • Grown Ups 2 (2013): He reprised the role three years later, showing the character's growth and continuing the comedic chemistry with the onscreen Feder family.
  • The Ant Bully (2006): Early in his career, Goldberg provided voice work for this CGI animated feature, credited as Helmet Boy, Nob, and Red Teammate #1.
  • Choose (2010): Showing his range outside of comedy, he appeared in this horror/thriller film as Young Scarlip.

Television Credits and Voice Acting Legacy

Before he was a face in live-action comedies, Goldberg was a voice that defined a generation of preschool programming. His longest-running role was in a beloved Nickelodeon series, showcasing his ability to lead an ensemble even at a young age.

The Backyardigans (2006–2010)

Goldberg provided the voice for Pablo the Penguin for three seasons (Seasons 2 through 4). As the high-energy, imaginative leader of the group, his portrayal of Pablo is considered a staple of the show's most popular era. He voiced the character for 59 episodes, contributing to the show's musical and adventurous legacy.

Guest Appearances and Notable Shows

Beyond his long-term roles, Goldberg appeared in several high-profile television dramas and sitcoms:

  • Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (2008): In the episode "Unorthodox," he played Adam Tremblay, demonstrating his ability to handle serious, dramatic subject matter.
  • 30 Rock (2009): He made a guest appearance in the episode "Jackie Jormp-Jomp" as the character Connor.
  • Bull (2021): After a period away from the industry, he appeared in an episode titled "To Save a Life" as Karl Langford.

Recent Appearances and Reality TV in 2025

After completing his education at the University of Colorado Boulder, Goldberg moved away from traditional scripted acting. However, 2025 marked a public return to the screen in a very different capacity.

In early 2025, Jake Goldberg appeared as a contestant on Next Level Chef Season 4. Competing under the mentorship of Gordon Ramsay, Goldberg participated in the audition rounds. While he was eliminated during the early episodes, the appearance signaled his evolution from a child star to a food influencer and media personality.

Career Overview and Current Status

Jake Goldberg’s career is characterized by two distinct phases. The first phase (2006–2013) was defined by high-intensity professional acting in New York and Hollywood. During this time, he balanced voice work for Nickelodeon with major film sets.

Following "Grown Ups 2," Goldberg prioritized his academic career, pursuing a Bachelor of Science. His recent credits, such as the short film "The Keys" (2022) and his stint on reality television, suggest a selective return to the entertainment industry, often focusing on projects that align with his current interests in culinary arts and independent production.

Summary of Major Credits

Year Title Role Category
2004–2013 The Backyardigans Pablo (Voice) TV Series
2006 The Ant Bully Helmet Boy (Voice) Film
2008 Law & Order: SVU Adam Tremblay TV Series
2009 30 Rock Connor TV Series
2010 Grown Ups Greg Feder Film
2013 Grown Ups 2 Greg Feder Film
2025 Next Level Chef Himself Reality TV

FAQ

What movies has Jake Goldberg been in? Jake Goldberg is best known for playing Greg Feder in Grown Ups and Grown Ups 2. He also appeared in the film Choose and provided voices for The Ant Bully.

Who did Jake Goldberg voice in The Backyardigans? He voiced Pablo the Penguin starting in Season 2, taking over the role and continuing through Season 4.

What is Jake Goldberg doing now? After graduating from the University of Colorado Boulder, Goldberg has focused on content creation and culinary interests, most recently appearing on Gordon Ramsay's Next Level Chef in 2025.