Dominic Sessa

Dominic Sessa is an American actor who was born on October 25, 2002. He first gained widespread prominence after making his feature film debut in Alexander Payne's 2023 holiday comedy-drama The Holdovers. His portrayal earned significant critical acclaim and several notable awards, quickly establishing him as a prominent new talent in American cinema.

Born in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, Sessa grew up in Ocean City and Egg Harbor Township. He is of Italian descent and has one sister. His mother worked as an educator, while his father worked in payroll until his death in 2017. During his youth, Sessa participated in gymnastics, ballet, and ice hockey. After attending Alder Avenue Middle School, he received a scholarship to attend Deerfield Academy, a college-preparatory institution in Massachusetts, beginning in the tenth grade.

Although Sessa initially intended to play ice hockey at Deerfield Academy, a broken femur sustained before the start of his freshman season redirected his focus toward drama classes. He subsequently acted in school stage productions of Antigone and Rumors, performed in a radio adaptation of Frankenstein, and joined an a cappella group. At the time, he did not view acting as a career and originally applied to college to study English literature.

In 2021, Sessa attended an open casting call at Deerfield Academy for the co-lead role of Angus Tully in The Holdovers. Casting director Susan Shopmaker and director Alexander Payne selected him following several audition rounds and a remote script reading alongside co-star Paul Giamatti. Sessa spent two months analyzing the script and watching period films to prepare. While filming, he enrolled at the Carnegie Mellon School of Drama, where he completed his freshman year before taking a leave of absence.

Released in 2023, The Holdovers earned $46 million worldwide and brought Sessa praise as its breakout performer. For his performance, he received the Critics' Choice Movie Award for Best Young Performer, the Independent Spirit Award for Best Breakthrough Performance, and a nomination for the British Academy Film Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role. Following this success, he appeared in commercial campaigns for fashion brands Yves Saint Laurent and J. Crew.

Sessa expanded his filmography in 2025 by starring in the Rose Byrne-led drama Tow and appearing in the holiday comedy Oh. What. Fun. alongside Michelle Pfeiffer. He also played a magician in the box-office success Now You See Me: Now You Don't, receiving critical praise for his screen presence alongside co-stars Ariana Greenblatt and Justice Smith.

In 2026, Sessa starred as a young Anthony Bourdain in the biographical film Tony, which depicted Bourdain in Massachusetts during the summer of 1976 prior to his culinary career. To prepare, Sessa researched Bourdain's literary and television work, drew upon his own background working at a bakery, and met with restaurant owners. Director Matt Johnson collaborated closely with Sessa on the screenplay, and critics praised his multifaceted performance.