Who is J.D. Vance?

J.D. Vance is not primarily known as a commercial actor, but rather as a writer and political figure. However, he did make a notable appearance in a 2017 ad for the U.S. Senate campaign of his fellow Ohio Republican, Josh Mandel.

In the ad, Vance touts Mandel's conservative values and military service, stating that he understands the struggles faced by Ohioans due to his own upbringing in a working-class family in Middletown, Ohio. Vance gained national attention with his 2016 memoir, "Hillbilly Elegy", in which he reflects on his upbringing and the challenges faced by white working-class Americans in the Rust Belt.

Despite his political affiliations, Vance has drawn criticism from some quarters for his willingness to work with organizations associated with the tech industry, including Peter Thiel's Mithril Capital Management and the venture capital firm Revolution LLC. Vance has defended his partnerships, arguing that they offer an opportunity to bring jobs and investment to struggling communities in Ohio and elsewhere.

Overall, while J.D. Vance may not be a well-known commercial actor, he has made a name for himself as an influential political commentator and advocate for working-class Americans.