Biography
Nelson Leis is an actor, writer, and producer, best known for his role as Beelzebub across three seasons of the popular Netflix series Chilling Adventures of Sabrina (2018). His acting credits also include The Last of Us (2023), Prey (2022), and Shōgun (2024). He wrote, produced, and starred in the award-winning comedy A.T.A.C.K. (2022). Nelson has worked alongside prominent Hollywood actors such as Pedro Pascal, Kevin Bacon, Rainn Wilson, and Freddy Highmore. He is set to appear next in the horror film Big Baby (2025).
Born in Kemptville, Ontario, to a French mother and Estonian father, Nelson was raised in Vancouver, British Columbia. His passion for acting began through involvement in high school and community theatre, which led him to move to New York City to study at The American Academy of Dramatic Arts. After completing theatre school, he returned to Vancouver and spent a year touring with an education-focused theatre group performing for high school audiences.
As a writer, Leis co-created the web series The Jim (2010), which won multiple awards at the 2011 L.A. Web Fest, including Best Actor for Nelson, and the top prize that took the creative team to France for the inaugural Marseilles Web Fest. This experience was especially meaningful to Nelson as it marked his first visit to his mother’s homeland.
On stage, Nelson has appeared in productions such as Lobby Hero, The Toyer, Closer, Lone Star, Take Me Out, The Big Funk, Soldier's Heart, and Almost, Maine.
Nelson is also a partner in First Glance Productions alongside Vanessa Walsh.
