Jerry Trainor
Jerry Trainor – Life, Career & Memorable Roles
Learn about Jerry Trainor — born January 21, 1977 — the American actor, comedian, and musician best known for playing Spencer Shay on iCarly and “Crazy Steve” on Drake & Josh. Explore his background, career highlights, personal life, and legacy.
Introduction
Gerald William “Jerry” Trainor is an American actor, voice actor, comedian, and musician. He gained widespread recognition for his charismatic, quirky performances on Nickelodeon sitcoms, especially as Spencer Shay on iCarly and “Crazy” Steve on Drake & Josh.
Beyond acting, he is also a musician (bass in a band) and has done voice work in animation.
Early Life and Education
Jerry Trainor was born January 21, 1977 in San Diego, California. His birth name is Gerald William Trainor.
His parents are Bill Trainor, a retired Navy fighter pilot and public defender, and Madelyn (née McNenly) Trainor, a high school calculus teacher. He has an older sister named Liz.
Jerry grew up in the Scripps Ranch neighborhood of San Diego, and attended University of San Diego High School (now Cathedral Catholic High School).
He then studied drama / theatre arts at the University of California, Santa Barbara, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) degree. To sharpen his comedic and improvisational skills, he also trained at The Groundlings in Los Angeles.
Before his acting career took off, Jerry worked at SeaWorld in San Diego, selling churros and cold drinks.
Acting & Entertainment Career
Early Roles & Breakthrough
Jerry’s first television role was in MTV’s anthology series Undressed (as Eric). He also made small appearances in shows such as Malcolm in the Middle, My Wife and Kids, ER, Angel, Crossing Jordan (as the A.V. guy), and Law & Order: True Crime.
His film credits include minor roles in Donnie Darko, Evolution, and Bring It On Again.
His first recurring TV role of note was “Crazy Steve” on Drake & Josh (2004–2007), where he played a volatile movie theater employee.
In a recent panel interview, Jerry revealed how he “went nuclear” in his audition to land the Drake & Josh role—delivering a big, over-the-top performance to stand out.
iCarly and Major Success
In 2007, Jerry began starring as Spencer Shay, the eccentric older brother and guardian of Carly Shay, in the Nickelodeon hit iCarly. He remained in that role through the original series run (2007–2012), and reprised it in the iCarly revival (2021 onward).
For his work on iCarly, Jerry won three Kids’ Choice Awards.
Voice Work & Other Projects
Jerry has done voice acting in animated shows, most notably as Dudley Puppy in T.U.F.F. Puppy. He earned a Daytime Emmy Award nomination for that role.
He has also appeared in web series, podcasts, and drama/comedy guest roles in more mature shows.
In 2015, he co-founded the band Nice Enough People, playing bass. Their EP Hanover Hideaway was released in 2016.
In 2025, during a convention panel, Jerry shared how he pushed his audition performance to extreme intensity to secure “Crazy Steve” after the originally cast actor was replaced.
Personal Life & Traits
Jerry is of Irish, Croatian, and German descent.
He is known for being energetic, expressive, and highly physical in his comedic style—a quality that shaped many of his most iconic scenes.
Jerry’s relationship life is less publicly documented. Some sources report he has dated Jessica Makinson, an actress/comedian who also appeared on iCarly.
He is passionate about music (playing bass) and comedy, and has balanced his acting career with his musical interests.
Legacy & Impact
Jerry Trainor has left a mark particularly in youth and family television:
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His performances on iCarly and Drake & Josh are beloved by audiences who grew up watching Nickelodeon.
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He showcased that comedic roles can be memorable and layered, not just throwaway supporting parts.
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His ability to shift between live action and voice work highlights his versatility.
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Through his band, he also demonstrates that actors can cross into music credibly.
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His story of “amplified performance” in auditions serves as inspiration for actors to embrace boldness.