One viral mugshot transformed Jeremy Meeks from a little‑known forklift operator into a global phenomenon—and ever since, he’s been reshaping his story. The man dubbed the “world’s hottest felon” is now a model, actor, entrepreneur, and author, with a commonly cited net worth of $5 million according to Celebrity Net Worth.
It all began in 2014, when the Stockton Police Department posted Meeks’ booking photo on Facebook after his arrest on felony weapon charges. The image exploded online: piercing blue‑gray eyes, strong jawline, and an intense gaze that captured attention almost instantly. Within hours, the post attracted tens of thousands of likes and comments—far eclipsing any prior post from the department.
Born February 7, 1984, Meeks had a troubled upbringing marked by instability, parental addiction, and brushes with crime. By age 18, he already had a felony for auto theft. His 2014 conviction carried a 27‑month prison sentence. After serving time, when he was released in 2016, the fashion world was essentially waiting for him. He signed with White Cross Management and began modeling, remarking that he finally felt able to provide for his family and rewrite his path.
From the runway, Meeks stepped into acting and entrepreneurship. He has walked shows for Philipp Plein and Tommy Hilfiger, starred in films like Trigger and Secret Society, and launched a clothing venture backed by a $15 million deal with Fashion Concept GmbH (though the company later faced financial issues). In 2024, Meeks released his memoir, Model Citizen: The Autobiography of Jeremy Meeks, aiming to reveal his full journey—from darkness and struggle to rebirth.
Beyond his public persona, he is also a father to two sons: Jeremy Jr. with his ex‑wife Melissa, and Jayden with his former partner Chloe Green. As of 2024, he shared he was focusing on himself, remaining single to pursue growth and stability.
What cements his reinvention is not just the physical transformation but the sustained momentum: from modeling gigs to film roles, from viral curiosity to business ventures. The “hot felon” label may have introduced Jeremy Meeks to the world—but it no longer defines his story. He has taken control of his narrative, and at 41, continues to build a life that reflects resilience, reinvention, and purpose.
