Jesse Rutherford, a prominent figure in the music world, gained recognition when he co-founded the band The Neighbourhood in 2011. However, his journey in the entertainment sector started long before that. While known primarily for his impressive vocal talents, Rutherford also showcases his skills on the drums and guitar. Before fully committing to music, he explored acting in the early 2000s.
Although The Neighbourhood is currently on hiatus, Rutherford recently made headlines after being seen with Billie Eilish at Crossroads Kitchen in Los Angeles on October 13, 2022. Their cozy interactions at the restaurant led to speculation about a romantic relationship, which was further fueled when they were photographed sharing a kiss outside Lal Mirch, an Indian restaurant, just days later.
Billie Eilish and Jesse Rutherford turn heads in iconic Gucci red carpet looks
Eilish confirmed their relationship during her annual Vanity Fair interview, referring to him as her boyfriend. However, the couple parted ways in May 2023, and Vanity Fair did not publish her interview that December. Upon returning for the 2024 edition, Eilish watched the unreleased interview from the previous year and remarked that her post-split wish had come true, saying, “yes, I’ve had a lot of good sex.”
Rutherford’s musical journey began in sixth grade when he discovered his passion for music. Growing up in Newberry Park, California, he initially started playing drums, but his singing abilities took his musical journey to a new level.
As the lead vocalist of The Neighbourhood, which he co-founded in 2011, Rutherford has been a driving force behind the band’s success. The group includes guitarists Jeremy Freedman and Zach Abels, bassist Mikey Margott, and drummer Brandon Alexander Fried. They gained popularity with their hit single “Sweater Weather,” which has seen renewed interest thanks to TikTok, along with their debut EP, I’m Sorry.
Since signing with Columbia Records in 2013, The Neighbourhood has released several albums, featuring chart-topping singles. They have performed at numerous prestigious events, including Coachella and Lollapalooza. In September 2020, the band released their fourth studio album, Chip Chrome & The Mono-Tones, but announced a hiatus shortly before a planned tour in September 2022.
Beyond his work with The Neighbourhood, Rutherford has also explored his creative side through the alias “The Factoury.” He began sharing tracks on his private SoundCloud account in 2016, featuring songs like “Cell Phone Trap,” “U R Wut U Eat,” and “When I’m Not Around.” In 2017, he shifted to releasing music under his own name, including his debut solo album, &, and followed it up with his second album, GARAGEB, in 2019.
Rutherford’s entertainment career began as a child actor, appearing in various commercials before securing his first film role in 2002’s Life or Something Like That, alongside Angelina Jolie.
He also appeared in the movie Bundy that same year and had a minor role in a season 2 episode of Star Trek: Enterprise. His music has been featured in soundtracks for films such as The Amazing Spider-Man 2 and The Equalizer, both released in 2014.
His passion for fashion has been evident since childhood, showcasing a rockstar style that has become his trademark. In a 2019 interview with GQ, he recalled shopping at Hot Topic at a young age, even noting that he would change outfits multiple times a day during his early years. Before his rise to fame, he worked at several retail stores, including Vans, Journeys, Urban Outfitters, and Active skate shop.
On Halloween, Eilish humorously acknowledged their 11-year age difference by sharing a playful photo on Instagram, with her dressed as a baby and Rutherford portraying an old man. She captioned the post, “life is craaaaaaaaaaaaaaazy🤡 happy halloween🎃🥰.”
The couple made a memorable appearance together at the LACMA Art + Film Gala on November 5, 2022, where they stepped onto the red carpet in matching Gucci pajamas, draped in a giant Gucci quilt. They later revealed their coordinated silk sleepwear, with Eilish donning a floor-length nightgown and a sleep mask, while Rutherford complemented his outfit with fuzzy slippers.
