Jeffrey Jay Cohen (born June 22, 1965) is an American actor who has appeared in film and on television. Cohen's first feature film was in the 1985 film Paradise Motel. It was not until 1985, he would get his big role in the film Back to the Future as Skinhead, a member of Biff Tannen's gang. In 1989, he reprised his role in Back to the Future Part II, a year later, he appeared in Back to the Future Part III as a member of Needles' gang.
According to the DVD commentary, he was originally up for the role of Biff but did not appear physically intimidating when standing against the 6' 0½" Eric Stoltz who was originally cast as Marty McFly. Writer and producer Bob Gale noted that, had the much shorter Michael J. Fox been cast as Marty from the beginning as they had hoped, Cohen probably would have played Biff.
Cohen's other film roles include the 1985 film Secret Admirer. He starred in the 1986 drama film Fire with Fire. Cohen's other big role was in the 1987 action film The Principal as White Zac. He also appeared in the 1988 horror film 976-EVIL. Cohen's most recent film was in the 2000 film Almost Famous.
Cohen has appeared in television series, including V: The Series, Baywatch, Amazing Stories (The Mission), Pacific Blue and Providence.
2000
as Roadie Scully
1998
as Bicyclist
1996
as Frank
1990
as Needles' Gang
1989
as Skinhead
1988
as Marcus
1987
as White Zac
1987
as Dewey
1986
as Jake
1986
as Mapmaker (as Jeffrey Jay Cohen)
1985
as Jake
1985
as Bert
1985
as Skinhead
1985
as Barry
1985
as Shooter Spinelli
1984
as Tony Baker