On screen, Jenkins played one of the lead roles in Robert Altman’s film O.C. and Stiggs, shot in 1984 but not released until 1988,. He again worked with Altman in his 1988 miniseries Tanner ’88. On HBO he appeared on the cable channel’s adventure film Florida Straits costarring alongside Raul Julia and Fred Ward. Other notable appearances include: The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial (TV Movie), Cradle Will Rock, The Good Wife, Veep, and Orange Is The New Black.

Jenkins was nominated for a Tony Award in 1985 for his role as Huckleberry Finn in Big River, his Broadway debut. In 2003, he performed in the Tony nominated “Deaf West” signed revival of Big River, this time portraying Mark Twain and also performing as the voice for signed character Huckleberry Finn. Jenkins has had notable performances in several other Broadway musicals, including Mary Poppins, Billy Elliot, and Big (musical).

Jenkins was born to actors Ken Jenkins and Joan Patchen. He acted in high school plays and community theatre, before enrolling in the apprentice program at Actors Theatre of Louisville. In 1986, Jenkins and his father both appeared together on Broadway in the musical Big River.

In October 2008, Jenkins, along with Robert Stanton, wrote and performed in the play Love Child: Only Two Men on Stage, but They Turn Into a Crowd at New World Stages in New York City.