David Moscow burst onto the big screen in a way that people still remember — his role in the 1988 comedy classic Big marked a standout debut. As young Josh, the pre-transformation version of Tom Hanks’ character, David Moscow brought an irresistible mix of awkward charm, wide-eyed innocence, and those signature dark curls that made him instantly memorable. Though his screen time was brief, David Moscow left a lasting impression, not just on audiences but also on Hanks himself, who reportedly drew inspiration from Moscow’s performance. It was clear from the start: David Moscow had something special.
That same year, David Moscow showed his range in a completely different kind of film — The Wizard of Loneliness, a poignant World War II-era drama starring Lukas Haas. The New York-born actor had already begun making waves on television, with a recurring role from 1986 to 1987 on CBS’s Kate & Allie, where he played Eugene, the friendly classmate of Chip, Allie’s young son. His natural ease in front of the camera hinted at a promising future.
By 1989, David Moscow returned to TV with a pair of regular roles, though both series were short-lived. First came Live-In on CBS, a sitcom centered around a family hiring a glamorous Australian housekeeper — David Moscow played the youngest son, while his older brother, portrayed by Chris Young, became smitten with her. Not long after that show ended, David Moscow landed a co-starring role in Living Dolls, a spin-off of ABC’s hit Who’s the Boss? Set in the world of teenage models, the show cast David Moscow as the playful, mischievous son of the agency’s nurturing agent, played by Michael Learned. Once again, David Moscow proved he could hold his own in ensemble casts with humor and heart.
In 1992, David Moscow took on a featured role in Disney’s energetic musical Newsies, which followed the real-life newsboy strike of 1899. After that, his presence in Hollywood quieted down for a few years. But David Moscow wasn’t gone — he was simply biding his time. He reemerged in 1997 with two powerful performances: first as a drug dealer in Hurricane Streets, and then in the deeply emotional indie drama River Red. In the latter, David Moscow delivered a moving portrayal of a young man who sacrifices himself by taking the blame when his older brother — played by Tom Everett Scott — kills their abusive father. It was a mature, intense turn that showcased his dramatic depth.
The following year, 1998, saw David Moscow appear in Restaurant, a gritty yet insightful look at young creatives working in a Hoboken eatery. He played the childhood friend of Adrien Brody’s character, adding warmth and authenticity to the ensemble. Then, in 1999, David Moscow returned to television in a major way — this time on The WB’s Zoe, Duncan, Jack & Jane, a coming-of-age comedy set in New York City. As Duncan, the most down-to-earth and genuinely sweet member of the group, David Moscow found a new level of popularity. It was perhaps the closest he’d come since Big to reclaiming that early spotlight — and once again, David Moscow proved why he’s a name worth remembering.
So, when it comes to David Moscow’s film career, there are definitely some standout moments. If we’re talking about his highest rated movie, that would have to be Aliens, Clowns & Geeks from 2019—definitely a fan favorite and one that really showcased what David Moscow can do on screen. On the flip side, David Moscow also had a film that didn’t quite hit the same mark: Blind, released back in 2017, which ended up being his lowest rated project so far. Still, even with the ups and downs, David Moscow continues to be a compelling presence in indie cinema. It’s interesting to see how David Moscow approaches such diverse roles, and fans are always curious to see what David Moscow will take on next.