Leo Howard, born in Newport Beach, California, has always had a deep passion for martial arts—something that became clear from a very young age. Leo began his training at just four years old, and by the time he was eight, he had already earned multiple world championships. At nine, Leo joined Sidewipe, a dynamic martial arts performance team, touring and showcasing his skills. His first appearance on screen was a small but memorable role in an episode of “Monk” (USA, 2002–09), and that moment opened doors quickly for Leo. In 2009, Leo took on the role of Young Snake-Eyes in “G.I. Joe: Rise of the Cobra,” which helped boost his visibility. Around the same time, Leo premiered as the lead in “Leo Little’s Big Show” (Disney Channel, 2009–2010), a short-form series where Leo chatted about Disney shows and characters alongside a girl portraying his little sister—giving fans an early glimpse into his charm and personality.
As Leo continued to grow as a performer, he appeared in supporting roles on popular Disney Channel series like “Zeke and Luther” (2009–2012) and “Shake It Up” (2010–13). But it was his starring role in “Kickin’ It” (Disney Channel, 2011–15) that truly put Leo in the spotlight. The show played perfectly to Leo’s strengths, blending his impressive martial arts background with his natural acting ability. In the series, Leo portrayed the new kid in town who helps revitalize a struggling dojo, earning both critical praise and a loyal fanbase. After “Kickin’ It” wrapped up, Leo didn’t slow down. He transitioned smoothly into more mature roles, landing a series regular spot in “Freakish” (Hulu, 2016–), his first major project outside of Disney. The show followed a group of high school students banding together to survive after a chemical plant disaster, marking an exciting new chapter in Leo’s evolving career. Through every step, Leo Howard has proven himself to be not just a talented martial artist, but a versatile and determined actor ready for whatever comes next.
When it comes to Leo Howard’s career highlights, one standout moment definitely comes from his role in Shorts (2009), which remains his highest-rated film to date. The movie was well-received by both audiences and critics, showcasing Leo Howard’s early talent in a fun and imaginative setting. Over the years, fans have continued to praise his performance, making it a fan favorite. On the other end of the spectrum, Leo Howard appeared in Andròn: The Black Labyrinth (2015), a project that unfortunately didn’t resonate as strongly with viewers or reviewers. As a result, it stands as Leo Howard’s lowest rated film so far. While every actor has ups and downs, Leo Howard’s body of work still reflects a promising trajectory, with Shorts shining as a clear highlight in his filmography.