He’s best known for his powerful performance in the film Rabbit Hole, where his emotional depth truly stood out. Of course, many also recognize him for starring alongside JK Simmons in the intense 2014 drama Whiplash—a role that further solidified his place in Hollywood. His standout portrayal in The Spectacular Now actually earned him a well-deserved Dramatic Special Jury Award at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival, marking a major milestone early in his career. In 2020, he joined the cast of Top Gun: Maverick, sharing the screen with none other than Tom Cruise—an exciting chapter that brought him even more attention.
Before all the fame and red carpet moments, he was just focused on building his craft. He earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the prestigious Tisch School of the Arts at New York University, which laid the foundation for his acting journey. Growing up, life wasn’t always settled—his parents, Merry and Mike, moved around quite a bit. His dad worked as a nuclear plant engineer, providing stability while the family adapted to new places. On the personal side, he began dating Keleigh Sperry back in 2013, and after several years together, the couple tied the knot in 2019. It’s been a steady climb for him—from indie film darling to blockbuster star—and fans continue to follow his journey with genuine interest.
He first gained attention with a standout role in the stage version of Footloose, and that performance ended up being a major turning point—yes, it actually led to him landing a part in the film remake. From there, his career really started to take off. He was later cast as Peter in the Divergent film series, showcasing his range in a dystopian thriller setting. Then, in 2015, he stepped into the role of Reed Richards in the big-budget superhero movie Fantastic Four, further solidifying his presence in major Hollywood productions. He’s definitely made a name for himself through these roles, and each project seems to build on the last.