Lucas Hedges bio, age, height, filmography, partner, career path 2025

Lucas Hedges Biography

Lucas Hedges burst onto the film scene as an actor, quickly earning his place among Hollywood's most respected performers. His incredible talent, chameleon-like ability to disappear into any role, and relentless work ethic have captivated audiences worldwide. In 2018, he delivered a powerhouse performance as a young man forced into conversion therapy in "Boy Erased," earning widespread critical acclaim. That same year, he appeared in the drama "Ben Is Back" and Jonah Hill's "Mid90s".

Early Life

Lucas Hedges was born on December 12, 1996, in New York. He is the younger son of actress and writer Susan Bruce and director/screenwriter Peter Hedges, known for his debut film "What's Eating Gilbert Grape" and his Oscar-nominated screenplay for "About a Boy".

Lucas Hedges with his parents and elder bother (2003)

Lucas was always drawn to movies and, while his older brother went into finance, he knew from an early age that acting was his calling. After attending private art school, Lucas went on to study art history at the North Carolina Institute, graduating in 2017.

Early Steps

Like many kids of famous filmmakers, Lucas got his start in movies early. He was just ten years old when he landed his first role in the romantic comedy "Dan in Real Life," directed by his father. In the film, young Hedges played the dance partner of one of the daughters of Dan, a widower played by Steve Carell.

Lucas made his film debut at a young age

During his education, Lucas appeared in several films, the most notable being "Moonrise Kingdom", "The Zero Theorem", and "Kill the Messenger". While his roles were supporting parts in these films, he got the chance to work with acclaimed actors like Bill Murray, David Thewlis, Edward Norton, and Ray Liotta.

Lucas Hedges in the movie 'The Zero Theorem'

In 2015, the nineteen-year-old actor landed a major role in NBC's social miniseries "The Slap." Lucas played Richie, a gay man trapped in a cruel blackmail scheme and forced to live a lie. The series also featured Peter Sarsgaard, Zachary Quinto, and Uma Thurman. With its unflinching look at social issues and the dark side of everyday people, the show was a hit and gave Lucas his first taste of real fame.

Career Rise

The film "Manchester by the Sea," one of 2016's finest films and considered the year's most emotionally devastating by top critics, established young Lucas Hedges as a powerhouse dramatic talent. Paired with Casey Affleck, Hedges delivered a stellar performance, earning widespread critical praise.

Manchester by the Sea - Patrick's Breakdown

Lucas played Patrick, nephew to Casey Affleck's Lee, a bitter alcoholic. The film also starred Michelle Williams, with a notable appearance by Anna Baryshnikov, daughter of the legendary dancer. For his role as Patrick, Hedges received an Oscar nomination, the Critics' Choice Award, and an accolade from the National Board of Review.

In the 2017 dramedy "Lady Bird," Hedges co-starred with Saoirse Ronan, and the film also featured Timothée Chalamet and Odeya Rush. Greta Gerwig's exploration of the parent-child dynamic didn't sweep major awards but struck a chord with viewers.

In 2017's US-UK co-production, "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri," which won numerous awards, Lucas joined a stellar cast including Sam Rockwell, Woody Harrelson, Peter Dinklage, and Frances McDormand.

Scene from Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

In 2018, Lucas starred in his father's film "Ben Is Back" alongside Julia Roberts. His raw portrayal of an addict, playing against Roberts' hopeful yet heartbroken mother, won over even the toughest critics.

The premiere of the drama "Boy Erased" in the fall of 2018 showcased Hedges' versatile talent, where he played a young gay man, Jared, forced into conversion therapy by his family. The film, based on the memoirs of Garrard Conley, explored the devastating effects of conversion therapy during an era when being LGBTQ+ was wrongly viewed as a disorder. The film received nominations for both the Oscars and the Golden Globe, including a nod for Hedges' leading role.

Lucas Hedges Interview Boy Erased

Later in 2018, Lucas dove into filming the drama "Honey Boy," co-starring with Shia LaBeouf, who wrote the script based on his memories of his relationship with his father. Lucas portrayed the young version of the protagonist, while LaBeouf played his own father. The film also featured Natasha Lyonne, Noah Jupe, and Byron Bowers.

In 2019, he worked on the independent drama "Waves," where Lucas starred alongside Sterling K. Brown, Alexa Demie, and Taylor Russell. That same year, he appeared in "Mid90s," playing the older brother of the main character. In 2021, Lucas took on a leading role in an episode of the anthology series "The Premise" titled "The Ballad of Jesse Wheeler."

Lucas Hedges' Personal Life

In early 2019, the actor opened up about not identifying as strictly heterosexual. While some publications labeled this a coming-out moment, Lucas clarified on Twitter that he's still on a journey of self-discovery and hasn't defined his orientation yet.

In June 2021, Lucas was spotted walking hand in hand with "13 Reasons Why" actor Tommy Dorfman.

Lucas Hedges Now

In 2023, Lucas Hedges filmed "Shirley," a biographical drama about Shirley Chisholm (played by Regina King), the first African-American congresswoman and first Black woman to run for president in the US. Additionally, he made his West End debut in a stage adaptation of "Brokeback Mountain," co-starring with Mike Faist.

Lucas Hedges in 'Brokeback Mountain' play