Nat Wolff
Nat Wolff is an American actor, musician, and singer-songwriter who found fame early alongside his brother. From composing chart-topping songs as a child to starring in critically acclaimed films, his career has been a captivating blend of family collaboration and individual artistic exploration. Dive into the unique journey of a talent who grew up in the spotlight, constantly reinventing himself. Nat Wolff's early career was significantly shaped by his creative family, who fostered his talents and supported his unique path. He achieved remarkable musical success as a child, composing songs that charted nationally, an unusual feat for someone his age. Wolff successfully transitioned from a child star known for comedy into a versatile actor taking on complex roles in independent and mainstream films.
AI Summary
Nat Wolff is an American actor, musician, and singer-songwriter who found fame early alongside his brother. From composing chart-topping songs as a child to starring in critically acclaimed films, his career has been a captivating blend of family collaboration and individual artistic exploration. Dive into the unique journey of a talent who grew up in the spotlight, constantly reinventing himself.
- Nat Wolff's early career was significantly shaped by his creative family, who fostered his talents and supported his unique path.
- He achieved remarkable musical success as a child, composing songs that charted nationally, an unusual feat for someone his age.
- Wolff successfully transitioned from a child star known for comedy into a versatile actor taking on complex roles in independent and mainstream films.
A Childhood Steeped in Creativity
Nathaniel Marvin Wolff, born on December 17, 1994, emerged into a family steeped in the arts. His mother, Polly Draper, is an accomplished actress and writer, while his father, Michael Wolff, is a renowned jazz musician. This dynamic duo would prove pivotal in shaping young Nat's early career and igniting his passion.
The Birth of the Naked Brothers Band
The inspiration for Nat's breakout project came from an unexpected, adorable source. As toddlers, he and his younger brother Alex, after a bath-time escapade, declared themselves 'the naked brothers band.' This playful, imaginative moment would later spark the concept for a hit Nickelodeon series.
Indeed, Nat displayed prodigious musical talent from an incredibly young age. He taught himself to play major and minor chords on the piano at just four, explaining, 'Dad, they're right here.' His early passion for The Beatles quickly translated into a drive to write his own songs, even forming a band called The Silver Boulders during preschool.
Wolff's talents weren't just for entertainment; they also fueled an early sense of civic responsibility. After the devastating September 11th attacks, a seven-year-old Nat organized a benefit concert for New York City firefighters. His original song, 'Firefighters,' helped raise over $46,000 for the families of Squad 18.
At eight, Nat's ambition was clear, marked by a sign on his bedroom door: 'I want to be a child actor!' His mother, ever supportive, indulged this dream by filming a home movie called 'Don't Eat Off My Plate.' This charming, homemade project became the blueprint for what would soon be a major motion picture.
From Indie Film to Nickelodeon Stardom
That home movie evolved into 'The Naked Brothers Band: The Movie,' written and directed by his mother. It screened at the Hamptons International Film Festival in 2005, where it caught the eye of a Nickelodeon executive. This led to the movie being picked up as the pilot for a television series of the same name, catapulting Nat and Alex into national fame.
The Nickelodeon series, which ran from 2007 to 2009, featured Nat as the lead singer and songwriter, with his brother Alex on drums. Their father co-starred and oversaw the music production, resulting in two soundtrack albums that both hit the Billboard 200 chart. Nat, at just nine, became one of the youngest composers ever to have a song, 'Crazy Car,' chart on the Billboard Hot 100.
Despite the show's massive success, Nat's parents made a difficult but thoughtful decision. When Nickelodeon proposed a fourth season that would interfere with their school year, they opted to end the series. Their priority was always their children's education and normal development, carefully managing the demands of early stardom.
Even President Barack Obama recognized Nat's talent, personally calling to thank him for a song he wrote at 13. Nat's 'Yes We Can' — a tribute to Obama's presidential campaign — was featured on the show and caught the attention of the future president and his daughters.
Beyond the Band: A Multifaceted Career
After the Nickelodeon chapter closed, Nat seamlessly transitioned into a diverse career, proving his versatility beyond his child star image. He began performing off-Broadway in plays written by his mother, honing his acting skills in a more intimate setting, while also exploring improv comedy in Manhattan.
The Nat & Alex Wolff Duo
The musical journey with his brother continued under the name 'Nat & Alex Wolff.' They released several albums, including 'Black Sheep' (2011), 'Public Places' (2016), and 'Table for Two' (2023). Their sound evolved, reflecting their growth as artists and individuals.
A Rising Film Star
Nat quickly made a name for himself in the film world, securing memorable roles that showcased his dramatic range. His performance as Isaac in 'The Fault in Our Stars' (2014) garnered critical praise and two Teen Choice Awards, while his lead role as Quentin 'Q' Jacobsen in 'Paper Towns' (2015) solidified his status as a leading man.
He continued to build an impressive filmography, appearing in a wide array of genres. From indie darlings like 'Palo Alto' (2013) and 'Ashby' (2015) to larger productions like the Netflix adaptation of 'Death Note' (2017) and the miniseries 'The Stand' (2020-21), Wolff proved his ability to embody complex characters.
His stage work also continued, with notable performances in the revival of Sam Shepard's 'Buried Child' (2016) off-Broadway, demonstrating his commitment to the craft of acting across different mediums. He's also been seen in recent TV projects like 'The Consultant' (2023) and 'Joe vs. Carole' (2022).
In a testament to his enduring musical appeal, Nat and Alex Wolff embarked on a tour in 2024 as the opening act for Grammy Award-winning sensation Billie Eilish across the United States. This exciting collaboration highlights their continued relevance and talent in the contemporary music scene.
A Deep-Rooted Legacy and Personal Journey
Nat Wolff's impressive lineage extends far beyond his immediate artistic parents. He hails from a distinguished family, with his uncle being venture capitalist Tim Draper, and his maternal grandfather, William Henry Draper III, a prominent venture capitalist and civic leader. This blend of creativity and entrepreneurial spirit seems to run deep in his DNA.
Wolff has also openly shared his personal journey, revealing that he inherited Tourette's syndrome from his father. This candidness offers a deeper glimpse into the man behind the performances, adding another layer to his inspiring story of navigating life and a demanding career with resilience.
Accolades and Recognition
Throughout his career, Nat Wolff has garnered significant recognition for both his musical compositions and acting prowess. Early on, 'The Naked Brothers Band' film earned an Audience Award, and he later received a Broadcast Music, Inc. Cable Award for his music. His transition to film brought him two Teen Choice Awards for 'The Fault in Our Stars' and a 'Rising Star' honor at CinemaCon, celebrating his undeniable impact and promise in Hollywood.
Article
Nat Wolff
Nathaniel Marvin "Nat" Wolff (born December 17, 1994) is an American actor, musician, and singer-songwriter. He initially gained recognition for composing the music for The Naked Brothers Band (2007–2009), a Nickelodeon television series he starred in with his younger brother, Alex, that was created by his actress mother, Polly Draper. Wolff's jazz musician father, Michael Wolff, co-produced the series' soundtrack albums The Naked Brothers Band (2007) and I Don't Want to Go to School (2008), both of which placed the 23rd spot on the Billboard 200 charts.
After the Nickelodeon series concluded, he and his brother formed the music duo Nat & Alex Wolff and they released the albums Black Sheep (2011), Public Places (2016), and Table for Two (2023). Wolff later became known for his lead role in the film Paper Towns (2015) and starring in other movies, such as Admission (2013), Behaving Badly (2013), Palo Alto (2013), The Fault in Our Stars (2014), Ashby (2015), Home Again (2017), the Netflix adaptation of Death Note (2017), Stella's Last Weekend (2018), Rosy (2018), and Mortal (2020).
Early life
Nat Wolff
Wolff was born on December 17, 1994, in Los Angeles, California, to jazz musician Michael Wolff and actress Polly Draper. He is the older brother of actor and musician Alex Wolff. His uncle is venture capitalist Tim Draper, and he is a cousin to TV personality and venture capitalist Jesse Draper. He is also a maternal grandson of venture capitalist and civic leader William Henry Draper III, and a great-grandson to banker and diplomat William Henry Draper, Jr. His father is Jewish, while his mother is from a Christian background, and Wolff was raised "culturally Jewish."
Wolff has Tourette's syndrome that he inherited from his father.
When he and his younger brother were toddlers, they climbed out of the bathtub and referred to themselves as "the naked brothers band", which inspired the name of the Nickelodeon TV series.
Wolff taught himself to play major and minor chords on the piano at the age of 4. As his father recalls, "I asked him, 'How did you learn them?' He said, 'Dad, they're right here.' I said, 'What are those chords?' He said, 'These are my proud chords.'" Around this age, his passion for The Beatles emboldened him to start writing his own songs. Throughout the years he attended preschool, he, alongside his best friends, constructed a band called The Silver Boulders.
In the wake of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, he held his seventh birthday party outside his apartment, where he and his band performed a song he composed called "Firefighters". The benefit concert was a success; it garnered over $46,000 and was donated to the families of New York City Fire Department's Squad 18.
As an 8 year old, Wolff placed a sign on his bedroom door stating: "I want to be a child actor!" In response, his mother appeased him by suggesting they film a home movie titled Don't Eat Off My Plate, which later served as the basis for The Naked Brothers Band: The Movie.
Despite the success of the subsequent Nickelodeon series over the course of three seasons, the network proposed to shoot a 30 TV movie fourth season during the school year, leading his parents to cancel the series in 2009. From the beginning, they were hesitant to expose him and his brother to stardom at a young age and later agreed to the series spin-off on the provision that filming would take place only during the summer and early fall, allowing him and his brother to proceed with their enrollment at private school in New York City.
In 2008, Wolff, then aged 13, wrote a song called "Yes We Can" that was featured in the Nickelodeon TV series, as a tribute to Barack Obama's presidential campaign. The song was overheard by Obama and his two daughters, who endorsed it and called him to express their gratitude.
Career
Nat Wolff
Wolff at the 2011 Toronto International Film Festival
During his childhood, Wolff began his acting career off-Broadway with a minor role in his mother's play Getting into Heaven (2003) and in Heartbeat to Baghdad (2004), both staged at The Flea Theater in Manhattan, New York. At this time, he frequently performed at the Improv Comedy Club, also located in Manhattan.
He later gained recognition, at the age of 9, for starring in and contributing lead vocals, lyrics, and instrumentation for The Naked Brothers Band film that was written and directed by his mother and screened at the Hamptons International Film Festival in 2005.
However, Wolff did not first rise to prominence until he was 12 years old after the film was bought by a former Nickelodeon executive at the festival as the pilot for the Nickelodeon television series of the same name (2007–09). The series was also created, showran, written, and directed by his mother, while his brother was featured in the ensemble cast and played the drums. His father co-starred, as well as produced and supervised the music. It released two soundtrack albums that were charted on the Billboard 200, with the single "Crazy Car" ranking #83 on the Billboard Hot 100. Wolff, who was 9 when he recorded the song under the guidance of his father in the studio, is believed to be the youngest person to compose a song featured on the Billboard charts.
His TV movie credits include a cameo in Mr. Troop Mom (2009), as well as starring alongside his brother in Stella's Last Weekend (2018), which was written and directed by his mother, who also co-starred. He appeared in the Netflix film based on the manga of the same name Death Note (2017), and was cast in several theatrical movies, such as New Year's Eve (2011), Peace, Love & Misunderstanding (2011), Admission (2013), Palo Alto (2013), Behaving Badly (2014), The Fault in Our Stars (2015), Paper Towns (2015), Home Again (2017), Rosy (2018), Good Posture (2019), and Mortal (2020).
Wolff's other off-Broadway performances comprise roles in his brother's play What Would Woody Do? (2010) at The Flea Theater, and in the revival of Sam Shepard's play Buried Child (2016).
As of 2024, he and his brother have been touring with Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter and musician Billie Eilish as the opening act for her concerts across the United States.
Filmography
Film
<table><thead><tr><th>Year</th><th>Title</th><th>Role</th><th>Notes</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>2005</td><td>The Naked Brothers Band: The Movie</td><td>Nat Wolff / Himself</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2011</td><td>New Year's Eve</td><td>Walter</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Special Things To Do</td><td>Cliff Finley</td><td>Short film</td></tr><tr><td>Peace, Love & Misunderstanding</td><td>Jake Hudson</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2012</td><td>Stuck in Love</td><td>Rusty Borgens</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2013</td><td>Admission</td><td>Jeremiah Balakian</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>The Last Keepers</td><td>Simon</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Palo Alto</td><td>Fred</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2014</td><td>The Fault in Our Stars</td><td>Isaac</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Behaving Badly</td><td>Rick Stevens</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2015</td><td>Grandma</td><td>Cam</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Ashby</td><td>Ed Wallis</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Paper Towns</td><td>Quentin "Q" Jacobsen</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>The Intern</td><td>Justin</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2016</td><td>In Dubious Battle</td><td>Jim Nolan</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2017</td><td>Leap!</td><td>Victor</td><td>Voice role</td></tr><tr><td>Death Note</td><td>Light Turner</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Home Again</td><td>Teddy Dorsey</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2018</td><td>Rosy</td><td>Doug</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Stella's Last Weekend</td><td>Jack</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2019</td><td>The Kill Team</td><td>Andrew Briggman</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Good Posture</td><td>Jon</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Semper Fi</td><td>Oyster</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2020</td><td>Mortal</td><td>Eric</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Body Cam</td><td>Danny</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Mainstream</td><td>Jake</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2021</td><td>The Great Gatsby Live Read!</td><td>Jay Gatsby</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2022</td><td>Murder at Yellowstone City</td><td>Young Jim Ambrose</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2023</td><td>Justice League x RWBY: Super Heroes & Huntsmen, Part One</td><td>Batman / Bruce Wayne</td><td>Voice role</td></tr><tr><td>2024</td><td>Which Brings Me to You</td><td>Will</td><td>Also producer</td></tr><tr><td>Pavements</td><td>Scott Kannberg</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2025</td><td>Play Dirty</td><td>Kincaid</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>TBA</td><td>She Gets It From Me</td><td></td><td>Filming</td></tr></tbody></table>
Television
<table><thead><tr><th>Year</th><th>Title</th><th>Role</th><th>Notes</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>2007–2009</td><td>The Naked Brothers Band</td><td>Nat Wolff / Himself</td><td>Main cast; 42 episodes</td></tr><tr><td>2009</td><td>Mr. Troop Mom</td><td>Nat Wolff / Himself</td><td>Television film</td></tr><tr><td>2017</td><td>Room 104</td><td>Elder Joseph</td><td>Episode: "The Missionaries"</td></tr><tr><td>2020–21</td><td>The Stand</td><td>Lloyd Henreid</td><td>Television miniseries; main cast</td></tr><tr><td>2022</td><td>Joe vs. Carole</td><td>Travis Maldonado</td><td>Limited series</td></tr><tr><td>2023</td><td>The Consultant</td><td>Craig</td><td>Main cast; 8 episodes</td></tr></tbody></table>
Music videos
<table><thead><tr><th>Year</th><th>Song</th><th>Artist</th><th>Role</th><th>Notes</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>2019</td><td>"Graduation"</td><td>Benny Blanco, Juice Wrld</td><td>Jasper</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2024</td><td>"Chihiro"</td><td>Billie Eilish</td><td>Love-interest</td><td></td></tr></tbody></table>
Stage
Nat Wolff
<table><thead><tr><th>Year</th><th>Title</th><th>Role</th><th>Venue</th><th>Notes</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>2016</td><td>Buried Child</td><td>Vince</td><td>The New Group</td><td>Off-Broadway</td></tr><tr><td>2023</td><td>The Seagull/Woodstock, NY</td><td>Kevin</td></tr></tbody></table>
Albums
Nat Wolff
Soundtrack albums as part of the TV series The Naked Brothers Band
• 2007: The Naked Brothers Band: Music from the Movie • 2007: The Naked Brothers Band • 2008: I Don't Want to Go to School • 2013: Throwbacks
Studio albums as duo Nat & Alex Wolff
• 2011: Black Sheep • 2016: Public Places • 2023: Table for Two
• 2014: Cities + It's Just Love • 2014: Last Station + Rules • 2014: Where I'm Goin' + Rock Star • 2019: Cool Kids + Note
Awards and nominations
Nat Wolff
<table><thead><tr><th>Year</th><th>Association</th><th>Category</th><th>Work</th><th>Result</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>2005</td><td>Hamptons International Film Festival</td><td>Audience Award – Family Feature Film</td><td>The Naked Brothers Band: The Movie</td><td>Won</td></tr><tr><td>2007</td><td>BMI Awards</td><td>Cable Award</td><td>The Naked Brothers Band</td><td>Won</td></tr><tr><td>2008</td><td>Young Artist Awards</td><td>Best Young Ensemble Performance in a TV Series</td><td>Nominated</td></tr><tr><td>2009</td><td>Best Performance in a TV Series (Comedy or Drama) – Leading Young Actor</td><td>Nominated</td></tr><tr><td>Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards</td><td>Favorite Television Actor</td><td>Nominated</td></tr><tr><td>2010</td><td>Young Artist Awards</td><td>Best Performance in a TV Series (Comedy or Drama) – Leading Young Actor</td><td>Nominated</td></tr><tr><td>2014</td><td>Young Hollywood Awards</td><td>Breakthrough Actor</td><td>Himself</td><td>Nominated</td></tr><tr><td>Teen Choice Awards</td><td>Choice Movie: Scene Stealer</td><td>The Fault in Our Stars</td><td>Won</td></tr><tr><td>Choice Movie: Chemistry (with Ansel Elgort and Shailene Woodley)</td><td>Won</td></tr><tr><td>2015</td><td>Choice Summer Movie Star: Male</td><td>Paper Towns</td><td>Nominated</td></tr><tr><td>CinemaCon Awards</td><td>Rising Star</td><td>Himself</td><td>Won</td></tr></tbody></table>
The Naked Brothers Band film and TV series earned Wolff two awards and many other nominations. In 2005, The Naked Brothers Band: The Movie obtained him an Audience Award for a Family Feature Film. He received a Broadcast Music, Inc. Cable Award for composing the series' music in 2007. In 2008, Wolff was given a Young Artist Award nomination for Best Young Ensemble Performance in a TV Series. Wolff took another Young Artist Award nomination for Best Performance in a TV Series (Comedy or Drama) - Leading Young Actor and one Kids' Choice Award nomination for Best TV Actor in 2009. In 2010, he was also given a Young Artist Award nomination for Best Performance in a TV Series (Comedy or Drama) – Leading Young Actor.
In 2014, Wolff won two Teen Choice Awards in the categories of Choice Movie: Scene Stealer and Choice Movie: Chemistry for The Fault in Our Stars. That following year in 2015, he was honored with a CinemaCon Award for a Rising Star.