Adam Paul Nielson Hicks Bio
Adam Paul Nielson Hicks (born November 28, 1992) is an American actor, musician and rapper from Las Vegas, Nevada. He began his entertainment career as a child in 1999, eventually landing his first leading role in the 2006 film How to Eat Fried Worms. Hicks gained wider recognition for his portrayal of Luther in the Disney XD series Zeke and Luther and as Wendell “Wen” Gifford in the Disney Channel movie Lemonade Mouth. Beyond acting, he has pursued a music career under the moniker A Plus and contributed to multiple soundtracks. As of 2025, Hicks continues to work in film and television, including his role in Stone Creek Killer.
Early Life and Background
Adam Paul Nielson Hicks was born on November 28, 1992, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Growing up in Las Vegas, Hicks developed an interest in performing at a young age. He began his acting career in 1999, appearing in various roles in television and film as a child actor. His early exposure to the entertainment industry laid the foundation for his eventual transition into leading roles in major productions.
Path to Acting
Hicks appeared in recurring roles in the television series Titus before securing his first leading role in the feature film How to Eat Fried Worms in 2006. He subsequently appeared in Mostly Ghostly alongside other Disney Channel stars, building his resume with diverse roles in both film and television. These early experiences provided him with the training and visibility that would lead to more prominent opportunities in the industry.
Adam Paul Nielson Hicks Career
Early Career (1999–2008)
Adam Hicks began his professional acting career in 1999 with appearances in various television shows and films. His role in the sitcom Titus gave him valuable experience working in a primetime television environment. Before his breakthrough, Hicks accumulated credits in multiple movies and television series, developing his craft and establishing connections within the industry that would prove beneficial for his future career.
Breakthrough (2009–2015)
In 2009, Hicks landed the co-lead role of Luther in the Disney XD series Zeke and Luther. The show became a significant hit and ran for multiple seasons, propelling Hicks into wider recognition. During this period, he also appeared in a recurring role as DZ in the second season of Jonas, another Disney Channel production. In April 2011, Hicks starred as Wendell “Wen” Gifford in Lemonade Mouth, a Disney Channel Original Movie that became one of the network’s most successful musical films.
Following his success on Disney XD, Hicks transitioned to the series Pair of Kings, playing King Boz and replacing Mitchel Musso’s character King Brady. He continued to build his filmography with a role as Jason Zimmer in the 2015 thriller The Boy Next Door, demonstrating his ability to work across different genres beyond family-friendly programming.
Notable Works and Milestones
Adam Hicks has built a diverse portfolio of work spanning television, film, and music. His signature roles include Luther in Zeke and Luther, Wen in Lemonade Mouth, and Boz in Pair of Kings. The success of these projects established him as a recognizable figure in family entertainment programming during the late 2000s and early 2010s.
Return to Acting (2025)
Hicks returned to acting in 2025 with the film Stone Creek Killer, playing the character Adam Stone. This project marked his continued commitment to acting following a period away from the industry and demonstrates his ongoing dedication to his craft.
Adam Paul Nielson Hicks Music Career
In addition to his acting career, Adam Hicks has maintained an active presence in the music industry under the moniker A Plus. In 2009, he recorded a remake of the MC Hammer classic “U Can’t Touch This” with fellow Zeke and Luther co-star Daniel Curtis Lee, with the music video premiering on Disney XD. He has continued to write and record original music, releasing singles such as “Chosen One” in October 2022, “Famous,” “Nothing To Prove,” “I Don’t Need’Em,” and “Feelin’ Like This.”
Hicks has contributed significantly to soundtracks throughout his career. He co-wrote the tracks “Determinate,” “Breakthrough,” and “Livin’ On a High Wire” for Lemonade Mouth. In 2011, he released “Dance For Life” with Drew Seeley for the Disney Channel series Shake It Up. He also recorded a song for the book Lemonade Mouth Puckers Up titled “Don’t Stop The Revolution” and performed the theme song for the Disney XD show Mighty Med.
Adam Paul Nielson Hicks Legal Issues
On January 25, 2018, Adam Hicks was arrested in Burbank, California, along with his reported girlfriend, actress Danni Tamburro, on suspicion of armed robbery. He underwent a mental health evaluation to determine his competency to stand trial. His arraignment, originally scheduled for March 23, 2019, was postponed when his attorney indicated he was unable to assist in his defense. Hicks was sent for further medical examination before proceedings continued.
On July 10, 2019, Hicks pleaded not guilty to one count of second-degree robbery and one count of attempted second-degree robbery. He pleaded no contest to another count of robbery, while the first two charges were dismissed. In July 2021, Hicks was found guilty of robbery and sentenced to five years in state prison, while Tamburro received three years of probation. He was released in March 2022 on parole after receiving credit for 1,460 days served while awaiting sentencing.
Personal Life
As of December 2023, Adam Hicks has become an advocate for men’s mental health and substance abuse recovery. He has publicly apologized for past mistakes and has focused his attention on supporting others facing similar challenges. He continues to work on new music and acting projects while maintaining his commitment to personal growth and community engagement.
Adam Paul Nielson Hicks Upcoming Projects
Adam Hicks appeared in Stone Creek Killer in 2025, marking his return to feature filmmaking. He continues to pursue opportunities in both acting and music, remaining active in the entertainment industry across multiple disciplines.