Ezra Jonah Bobo Bio
Ezra Jonah Bobo (born 1996 or 1997) is an American musician and former child actor known for his roles as Danny Budwing in Zathura: A Space Adventure (2005) and Robbie Weaver in Crazy, Stupid, Love (2011), and for voicing Austin the Kangaroo on Nickelodeon’s The Backyardigans from 2004 to 2013. Raised on Roosevelt Island, New York, in an Orthodox Jewish household, Bobo has pursued creative endeavors across film, television, and music throughout his career. His music career has flourished in recent years with the release of three albums: Newgrass Suite (2021), Rainbow LP (2023), and Charm School (2025).
Early Life and Background
Ezra Jonah Bobo was born in New York City, New York, in either 1996 or 1997. He grew up on Roosevelt Island, a narrow island in the East River between Manhattan and Queens, where he was raised in an Orthodox Jewish household. His father worked in software while his mother worked as a physical therapist and personal trainer.
His paternal great-grandmother was Salha “Mama” Bobo, a well-known Syrian-American businesswoman and philanthropist who made significant contributions to the community. This family background provided Bobo with a strong foundation as he developed his interests in performing arts and music during his childhood.
Path to Acting
Bobo’s introduction to performance began at a young age through community theater. He appeared in the production of Seussical, Jr. at the Main Street Theatre and Dance Alliance on Roosevelt Island, which helped spark his interest in acting. His first film role came in The Best Thief in the World, marking the beginning of his journey in the entertainment industry.
He subsequently co-starred in Around the Bend, portraying the youngest member of a four-generation family. This early work helped him develop his craft and gain valuable experience in front of the camera before landing more prominent roles in major Hollywood productions.
Ezra Jonah Bobo Career
Early Career (2004–2007)
Bobo’s breakthrough came when he was cast as Danny Budwing in Zathura: A Space Adventure (2005), a science fiction adventure film directed by Jon Favreau. The film, based on Chris Van Allsburg’s novel, featured Bobo alongside actors including Josh Hutcherson, Jonah Hill, and Dax Shepard. His performance as Danny Budwing showcased his ability to handle both comedic and dramatic scenes as a young actor.
During this period, he continued building his resume with roles in Strangers with Candy and Choke, where he portrayed young Victor Mancini. He also made a guest appearance on the television series 30 Rock as a paparazzo named Ethan, demonstrating his versatility across different formats and genres.
Breakthrough (2008–2012)
In 2011, Bobo appeared in Crazy, Stupid, Love, a romantic comedy starring Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, Julianne Moore, and Emma Stone. In the film, he portrayed Robbie Weaver, a role that connected him with a wider mainstream audience. The movie was a commercial success and helped establish him as a capable young actor in adult-oriented films.
His final film role came in 2012 with Disconnect, in which he played Ben, a lonely high school teenager dealing with themes of social isolation and digital communication. He also appeared on the television series Royal Pains during this period. Throughout his acting career, Bobo continued voicing Austin the Kangaroo on Nickelodeon’s The Backyardigans from 2004 to 2013, becoming a familiar voice for younger audiences.
Notable Works and Milestones
Bobo’s most significant acting contributions include Zathura: A Space Adventure, which demonstrated his ability to carry a major studio film at a young age, and Crazy, Stupid, Love, which positioned him alongside established Hollywood stars. His long-running role on The Backyardigans established him as a prominent voice actor in children’s programming. Beyond acting, his theatrical compositions earned distinctions from the Richard Rodgers Award Foundation and the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center, highlighting his talents as a songwriter and composer.
Ezra Jonah Bobo Music Career
Following his transition away from acting, Bobo dedicated himself to music and theatrical composition. His theatrical work received recognition and distinctions from prestigious organizations in the theater community. In September 2021, he released his debut album Newgrass Suite, marking his official entry into the music industry. His second album Rainbow followed in September 2023.
His third album Charm School was released on July 25, 2025, and is available across all major music streaming platforms. The progression of these three albums demonstrates his growth and development as a musician, with each release showcasing his evolving artistic vision and musical style.
Ezra Jonah Bobo Family
Ezra Jonah Bobo comes from a notable family background. His paternal great-grandmother was Salha “Mama” Bobo, a prominent Syrian-American businesswoman and philanthropist who contributed significantly to the community. His father worked in the technology industry as a software professional, while his mother pursued a career in healthcare as a physical therapist and personal trainer.
Personal Life
Bobo was raised in an Orthodox Jewish household on Roosevelt Island, New York, which influenced his upbringing and early values. The traditions and community of his faith played a formative role in his development during his childhood years. After concluding his acting career in 2012, Bobo transitioned to pursuing music composition and theatrical work, continuing to create across multiple artistic disciplines.