Nick Robinson Bio
Nicholas John Robinson (born March 22, 1995) is an American actor known for leading roles in film and television. Born in Seattle, Washington, he began acting as a child and gained recognition for his breakout role on the ABC Family series Melissa & Joey (2010–2015). He subsequently starred in Jurassic World (2015), The Kings of Summer (2013), The 5th Wave (2016), Everything, Everything (2017), and Love, Simon (2018), and has appeared in projects including A Teacher (2020) and Maid (2021). Renowned for his versatility, Robinson has transitioned from teen roles to more mature parts in drama, comedy, and genre films, earning critical praise and a devoted fan base. He studied at New York University and continues to pursue acting across film, television, and streaming platforms.
Early Life and Background
Nicholas John Robinson was born on March 22, 1995, in Seattle, Washington. He grew up with four younger siblings in the Pacific Northwest. Robinson attended Seattle Preparatory School during his early years. His passion for performing arts emerged at a young age, leading him to pursue acting opportunities in local theater productions around Seattle.
Robinson initially attended Seattle Preparatory School before leaving midway through his freshman year. He relocated to Los Angeles after landing a regular role in Melissa & Joey, which marked a significant turning point in his young life. He subsequently graduated from Campbell Hall School in 2013, balancing his educational requirements with the demands of his growing acting career.
After his success with Melissa & Joey, Robinson was accepted to New York University’s College of Arts and Sciences. He attended NYU during the summer months while working on additional seasons of the television series, demonstrating his commitment to both his education and professional development.
Path to Acting
Robinson made his professional acting debut at the age of eleven with a role in a stage adaptation of Charles Dickens’ novel A Christmas Carol. Following this early stage performance, he appeared in the production Mame. Talent scout Matt Casella recognized his potential and recommended him to several agencies, eventually leading to representation with the Los Angeles-based Savage Agency. Due to the 2007–2008 Writers Guild of America strike, Robinson’s family returned to Washington, where he continued performing on stage in and around Seattle.
Robinson’s talent for television became apparent when he booked the role of Ryder Scanlon on the ABC Family sitcom Melissa & Joey in 2010. Playing the nephew of Melissa Joan Hart’s character, Robinson portrayed the character from 2010 until the show’s cancellation in 2015. This role provided him with steady work and invaluable experience in front of the camera during his teenage years.
Nick Robinson Career
Early Career (2010–2014)
While on hiatus from Melissa & Joey in 2011, Robinson began filming the Disney Channel original movie Frenemies, in which he played Jake Logan. The film premiered in January 2012 on the Disney Channel, expanding his visibility to a younger audience.
In 2012, Robinson was cast in the lead role of Joe Toy in director Jordan Vogt-Roberts’ independent comedy film The Kings of Summer. The movie premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and received critical acclaim for its fresh take on teenage friendship. That same year, he guest-starred in an episode of HBO’s Boardwalk Empire and began appearing in a series of Cox Communications commercials.
Breakthrough (2015–2018)
In 2015, Robinson portrayed Zach Mitchell in Jurassic World, the blockbuster sequel to Steven Spielberg’s Jurassic Park franchise. The film became one of the highest-grossing releases of the year, significantly raising Robinson’s profile in Hollywood. He also played Ben Parish in The 5th Wave, a film adaptation of the popular young adult novel released in January 2016. These major studio productions kept him away from Melissa & Joey for multiple episodes, though he returned for the final three episodes of that series.
Robinson played the titular lead in the independent film Being Charlie, a semi-autobiographical feature about director Rob Reiner’s relationship with his son. The film premiered at the 2015 Toronto International Film Festival and was released theatrically in 2016, showcasing his ability to carry a film and handle dramatic material.
In 2017, Robinson starred in William H. Macy’s comedy-drama film Krystal and portrayed Olly in Everything, Everything, a film adaptation of the novel of the same name. That same year, he appeared in the film The Language of Body.
Notable Works and Milestones
In 2018, Robinson starred as the titular Simon Spier in Love, Simon, a gay coming-of-age teen drama film. The movie was considered groundbreaking as the first major studio film to focus on a gay teenage romance. Robinson’s performance garnered critical acclaim, with reviewers praising his nuanced portrayal of a young man navigating identity and first love. He revealed that after reading the script, he broke his own rule about no longer playing high schoolers because of the film’s cultural importance. That same year, Robinson was named in Forbes’ “30 Under 30” list in the Hollywood and Entertainment category, recognizing his impact on the industry at a young age.
Recent Work (2019–Present)
In 2019, Robinson co-starred in the third film adaptation of Richard Wright’s Native Son, continuing to seek roles that challenged him creatively. In 2020, he co-starred in the FX miniseries A Teacher, taking on a complex and provocative role that demonstrated his willingness to explore darker material. That same year, he narrated his responses for the character in Love, Victor, a Love, Simon spinoff series on Hulu, and appeared in two episodes of the show.
In 2021, Robinson starred in the Netflix miniseries Maid, opposite Margaret Qualley and Andie MacDowell. The limited series received critical acclaim and further established Robinson as a capable dramatic actor capable of carrying adult-oriented projects. His performance in the series showcased his growth from teenage roles to more nuanced adult characters.
Nick Robinson Awards Won
Nick Robinson has received recognition for his performances throughout his career. In 2018, he was named to Forbes’ “30 Under 30” list in the Hollywood and Entertainment category, acknowledging his contributions to the entertainment industry at a young age. While specific award wins are limited in the verified record, his performances in films like Love, Simon have earned him critical acclaim and nominations from various industry organizations.
Personal Life
Nicholas John Robinson maintains a relatively private personal life away from the spotlight. His professional journey from Seattle to Hollywood demonstrates his dedication to the craft of acting. Robinson continues to reside in Los Angeles while pursuing acting opportunities across film, television, and streaming platforms. His career trajectory shows a deliberate transition from teen-focused projects to more mature dramatic roles, positioning him as a versatile performer in contemporary American cinema.