Adam Hicks
A Disney Channel star who brought a scrappy, musical energy to a generation before his life was cut short by legal troubles.
Born 1992 (age 34)·American actor·Birthday: November 28·Millennials
Biography
Adam Hicks entered the spotlight as a kid, his breakout arriving with the lead role in the family film 'How to Eat Fried Worms.' He quickly became a familiar face on Disney XD, embodying the goofy, aspirational spirit of the channel as Luther in 'Zeke and Luther' and the bassist Wen in the musical TV movie 'Lemonade Mouth.' His career trajectory, marked by a natural charisma and a sideline in rapping, seemed set for steady growth. However, in his early twenties, a dramatic turn saw him plead guilty to armed robbery charges, leading to prison time and a stark, premature end to his time in the entertainment industry. His story serves as a complex footnote in the narrative of child stars, a tale of early promise derailed.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Adam was born in 1992, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Adam Was Born
The biggest hits of 1992
#1 Movie
Aladdin
Best Picture
Unforgiven
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Adam's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1992Born
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
1997Started school
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
2005Became a teenager
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Could drive
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2010Could vote
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2013Turned 21
Edward Snowden reveals NSA surveillance programs
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $152,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Thrift Shop" — Macklemore & Ryan LewisBest Picture: 12 Years a Slave
2022Turned 30
Russia invades Ukraine; Queen Elizabeth II dies
Gas: $3.97/galHome: $348,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"As It Was" — Harry StylesBest Picture: Everything Everywhere All at Once
2026Age 34 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Starred as the lead in the 2006 family film adaptation 'How to Eat Fried Worms.'
- Played a series regular role as Luther on the Disney XD series 'Zeke and Luther' for three seasons.
- Portrayed bassist Wendell 'Wen' Gifford in the popular Disney Channel Original Movie 'Lemonade Mouth.'
- Released original music, including the 2012 rap album 'No Plan B.'
Did You Know?
He was a talented drummer and often incorporated music into his acting roles.
Hicks was adopted as an infant and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada.
He voiced the character Tank in the animated series 'The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes.'
In 2018, he was sentenced to six years in prison for armed robbery; he was released in 2021.
“I started with worms and skateboards, just trying to make kids laugh.”
