Colin Ford
A versatile actor who transitioned seamlessly from beloved child star to compelling young adult roles in film and television.
Born 1996 (age 30)·American actor·Birthday: September 12·Millennials
Biography
Colin Ford has spent more of his life on camera than off it, evolving from a precocious child actor into a steady leading man. Born in Nashville, Tennessee, he began modeling and acting in commercials as a toddler, landing his first major film role at age six. His early career was defined by a relatable every-kid quality, voicing the title role in Disney's 'Jake and the Never Land Pirates' and playing the young version of Jared Padalecki's Sam Winchester on 'Supernatural,' a role he returned to for over a decade. He avoided the pitfalls of child stardom by carefully selecting projects that challenged him, from the family drama 'We Bought a Zoo' to the sci-fi thriller 'Under the Dome,' where he played a central role for three seasons. As an adult, he has embraced more mature and varied characters, including a lead role in the Netflix post-apocalyptic series 'Daybreak,' proving his ability to anchor a project with a mix of charisma and depth.
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.
Colin was born in 1996, 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 Colin Was Born
The biggest hits of 1996
#1 Movie
Independence Day
Best Picture
The English Patient
#1 TV Show
ER
Colin's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1996Born
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
2001Started school
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2009Became a teenager
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2012Could drive
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2014Could vote
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
2017Turned 21
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Turned 30
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won a Young Artist Award for his voice role as Mikey in the Disney series 'Can You Teach My Alligator Manners?'
- Portrayed young Sam Winchester across multiple seasons of the long-running series 'Supernatural,' creating a foundational backstory for the character.
- Starred as Joe McAlister, a central character in the first three seasons of the CBS drama 'Under the Dome.'
- Landed the lead role of Josh Wheeler in the Netflix series 'Daybreak.'
Did You Know?
He is an accomplished musician who plays guitar and writes his own songs.
He directed and starred in a short film titled 'Home Invasion' while still a teenager.
He is an avid fan of the Nashville Predators hockey team.
He provided the voice for the character of Nod in the animated film 'The Ant Bully.'
“I've been on set since I was two; it's my normal, not a novelty.”
