David Krumholtz
A character actor of remarkable range, moving from teen comedies to a crime-solving genius and finally to a poignant turn in a cinematic epic.
Born 1978 (age 48)·American actor·Birthday: May 15·Generation X
Biography
David Krumholtz broke through as a child actor, bringing a sardonic wit to the elf Bernard in 'The Santa Clause.' He quickly proved he was no one-note performer, stealing scenes as the sarcastic best friend in '10 Things I Hate About You' and the hedonistic stoner in 'Harold & Kumar.' His most defining role came as Charlie Eppes, the mathematician genius on 'Numb3rs,' where for six seasons he made theoretical physics feel emotionally accessible. After a period of quieter work, he re-emerged powerfully for a new generation as the warmly humane physicist Isidor Rabi in Christopher Nolan's 'Oppenheimer,' showcasing a depth earned through decades in the industry.
Generation X
1965–1980
The latchkey kids. Raised during divorce, recession, and the end of the Cold War. Skeptical, self-reliant, media-literate. They invented indie culture, grunge, and the early internet — then watched the Boomers take credit.
David was born in 1978, placing them squarely in the Generation X. The events that shaped this generation — economic uncertainty, the end of the Cold War, and the rise of personal computing — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When David Was Born
The biggest hits of 1978
#1 Movie
Grease
Best Picture
The Deer Hunter
#1 TV Show
Laverne & Shirley
David's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1978Born
First test-tube baby born
Gas: $0.63/galHome: $35,300Min wage: $2.65/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"Shadow Dancing" — Andy GibbBest Picture: The Deer Hunter
1983Started school
Internet adopts TCP/IP, creating the modern internet
Gas: $1.16/galHome: $57,700Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Every Breath You Take" — The PoliceBest Picture: Terms of Endearment
1991Became a teenager
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1994Could drive
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
1996Could vote
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
1999Turned 21
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2008Turned 30
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
2018Turned 40
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2026Age 48 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Portrayed Charlie Eppes, the lead mathematician, for six seasons on the CBS drama series 'Numb3rs'.
- Played Bernard the Elf across three films in Disney's 'The Santa Clause' franchise.
- Delivered a standout supporting performance as Isidor Isaac Rabi in the Oscar-winning film 'Oppenheimer'.
- Starred as the scene-stealing Goldstein in the cult classic 'Harold & Kumar' film series.
Did You Know?
He began his career on Broadway at age 13, starring in 'Conversations with My Father'.
He turned down a role in the hit TV series 'Lost' to continue working on 'Numb3rs'.
He is an avid chess player.
He was considered for the role of Foggy Nelson in the 2003 film 'Daredevil'.
“I'm drawn to characters who live in the margins and speak with a sharp tongue.”
