Ian Harding
He defined a generation of teen drama as the enigmatic teacher Ezra Fitz, bringing a layered charm to a role that spanned over a decade of secrets.
Born 1986 (age 40)·American actor·Birthday: September 16·Millennials
Biography
Ian Harding stepped into the cultural phenomenon that was 'Pretty Little Liars' and, for seven seasons, anchored its central mystery as the literature teacher with a complicated past. His portrayal of Ezra Fitz was a careful balancing act, requiring him to be both a romantic lead and a potential villain, a duality he managed with a quiet, cerebral intensity. The role made him a fixture on television and a fan favorite, but Harding's interests extend far beyond the set. An avid birdwatcher and thoughtful writer, he authored a memoir that wove together his experiences in Hollywood with his passion for the natural world, revealing a depth often unseen in actors of teen-focused dramas.
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.
Ian was born in 1986, 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 Ian Was Born
The biggest hits of 1986
#1 Movie
Top Gun
Best Picture
Platoon
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Ian's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1986Born
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1991Started school
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
1999Became a teenager
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Could drive
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2004Could vote
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2007Turned 21
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2016Turned 30
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2026Turned 40
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Portrayed Ezra Fitz across all seven seasons of the hit Freeform series 'Pretty Little Liars'.
- Won the Teen Choice Award for Choice TV Actor in a Drama Series multiple times for his role on 'Pretty Little Liars'.
- Published a memoir, 'Odd Birds', which blended stories from his acting career with his love of birding.
- Made his Broadway debut in 2022 in a production of 'The Thanksgiving Play'.
Did You Know?
He is a dedicated birdwatcher and serves on the board of the National Audubon Society's Los Angeles chapter.
He graduated from Carnegie Mellon University's School of Drama.
His mother is German, and he holds dual citizenship in the United States and Germany.
Before 'Pretty Little Liars', he had a guest role on 'CSI: Miami'.
“Acting is about finding the truth in someone else's story.”
