Jaeden Martell
A poised and thoughtful actor who transitioned seamlessly from a haunting child star in 'It' to a compelling young lead in sophisticated dramas.
Born 2003 (age 23)·American actor·Birthday: January 4·Generation Z
Biography
Jaeden Martell entered the public eye not with childish fanfare, but with a preternatural calm that made his performances instantly magnetic. His early work in films like 'St. Vincent' and 'Midnight Special' showcased a maturity beyond his years, an ability to hold the screen with quiet intensity. The global phenomenon of 'It' catapulted him to fame as Bill Denbrough, the stuttering leader of the Losers' Club, a role that required equal parts vulnerability and resolve. Rather than chase similar blockbuster fame, Martell deliberately pivoted toward nuanced, often darker independent films like 'The Lodge' and 'Low Low,' demonstrating a sharp eye for complex material. His voice work in the animated 'Mr. Harrigan's Phone' and his role in the Apple TV+ series 'Defending Jacob' further revealed an actor uninterested in typecasting. Martell has grown up on screen with a deliberate grace, choosing projects that challenge him and quietly building a filmography defined by intelligence and subtle emotional depth.
Generation Z
1997–2012
Born into smartphones, social media, and school shootings. The most diverse generation in history. Pragmatic about money, fluid about identity, anxious about the climate. They do not remember a world before the internet.
Jaeden was born in 2003, placing them squarely in the Generation Z. The events that shaped this generation — social media, climate anxiety, and a pandemic — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Jaeden Was Born
The biggest hits of 2003
#1 Movie
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
Best Picture
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
#1 TV Show
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation
Jaeden's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
2003Born
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2008Started school
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
2016Became a teenager
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2019Could drive
First image of a black hole; Hong Kong protests
Gas: $2.60/galHome: $224,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Old Town Road" — Lil Nas XBest Picture: Parasite
2021Could vote
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2024Turned 21
AI reshapes industries; Paris Olympics
Gas: $3.31/galHome: $372,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Espresso" — Sabrina CarpenterBest Picture: Anora
2026Age 23 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Portrayed Bill Denbrough in the blockbuster horror films 'It' and 'It Chapter Two,' which collectively grossed over $1.1 billion worldwide.
- Earned a Critics' Choice Movie Award nomination for Best Young Performer for his role in 'St. Vincent'.
- Starred as the lead in the psychological horror film 'The Lodge,' receiving critical praise for his performance.
- Played a central role in the Apple TV+ limited series 'Defending Jacob' alongside Chris Evans.
Did You Know?
He is an avid skateboarder and often incorporates the hobby into his downtime on film sets.
His full name is Jaeden Lieberher; he began using his middle name, Martell, professionally to avoid confusion with another actor.
He taught himself to play the guitar for his role in the film 'The Book of Henry'.
He was home-schooled for much of his childhood to accommodate his acting schedule.
“I don't like to watch myself; it's a weird experience.”
