Jake Thomas
He grew up on screen as the quintessential little brother, capturing the awkward charm of adolescence for a generation of Disney Channel viewers.
Born 1990 (age 36)·American actor·Birthday: January 30·Millennials
Biography
Jake Thomas stepped into the spotlight as a child actor, landing a role that would define his early career: the mischievous younger brother Matt on the hit series 'Lizzie McGuire.' The show, which ran from 2001 to 2004, made him a familiar face in households across America, portraying the sibling dynamic with a relatable blend of annoyance and loyalty. His acting journey began even earlier, with a notable part in Steven Spielberg's 'A.I. Artificial Intelligence,' for which he won a Young Artist Award. As he aged out of child roles, Thomas continued to work in television, including a stint on 'Cory in the House,' and later expanded his creative pursuits into directing. While many remember him for his Disney years, his career represents the trajectory of a performer who navigated the transition from child star to adult artist.
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.
Jake was born in 1990, 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 Jake Was Born
The biggest hits of 1990
#1 Movie
Home Alone
Best Picture
Dances with Wolves
#1 TV Show
Roseanne
Jake's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1990Born
Hubble Space Telescope launched; Germany reunifies
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.80/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Hold On" — Wilson PhillipsBest Picture: Dances with Wolves
1995Started school
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
2003Became a teenager
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
2006Could drive
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2008Could vote
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
2011Turned 21
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2020Turned 30
COVID-19 pandemic shuts down the world
Gas: $2.17/galHome: $248,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Blinding Lights" — The WeekndBest Picture: Nomadland
2026Age 36 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won a Young Artist Award for Best Performance in a Feature Film - Supporting Young Actor for his role in 'A.I. Artificial Intelligence'.
- Played a central role as Matt McGuire on the Disney Channel's defining series 'Lizzie McGuire' for its entire run.
- Portrayed Jason Stickler in the Disney Channel series 'Cory in the House', extending his presence in popular teen sitcoms.
Did You Know?
He is the older brother of actor and singer Hunter Thomas.
He provided the voice for young Jim Hawkins in the Disney animated series 'The Weekenders'.
He directed and starred in the 2012 independent film 'A Bunch of Dicks'.
“You have to find the truth in the scene, even if your character is just causing chaos.”
