Jared S. Gilmore
An actor who grew up on screen, navigating the weight of a fairy-tale legacy as the heart of a hit television series.
Born 2000 (age 26)·American actor·Birthday: May 30·Generation Z
Biography
Jared Gilmore stepped into the public eye as a child actor, but it was his role as Henry Mills, the storybook-believing son in ABC's 'Once Upon a Time,' that defined his early career. For seven seasons, he served as the moral compass and narrative catalyst in a world where fairytale characters lived in modern-day Maine. The role required him to mature on camera, evolving from an optimistic boy into a young man grappling with complex family legacies. After the series concluded, Gilmore shifted his focus away from traditional acting, exploring new creative avenues in digital spaces. His path reflects the unique experience of a performer who spent his formative years anchoring a major network drama, a journey that has shaped his approach to storytelling and public life.
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.
Jared was born in 2000, 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 Jared Was Born
The biggest hits of 2000
#1 Movie
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Best Picture
Gladiator
#1 TV Show
Who Wants to Be a Millionaire
Jared's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
2000Born
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2005Started school
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2013Became a teenager
Edward Snowden reveals NSA surveillance programs
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $152,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Thrift Shop" — Macklemore & Ryan LewisBest Picture: 12 Years a Slave
2016Could drive
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2018Could vote
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
2021Turned 21
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
2026Age 26 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Portrayed Henry Mills across all seven seasons of the popular ABC fantasy drama 'Once Upon a Time.'
- Began his acting career with notable guest roles on shows like 'Mad Men' and 'Medium.'
- Successfully transitioned from a child actor to a young adult performer within a long-running series.
Did You Know?
He is an avid streamer on Twitch, where he engages with a community of fans.
He voiced the character of Huckleberry 'Huck' Finn in the animated film 'The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.'
He won a Young Artist Award for his performance in 'Once Upon a Time.'
“You have to believe in the story, even when it gets complicated.”
