Jimmy Bennett
He transitioned from a ubiquitous child star in major Hollywood films to a young James T. Kirk, navigating the unique pressures of early fame.
Born 1996 (age 30)·American actor·Birthday: February 9·Millennials
Biography
Jimmy Bennett entered the public eye almost as soon as he could walk, becoming a fixture in family comedies and thrillers throughout the 2000s. His youthful face was recognizable in hits like 'Daddy Day Care' and the tense remake of 'The Amityville Horror,' showcasing a range that belied his age. A pivotal moment came when he was cast as a young Captain Kirk in J.J. Abrams' 2009 'Star Trek' reboot, connecting him to a legendary franchise. As he grew older, he took on the role of a super-genius teen in the ABC series 'No Ordinary Family,' mirroring his own transition into more complex roles. Bennett's career arc provides a compelling case study of a performer who grew up entirely on screen, managing the shift from child actor 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.
Jimmy was born in 1996, 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 Jimmy Was Born
The biggest hits of 1996
#1 Movie
Independence Day
Best Picture
The English Patient
#1 TV Show
ER
Jimmy's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1996Born
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
2001Started school
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2009Became a teenager
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2012Could drive
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2014Could vote
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
2017Turned 21
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Turned 30
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Portrayed the young James T. Kirk in the 2009 blockbuster 'Star Trek' reboot.
- Starred as JJ Powell, a teenager with superhuman intelligence, on the ABC series 'No Ordinary Family'.
- Played a central child role in the disaster film 'Poseidon,' a major studio production.
- Appeared in the horror film 'Orphan,' which developed a significant cult following.
Did You Know?
He began his acting career at the age of two in a commercial.
He is a trained pianist and has studied martial arts.
He voiced a character in the animated film 'The Golden Compass.'
“I grew up on set; it was my normal, but it taught me how to adapt in an instant.”
