Justice Smith
An actor who brings a grounded, neurotic charm to blockbuster franchises and intimate indie dramas, becoming a defining young voice of anxious sincerity.
Born 1995 (age 31)·American actor·Birthday: August 9·Millennials
Biography
Justice Smith didn't burst onto the scene; he sidled in, all nervous energy and relatable vulnerability. His early stage work hinted at a performer unafraid of awkwardness, a quality he weaponized in his breakout role as the dinosaur-phobic systems analyst Franklin in 'Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom.' Smith refused to play the typical heroic sidekick, instead offering a portrait of genuine, sweaty-palmed fear. This authenticity became his signature. He led the live-action 'Detective Pikachu' as a young man grappling with loss, and brought a raw tenderness to the teen drama 'All the Bright Places.' Smith consistently chooses roles that explore emotional fragility, whether in the big-budget fantasy of 'Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves' or the surreal, haunting landscape of 'I Saw the TV Glow.' His career is a deliberate pivot away from cool detachment, arguing that in a chaotic world, the most compelling hero might be the one who feels everything a little too much.
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.
Justice was born in 1995, 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 Justice Was Born
The biggest hits of 1995
#1 Movie
Toy Story
Best Picture
Braveheart
#1 TV Show
Seinfeld
Justice's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1995Born
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
2000Started school
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
2008Became a teenager
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
2011Could drive
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
2013Could vote
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
2016Turned 21
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2025Turned 30
AI agents go mainstream
Gas: $3.10/galHome: $385,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"APT." — Rose & Bruno Mars
2026Age 31 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Starred as Tim Goodman alongside Ryan Reynolds' Pikachu in the major live-action film 'Pokémon: Detective Pikachu.'
- Played a leading role as Theodore Finch in the Netflix adaptation of the bestselling novel 'All the Bright Places.'
- Portrayed the bard Simon in the critically praised fantasy film 'Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves.'
- Received significant critical acclaim for his lead performance in the A24 psychological horror film 'I Saw the TV Glow.'
Did You Know?
He is a trained stage actor and performed in the Broadway production of 'The Snow Geese' alongside Mary-Louise Parker.
He is openly queer and has spoken about how his identity influences his approach to roles.
His middle name, Elio, is the same as the protagonist of 'Call Me By Your Name,' a film he has expressed great admiration for.
“I'm drawn to characters who are figuring it out in real time, just like we all are.”
