Troy Gentile
An actor who grew up on screen, mastering the art of playing the lovable, scheming best friend and a young Jack Black not once, but twice.
Born 1993 (age 33)·American actor·Birthday: October 27·Millennials
Biography
Troy Gentile didn't just enter Hollywood; he arrived with a specific, infectious energy. As a child actor, he showed a knack for comedy with timing beyond his years, landing roles in films like 'Bad News Bears' and 'Hotel for Dogs.' His big break came when he was cast to play a young Jack Black in 'Nacho Libre' and again in 'Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny,' capturing Black's manic spirit with uncanny precision. But it was his decade-long role as Barry Goldberg on the sitcom 'The Goldbergs' that made him a household face. As the grandiose, perpetually scheming middle child, Gentile delivered a performance that was both hilariously over-the-top and deeply relatable, anchoring the show's nostalgic heart. His career is a testament to the staying power of sharp comedic talent.
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.
Troy was born in 1993, 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 Troy Was Born
The biggest hits of 1993
#1 Movie
Jurassic Park
Best Picture
Schindler's List
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Troy's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1993Born
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
1998Started school
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2006Became a teenager
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
2009Could drive
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
2011Could vote
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
2014Turned 21
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
2023Turned 30
ChatGPT goes mainstream; Israel-Hamas war begins
Gas: $3.52/galHome: $361,600Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Flowers" — Miley CyrusBest Picture: Oppenheimer
2026Age 33 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Portrayed Barry Goldberg for the entire 10-season run of the hit ABC sitcom 'The Goldbergs'.
- Played the young version of Jack Black's character in two major films: 'Nacho Libre' and 'Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny'.
- Starred as a lead in the family film 'Hotel for Dogs,' which was a commercial success.
Did You Know?
He is an accomplished drummer and has played in bands.
He attended the same high school as his 'Goldbergs' co-star Hayley Orrantia.
His first major film role was in the 2005 remake of 'The Bad News Bears.'
“I've always been drawn to characters that have a lot of heart.”
