Will Friedle
He grew up on screen as the charming older brother on 'Boy Meets World,' shaping a generation's idea of cool before becoming a beloved voice in animation.
Born 1976 (age 50)·American actor·Birthday: August 11·Generation X
Biography
Will Friedle stepped into America's living rooms in 1993 as Eric Matthews, the effortlessly cool and often hilariously dim older brother on the ABC sitcom 'Boy Meets World.' For seven seasons, his comedic timing and character's journey from popular teen to a lovable, searching adult provided both laughs and heart, cementing the show as a cultural touchstone. After the series ended, Friedle masterfully pivoted away from live-action, building a substantial second act as a voice actor. He brought life to a roster of characters, most notably the heroic Terry McGinnis, the teenage Batman in 'Batman Beyond,' and the boisterous alien warrior Ron Stoppable in 'Kim Possible.' His career is a study in graceful evolution, moving from teen idol to a respected and versatile performer whose voice work continues to connect with new audiences.
Generation X
1965–1980
The latchkey kids. Raised during divorce, recession, and the end of the Cold War. Skeptical, self-reliant, media-literate. They invented indie culture, grunge, and the early internet — then watched the Boomers take credit.
Will was born in 1976, placing them squarely in the Generation X. The events that shaped this generation — economic uncertainty, the end of the Cold War, and the rise of personal computing — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Will Was Born
The biggest hits of 1976
#1 Movie
Rocky
Best Picture
Rocky
#1 TV Show
All in the Family
Will's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1976Born
Apple Computer founded; US bicentennial
Gas: $0.59/galHome: $29,300Min wage: $2.30/hrPresident: Gerald Ford"Silly Love Songs" — WingsBest Picture: Rocky
1981Started school
MTV launches; first Space Shuttle flight; AIDS identified
Gas: $1.31/galHome: $52,300Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Bette Davis Eyes" — Kim CarnesBest Picture: Chariots of Fire
1989Became a teenager
Berlin Wall falls; Tiananmen Square protests
Gas: $1.00/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Look Away" — ChicagoBest Picture: Driving Miss Daisy
1992Could drive
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
1994Could vote
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
1997Turned 21
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
2006Turned 30
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
2016Turned 40
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2026Turned 50
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Played the central role of Eric Matthews for the entire seven-season run of the hit sitcom 'Boy Meets World.'
- Voiced Terry McGinnis, the successor to Bruce Wayne, in the acclaimed animated series 'Batman Beyond.'
- Provided the voice for Ron Stoppable, the loyal best friend, in the long-running Disney Channel series 'Kim Possible.'
- Reprised his role as Eric Matthews in the successful sequel series 'Girl Meets World.'
Did You Know?
He is the younger brother of voice director and actor Sam Friedle.
He hosted the popular MTV game show 'Friend or Foe' in the early 2000s.
He and his 'Boy Meets World' co-stars host the podcast 'Pod Meets World,' re-watching and discussing each episode.
He was originally cast in the role of Riley's father on 'Girl Meets World' before the concept changed.
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