Actor of the Week: Logan Lerman – Anything but a Wallflower

Logan Lerman may not be old enough to legally drink alcohol in the United States, but the Beverly Hills native certainly knows how to stand out in a crowd. From commercials to Mel Gibson films and even branching out on his own, Lerman is a sprightly young actor with tons of promise. We’re used to seeing Logan in front of the camera, but the young actor has noted that his interest also includes writing, producing, and directing for film.

Beginning with Gibson

Lerman comes from a Jewish family, most of whom work for the family’s orthotics and prosthetics company, Lerman & Son, originally established by his paternal grandparents. After escaping the Nazi regime in the 1930′s, the Lerman’s settled in California in the 1940′s.

Simply out of boredom from his mundane life at grade school, Logan began acting in commercials in the late ’90s. His first film debut’s occurred in 2000 with two roles opposite Mel Gibson. First, he starred as a child of Gibson’s in The Patriot, and subsequently starred as Gibson’s character at younger age in What Women Want. Although both were small roles, Lerman was remembered for his bright blue eyes and easy going attitude.

The Young Artist Awards

In 2003, Lerman starred in the made for TV movie, A Painted House, which was filmed in Massachusetts. He gained recognition from the Boston Globe, noting him as a “promising newcomer,” while the Telegraph-Herald noted his character as “quietly and effectively played.” Logan also won a Young Artist Award for “Best Performance by a Leading Young Actor in a Television Production” for the film.

Next, he appeared in the 2004 thriller, The Butterfly Effect, as Ashton Kutcher‘s character as a 7-year-old. The film was beautiful and dramatic, full of intense, emotional acting by all parties, and Lerman was no exception. Lerman’s lines were delivered so eloquently and passionately that he seemed twice his age. Obsessed’s reviewer described Lerman as “definitely a child actor to watch.”

Logan then tried out acting on a consistent basis as he was cast on the short-lived television series, Jack and Bobby. The show centered around two young brothers, one of whom would grow up to be the next president. Although I personally enjoyed the show, due to low ratings the series was not renewed for a second season; however, Lerman still managed to earn another Young Artist Award.

Making a Difference

Heading back to the big screen, Logan starred in 2006′s feature film Hoot, based off the Carl Hiaasen novel of the same title. Logan plays Roy, a boy who moves to Montana and attempts to save endangered burrowing owls. As an avid lover of all things owl related, Hoot is a personal favorite children’s film of mine. Despite the film’s poor box office performance, Hoot was important in Lerman’s career for other reasons. He stated that the film’s message was that anyone can make a difference, regardless of their age. The film also earned Lerman his third Young Artist Award.

In 2007, Lerman starred as Jim Carrey‘s character’s son in The Number 23 as well as teenager William Evans in 3:10 to Yuma alongside Russel Crowe and Christian Bale. 3:10 to Yuma is the second remake of Elmore Leonard’s short story of the same title, as well as the previous film adaptation in 1957. Bruce Westbrook of The Houston Chronicle noted that the western was a, “vibrant story of heroism, villainy and hard-earned redemption.” Shawn Levy of The Oregonian noted the infusion of, “contemporary political and moral issues.” Lerman was nominated for his fourth Young Artist Award, and the film was nominated for “Best Cast” at the 14th Screen Actor’s Guild Awards.

In another instance where he makes a social statement, Lerman appeared in the 2010 “Change The Odds” campaign, a public service announcement video for the Stand-Up to Cancer charity.

Breakout Roles and Continuing Endeavors

Lerman’s next few roles in Meet Bill, Gamer, and My One and Only, were relatively mundane but gained him notice among critics. It wasn’t until his performance in 2010′s Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief that the general public started to take notice. Based off the popular book series by Rick Riordan, Lerman was often compared to Harry Potter but has stated, “Honestly, my character doesn’t have much in common with Harry Potter besides the fact that he’s an unlikely hero who’s thrown into a huge situation.”  While the film wasn’t loved by critics, it grossed over $200 million at the box office, and Lerman signed on for two more sequels. Starring as a beloved character from a popular book series instantly turned Lerman into a household name and gave him a much larger fanbase.

Most recently, Lerman starred as the main character Charlie in the film adaptation of Stephen Chbosky’s popular novel, The Perks of Being A Wallflower. The film was a success with critics and fans, and really showed development in Lerman’s acting abilities. Lerman stated that he had been “torturing [himself] for… a few months in order to get inside Charlie’s head” and it really showed.

Lerman has several projects in the works, including starring in the indie drama Writers, alongside Greg Kinnear and Jennifer Connelly, which was released September 9th, 2012 in Toronoto. He was also cast in the biblical epic Noah (2014), as Noah’s son Ham. Logan will star in the next chapter in the Percy Jackson series, Sea of Monsters scheduled to release in August 2013. He’s also signed onto the indie film The Only Living Boy in New York, but a production schedule has not been set.

Logan Lerman may only be 20, but shows no signs of slowing down his career to return to school. He also plays several instruments including guitar and keyboard, and played a band called Indigo with fellow actor Dean Collins. Logan not only shows promise by taking on more creative roles, but his other interests in filmmaking takes this talented artist’s potential to whole new level.

‘The Perks of Being a Wallflower’ Trailer

Interview with Logan

Logan Lerman’s Filmography/Up-Coming Films