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Who is Julian Lerner?
Julian is a burgeoning young actor from New York City, recognized for his performances both on stage and in films and on television. He began his acting journey at the tender age of seven, making his film debut in “Pottersville”. He’s also known for his roles in movies such as “Happy!” (2019), “Leo the Lionhearted” (2020) and “Yes Day” (2021). Additionally, Julian’s acting talent extends to voiceover work and commercials.
Early Life and Education
Julian was born on 5 November 2006, in New York City, USA, into a wealthy family, devout Roman Catholics. His father, Daniel ‘Dan’ Lerner is a successful businessman and author. From an early age, he showed a keen interest in performing arts, including acting, dancing and singing, which evidently led him to the path he’s on today. The early nurturing environment and the support from his family played a significant role in Julian’s budding career in the entertainment industry.
Regarding his education, Julian’s currently pursuing his high-school matriculation at a local private school in California.
Roles in Movies
Julian made his movie debut in 2017, with a role in the comedy “Pottersville”, directed by Seth Henrikson. The movie tells the story of a beloved local businessman named Maynard, who’s mistaken for Bigfoot after walking through town in a makeshift gorilla costume, leading to fame and fortune for the small town of Pottersville.
In the following years, Julian had roles in short films “Every Other Weekend” (2018), “Leo the Lionhearted” and “A Portrait of Frances, Enclosed” both in 2020, and also voiced one of the main characters in the English dub of the Japanese anime movie “Dragon Quest: Your Story” (2019).
One of Julian’s most notable film roles was in “Yes Day” (2021), a family comedy released on Netflix in 2021. In this movie, he plays the character Nicky Torres, the middle child in a family that decides to have a “Yes Day”—a day when the parents cannot say ‘no’ to their children’s requests. Julian’s performance in this role demonstrates his ability to balance humor with genuine emotion, capturing the essence of a mischievous yet lovable child. His chemistry with his on-screen parents, played by Jennifer Garner and Edgar Ramírez, as well as his interactions with his on-screen siblings, adds depth to the family dynamics portrayed in the film.
doing interviews for @netflix's #YesDay today and tomorrow. Talking with:
Jennifer Garner & Edgar Ramirez (paired)
Jenna Ortega
Julian Lerner & Everly Carganilla (paired)
director Miguel Artetalet me know if you have any questions. pic.twitter.com/shkE5kv3S1
— Steven Weintraub (@colliderfrosty) February 20, 2021
In the same year, Julian appeared in the crime drama “The Many Saint of Newark”, a spin-off from the classic HBO series “The Sopranos”, which focuses on Tony Sporano’s early days in the Italian mafia.
In 2024, Julian is set to star alongside Mel Gibson and Lorraine Bracco, in the family adventure film “Boys of Summer”, directed by David Henrie.
Roles in TV series
Julian made his TV debut in 2018, when he appeared in a segment of the popular late night comedy show “Last Week Tonight with John Oliver”. He also made an appearance in “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” later in the same year, and played young Pete Davidson in a “Saturday Night Live” comedy sketch in 2019.
Also in 2019, Julian had a supporting role in an episode of the action comedy series “Happy!”, which starred Christopher Meloni as an out-of-work hitman who befriends his daughter’s imaginary friend.
However, his breakthrough came in 2021, when he landed a recurring role in the comedy-drama “The Wonder Years”, developed by Saladin K. Patterson, and inspired by the 1988 series of the same name. It stars Elisha “EJ” Williams as Dean Williams, and takes a nostalgic look at the Williams family, who are Black middle-class residents of Montgomery, Alabama, through the imaginative lens of 12-year-old Dean as he grows up in the late 1960s.
Julian Lerner stars in the series as Brad Hitman, a friend of Dean Williams; Brad is portrayed as a smart child with a zest for life and a fabulous sense of humor. His character’s interactions with Dean provide a window into the supportive friendships that are crucial during the formative years, adding depth to the narrative of the series.
Also in 2021, Julian began voicing the character Lucas in the children’s animated series “Alma’s Way”, notable for its educational value, teaching pre-school children about self-awareness, empathy, and responsible decision making. Another notable voiceover role for Julian was in the AMC animated sci-fi drama “Pantheon”, created by Carig Silverstein, and which follows a young woman who uncovers a conspiracy regarding singularity.
Theatre Work
Julian’s journey into the world of theater has been prominent too, even from a young age. His theater credits include substantial roles in renowned productions, showcasing his versatility and talent on stage.
Julian played the character of The Artful Dodger in the New York City Center’s production of Lionel Bart’s “Oliver!” in 2023, part of the New York City Center Encores! series. The Artful Dodger is a pivotal character in the narrative, known for his mischievous nature and street-smart persona. Julian’s portrayal was described as “puckish”, indicating a playful or mischievous quality to his performance.
Julian toured the country as Gavroche in the National Broadway Tour of “Les Misérables” from 21 September 2017 to March 12, 2020. The character Gavroche is a young, fearless street child in Victor Hugo’s timeless narrative, providing a symbol of hope and innocence amidst a tale of revolution and social injustice. During the tour, Julian shared the role of Gavroche with another actor, Jordan Cole, showcasing his talent across various venues in the US.
Julian Lerner has also been credited with originating roles in new musicals by notable theater creatives such as Jerry Mitchell, James Lapine, Tom Kitt, Michael Korie and Michael Mayer.
Personal Life
Despite his growing popularity, Julian prefers to keep his personal life private, especially regarding romantic relationships, and as of October 2023, it’s believed that he’s single.
In terms of personal experiences, it was revealed that Julian was looking forward to having his bar mitzvah in Israel in 2020, alongside his parents and grandparents, which indicates a connection to Jewish traditions.
In his professional realm, Julian has expressed admiration for his co-stars; for instance, he referred to Jenna Ortega as a ‘role model’, appreciating the shared experience of starting acting professionally at a young age.
Net Worth
Julian’s net worth is estimated to be around $500,000, as of October 2023. These estimations reflect his success in the entertainment industry at a young age, having amassed wealth through his acting endeavors in films, television, and theater productions.
