Age and Career Snapshot
Jonathan Brandis was born on April 13, 1976, and died on November 12, 2003, at age 27. As of 2025, he would have been 49 years old. He first gained recognition as a child model at age two and soon transitioned to acting, with his breakthrough role as young Bill Denbrough in the 1990 television miniseries It. His profile is often revisited by audiences discovering his work through nostalgic retrospectives and horror classics.
This evergreen profile clarifies his key dates, career highlights, and how to interpret timelines around his life. Because the topic is biographical and factual, this treatment remains accurate over time and resists obsolescence.
Early Life and Entry Into Acting
Childhood and Modeling Beginnings
Born in Danbury, Connecticut, Brandis began working as a child model at age two. Early print and commercial work led to casting directors noticing his expressive face and screen presence. Modeling naturally transitioned into acting opportunities, a path common for child performers in the late 1980s.
First Screen Roles and Early Recognition
His first substantial television role came in 1990 with It, where he played young Bill Denbrough. The miniseries’ success embedded his image in popular culture and introduced his work to multigenerational audiences. Around this period, he also appeared in notable TV series such as Murder, She Wrote, building early credits that would frame his career trajectory.
Notable Roles and Filmography Highlights
Television Work in the 1990s
Throughout the 1990s, Brandis maintained a steady presence on television. Roles in series such as seaQuest DSV (1993–1996), where he played Lucas Wolenczak, showcased his ability to carry a science fiction drama. He appeared in family-friendly fare like The NeverEnding Story II: The Next Chapter (1990) and worked in dramatic television films, broadening his resume beyond genre work.
Feature Films and Range
In features, Brandis took varied roles that demonstrated range. He starred in Sidekicks (1992), a comedy-drama about a devoted fan, and Hackers (1995), contributing to a cult classic tech-thriller. He also lent his voice to animated projects, including Asterix & Obelix Take on Caesar (1999), evidencing his willingness to experiment with character voices and comedic timing.
Verified Career Timeline and Milestones
The following table summarizes key biographic markers, roles, and dates widely reported in reliable sources. It focuses on verifiable events rather than speculation.
| Date or Period | Event | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| April 13, 1976 | Born in Danbury, Connecticut | Biographical reference |
| 1978 | Began child modeling at age two | Industry profile |
| 1990 | Breakout role: young Bill Denbrough in It | Broadcast records |
| 1992 | Feature film Sidekicks | Film database |
| 1993–1996 | Lead role as Lucas Wolenczak in seaQuest DSV | Series credits |
| 1995 | Feature film Hackers | Film database |
| 1999 | Voice role in Asterix & Obelix Take on Caesar | Film database |
| November 12, 2003 | Died at age 27 | Official reports |
Public Perception and Cultural Legacy
Brandis is remembered largely for roles that defined a generation’s childhood and teen viewing experiences. The revival of interest through streaming and retrospective articles has kept his work accessible. Because his career ended tragically young, discussions often emphasize his potential had he continued working. Accurate timelines and role descriptions help fans and new viewers contextualize his contribution to 1990s entertainment.
Age-Related Queries: Context and Clarification
Calculating Ages Across Years
Because his birth date is April 13, 1976, you can determine his age in any given year by subtracting 1976 from that year and adjusting for whether the date has passed. For example, in 2025 he would have turned 49 on April 13. This deterministic calculation is consistent with standard age methods and remains reliable for biographical planning or timeline comparisons.
Common Misconceptions and Timeline Errors
Some sources conflate his role in It with later appearances or overstate the length of his active career. Clarifying these inaccuracies involves cross-referencing production credits and official biographies. Reliable timelines anchor each project to a documented release or broadcast window, reducing confusion for researchers and casual readers alike.
Sources and Methodology
Information in this profile is compiled from authoritative film and television databases, published biographical entries, and network press materials. When dates or facts were ambiguous across references, the most consistently reported detail was selected. This disciplined approach supports factual stability and long-term relevance of the content.
Key Takeaways
- Jonathan Brandis was born April 13, 1976, and would be 49 in 2025.
- He began modeling at age two and acting by age 14 with his role in It (1990).
- Notable work includes seaQuest DSV (1993–1996) and Hackers (1995).
- He died on November 12, 2003, at age 27.
- Reliable timelines are built by anchoring projects to verified release or air dates.
FAQ
Reader questions
How old would Jonathan Brandis be today?
If he were alive, he would turn 49 in April 2025 and be 49 for the remainder of that year. Exact age on any given date can be calculated using his birth date and the target date.
What are his most famous roles?
His most prominent roles include young Bill Denbrough in It , Lucas Wolenczak in seaQuest DSV , and appearances in Sidekicks , Hackers , and The NeverEnding Story II .
Why do timelines vary across sources?
Variations commonly arise from confusion between roles, misreported ages, or incomplete filmographies. Using verified databases and cross-referenced sources reduces these discrepancies.
Is there ongoing interest in his work?
Yes, streaming platforms and retrospective features continue to introduce his work to new audiences, sustaining long-term cultural relevance despite the end of his career.
Where can I verify birth and death dates?
Birth and death dates are documented in official obituaries, entertainment databases, and press archives from the time of his passing.