Finn Wolfhard Bio
Finn Michael Wolfhard (born December 23, 2002) is a Canadian actor, musician, and film director. He is known for playing Mike Wheeler on the Netflix series Stranger Things (2016–present). He also played Richie Tozier in the horror film It (2017) and its sequel It Chapter Two (2019), and Trevor Spengler in the supernatural comedy Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021) and its sequel Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (2024). Wolfhard has also directed the comedy short film Night Shifts (2020) and the feature Hell of a Summer (2023). As a musician, he was the lead vocalist and guitarist for the rock band Calpurnia and has been a member of The Aubreys since 2020.
Early Life and Background
Finn Wolfhard was born on December 23, 2002, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. He comes from a family of French and German descent with Jewish heritage. His father, Eric Wolfhard, is a researcher focused on Indigenous land claims in Canada. Finn attended Catholic school and has an older brother, Nick Wolfhard, who is also an actor. His early exposure to the arts and performance likely influenced his career path.
Path to Hollywood
Wolfhard’s journey into acting began with his first role in the 2012 music video for the song “Retro Oceans” by the Vancouver band Facts. He made his television debut in 2014 as Zoran in the second season of the post-apocalyptic science fiction series The 100. The following year, he appeared as Jordie Pinsky in the series Supernatural. In 2016, he auditioned for the role of Mike Wheeler in Stranger Things, which became a defining moment in his career. His casting was a result of a video audition after seeing an open casting call.
Finn Wolfhard Career
Early Career (2012–2016)
Finn Wolfhard’s first notable work was in the music video for “Retro Oceans” in 2012. His television debut in The 100 and subsequent role in Supernatural helped him gain recognition. In 2016, he began portraying Mike Wheeler in Stranger Things, a role that would earn him significant acclaim. Along with his castmates, he won a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series.
Breakthrough (2017–present)
Wolfhard’s breakthrough came with his role as Richie Tozier in the 2017 film adaptation of Stephen King’s It. The casting was serendipitous, as he was also involved in Stranger Things, both set in the 1980s. He reprised his role in the sequel, It Chapter Two (2019), and co-starred in The Goldfinch (2019) as Young Boris Pavlikovsky. In 2021, he starred in Ghostbusters: Afterlife, which further solidified his status in Hollywood. In 2023, he co-directed, co-wrote, and starred in Hell of a Summer, which debuted at the Toronto International Film Festival.
Notable Works and Milestones
Finn Wolfhard is best known for his role in Stranger Things and the It film series. He has received accolades for his performances, including a SAG Award for his ensemble work in Stranger Things. His transition from acting to directing with projects like Night Shifts and Hell of a Summer showcases his versatility in the entertainment industry.
Finn Wolfhard Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Finn Wolfhard has received several nominations, particularly for his work in Stranger Things, where he was part of the ensemble that won a Screen Actors Guild Award.
Finn Wolfhard Awards Won
Finn Wolfhard has won a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series for his role in Stranger Things.
Finn Wolfhard Family
Finn Wolfhard’s father is Eric Wolfhard, a researcher on Indigenous land claims in Canada. He has one sibling, an older brother named Nick Wolfhard, who is also an actor.
Personal Life
Finn Wolfhard is known for his advocacy work, particularly for autism and Indigenous children. He hosted a benefit concert in 2017 to raise funds for Sweet Relief, an organization that assists struggling musicians in need of medical care. His involvement in charitable efforts highlights his commitment to using his platform for positive change.
