Noah Schnapp Bio
Noah Cameron Schnapp (born October 3, 2004) is an American actor known for his role as Will Byers in the Netflix series Stranger Things. Besides his television work, Schnapp voiced Charlie Brown in The Peanuts Movie (2015) and appeared in the film Bridge of Spies (2015). He began his professional acting career in 2014 and has been recognized for his performances in various roles, earning critical acclaim.
Early Life and Background
Noah Schnapp was born in New York City to Mitchell and Karine Schnapp. He was raised in Scarsdale, New York, alongside his twin sister. Schnapp holds both U.S. and Canadian citizenship and is of Jewish descent, with his mother having Moroccan Jewish roots. He celebrated his bar mitzvah in Israel, reflecting his cultural background. Schnapp’s interest in acting sparked at the age of five after seeing a Broadway production of Annie. He began performing in school and community plays, which laid the foundation for his future career. At eight years old, his acting teacher encouraged him to pursue acting professionally. Following this advice, his parents enrolled him in an acting program at Star Kidz in Westchester, where he was mentored by coach Alyson Isbrandtsen. This mentorship led to his introduction to MKS&D Talent Management, which helped launch his acting career.
Path to Hollywood
Noah Schnapp’s professional acting career commenced in 2014, and he made a significant impact with his voice role as Charlie Brown in The Peanuts Movie, released in 2015. That same year, he made his film debut in the historical drama Bridge of Spies, directed by Steven Spielberg, where he played Roger Donovan, the son of the main character. His breakthrough role came in July 2016 when he began portraying Will Byers in the Netflix series Stranger Things. Initially, Schnapp auditioned for the role of Mike Wheeler, but ultimately, he was cast as Will. The news of his casting reached him during a limited phone call home from sleepaway camp, marking a pivotal moment in his career. He was promoted to series regular for the second season of Stranger Things, which premiered on October 27, 2017. In 2022, Schnapp revealed that his character, Will Byers, identifies as gay, a significant moment in the series that resonated with many fans.
Noah Schnapp Career
Early Career (2014–2015)
Noah Schnapp’s early career was marked by his notable voice performance in The Peanuts Movie and his debut in Bridge of Spies. These roles established him as a promising young actor. His portrayal of Will Byers in Stranger Things became a defining moment, earning him critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase.
Breakthrough (2016–present)
Schnapp’s role in Stranger Things has been pivotal to his career. The series quickly gained popularity, and Schnapp’s performance as Will Byers has been praised for its depth and emotional resonance. In addition to his work on Stranger Things, Schnapp has appeared in various projects, including the music video for Panic! at the Disco’s song “LA Devotee” and the short film The Circle, which is set during the Great Depression. He has also participated in the film We Only Know So Much, which explores multigenerational family dynamics. Schnapp’s voice acting continued with roles in animated films like The Legend of Hallowaiian and he starred in independent films such as Abe and Waiting for Anya. In 2020, he appeared in the Netflix Halloween comedy Hubie Halloween, playing a character named Tommy. Recently, Schnapp joined the cast of The Tutor, a psychological thriller released in 2023, where he portrayed Jackson, a troubled teenager.
Notable Works and Milestones
Noah Schnapp’s signature work remains his role in Stranger Things, which has garnered him critical acclaim and a strong fan following. His portrayal of Will Byers has been a significant aspect of the series’ success.
Noah Schnapp Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Noah Schnapp has received several nominations for his performances, particularly for his role in Stranger Things, which has been recognized by various award bodies.
Noah Schnapp Awards Won
Noah Schnapp has achieved notable recognition for his work, particularly in his role in Stranger Things, although specific awards won are not detailed in the available information.
Noah Schnapp Family
Noah Schnapp was born to Mitchell and Karine Schnapp. He has a twin sister, and his family background has played a significant role in shaping his identity and career.
Personal Life
As of 2025, Noah Schnapp is attending the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, majoring in entrepreneurship and innovation, with an expected graduation in 2026. He publicly came out as gay in January 2023, expressing relief over the acceptance from his family and friends. Schnapp has also been vocal about his support for Israel during the Gaza conflict, which has drawn mixed reactions from fans.
