1. Overview
Adam Hann-Byrd, born on February 23, 1982, is an American actor and screenwriter. He is widely recognized for his acting roles in films such as Jumanji, The Ice Storm, Halloween H20: 20 Years Later, and as the titular character in Little Man Tate. Beyond his acting career, Hann-Byrd has transitioned into screenwriting, contributing to television series and developing projects for various media companies.
2. Early Life
Hann-Byrd was born in New York City. He is the son of Jacquie Hann, a children's book illustrator and author, and Jeff Byrd, a television cameraman. He also has one sister named Maya.
2.1. Education
In 2004, Hann-Byrd graduated from Wesleyan University in Connecticut. During his studies, he earned degrees in both psychology and film studies, providing him with a diverse academic background that would later inform his work in the entertainment industry.
3. Career
Adam Hann-Byrd's professional journey began with a notable acting career in film and television, eventually transitioning into significant roles behind the camera as a screenwriter and producer.
3.1. Acting Career
Hann-Byrd made his debut in 1991 in Little Man Tate, a film directed by and also starring Jodie Foster. At the age of 13, in 1995, he gained further recognition for his role as the young Alan Parrish in Jumanji, where Robin Williams portrayed the adult version of his character. His acting credits also include appearances in Diabolique in 1996 and The Ice Storm in 1997. In 1998, he appeared as Charlie Deveraux in Halloween H20: 20 Years Later, and in 1999, he featured in Uninvited.
3.2. Screenwriting Career
In 2009, Hann-Byrd began to shift his focus to working behind the camera, securing a position in the writers' room for the second and third seasons of the television series Fringe. Further solidifying his screenwriting aspirations, he spent a year in 2011 as a fellow in the Warner Bros. Television Writers Workshop. Following this, Hann-Byrd served as a writer for The Morning After, a series produced for Hulu. He also contributed as a writer and producer for Brain Food Daily, a project by Participant Media.
4. Filmography
| Year | Film | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | Little Man Tate | Fred Tate | |
| 1993 | Digger | Digger | |
| 1994 | NYPD Blue | Nick Williamson | 2 episodes |
| 1995 | Jumanji | Young Alan Parrish | |
| 1996 | Diabolique | Erik Pretzer | |
| Souvenir | Young Charles | Voice | |
| 1997 | The Ice Storm | Sandy Carver | |
| 1998 | Halloween H20: 20 Years Later | Charlie Deveraux | |
| 1999 | The Outer Limits | Kevin Buchanan | Episode: "Stranded" |
| Uninvited | Young Tony Grasso | ||
| 2009 | Totally Sketch | Craig | Web series; Episode: "Got Sex?" |
| Simone | Walker | ||
| 2011 | Guess Whom | Adam | Short |
| 2016 | Kino-Edwards Picture Show | Martha | Episode: "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" |
5. Personal Life
Adam Hann-Byrd resides in Los Angeles, California. In 2017, he married Dara Epstein.
6. Assessment
Adam Hann-Byrd's career demonstrates a significant evolution from a prominent child actor to a versatile professional in the entertainment industry. Initially recognized for his memorable performances in popular films like Jumanji and Little Man Tate, he successfully navigated the transition to adulthood by expanding his contributions beyond acting. His subsequent work as a screenwriter for established television series and development projects underscores his adaptability and continued engagement with the creative aspects of television production. He has made notable contributions both in front of and behind the camera, establishing a diverse portfolio in the industry.