Jonah Bobo (born January 24, 1997[1]) is an American musician and former child actor. He is best known for his roles as Danny Budwing in the 2005 film Zathura: A Space Adventure, Robbie Weaver in the 2011 film Crazy, Stupid, Love, and the voice of Austin the Kangaroo on Nickelodeon's animated television series The Backyardigans.
Jonah Bobo | |
|---|---|
| Born | January 24, 1997 |
| Occupations |
|
| Years active | 2004–2012 |
| Relatives | Salha "Mama" Bobo (great-grandmother) |
Early life
Bobo was raised in Roosevelt Island, New York in an Orthodox Jewish household.[2] His father works in software, while his mother is a physical therapist and personal trainer.[3] His paternal great-grandmother was a Syrian-American businesswoman and philanthropist Salha "Mama" Bobo.[2][4]
Career
His first film role was in The Best Thief in the World. He co-starred in Around the Bend, portraying the youngest of a four-generation family. Bobo was subsequently cast in Zathura: A Space Adventure as Danny Budwing.His next role was in Strangers with Candy. He portrayed young Victor Mancini in Choke. He has also made an appearance on 30 Rock as a paparazzo named Ethan. He appeared on Roosevelt Island in the play Seussical, Jr. at the Main Street Theatre and Dance Alliance. He was also on the 5th episode of Royal Pains. From 2005 to 2013, Bobo voiced Austin on Nickelodeon's The Backyardigans. In 2011, he appeared in Crazy, Stupid, Love as Robbie.
Bobo is also a musician, composer and theatre artist, with his theatrical work being awarded distinctions by the Richard Rodgers Award Foundation and the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center. In September 2021, Bobo released his debut album Newgrass Suite.[5] His second album Rainbow was released in September 2023.
Filmography
Film
| Year | Film | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | The Best Thief in the World | Sam Zaidman | |
| Around the Bend | Zach Lair | ||
| 2005 | Strangers with Candy | Shamus Noblet | Uncredited |
| Zathura: A Space Adventure | Danny Budwing | ||
| 2006 | The Fox and the Hound 2 | Tod | Voice |
| 2008 | Choke | Young Victor Mancini | |
| 2011 | Crazy, Stupid, Love | Robbie Weaver | |
| 2012 | Disconnect | Ben Boyd |
Television
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004–2013 | The Backyardigans | Austin | Voice |
| 2009 | 30 Rock | Ethan | Episode: "Jackie Jormp-Jomp" |
| Royal Pains | Arlo Grant | Episode: "No Man Is an Island" |
Awards and nominations
| Award | Year | Category | Result | Work |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Young Artist Award | 2006 | Best Performance in a Feature Film - Young Actor Age Ten or Younger | Nominated | Zathura |
| 2012 | Best Performance in a Feature Film – Supporting Young Actor([6]) | Nominated | Crazy, Stupid, Love. |