Full Name: Jonah Hill Feldstein
Born: December 20, 1983 (age 39) in Los Angeles, California, United States
Height: 5‘ 7" (1.7 m)
Net Worth: $50 million
Relationship Status: Single
Social Media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Jonah Hill is an award-winning American actor, comedian, producer, director and writer known for both comedic and dramatic film roles. He is one of the most sought-after talents in Hollywood today.
Early Life and Influences
Jonah Hill Feldstein was born on December 20, 1983 in Los Angeles to a Jewish family. His mother Sharon Lyn was a costume designer and fashion stylist while his father Richard Feldstein was a tour accountant for bands like Guns N‘ Roses.
As a child, Hill would often go with his father when he toured which exposed him to all aspects of show business at a young age. He was inspired by Eddie Murphy‘s humorous performances which made him want to get into comedy and acting himself.
Hill started performing in plays at his school, Crossroads High School in Santa Monica. After graduating in 2002, he went on to study acting for a short time at The New School in New York and at the University of Colorado Boulder.
However, Hill found his real education came from working small roles in films and soaking up as much as he could from the directors, crew members and fellow actors on set.
Big Break in Hollywood
One of Jonah Hill‘s earliest film appearances was in 2004‘s I Heart Huckabees, starring Dustin Hoffman. After doing some television roles, Hill got his big break in 2007 when he was cast as Seth in the hit comedy Superbad.
The raunchy teen movie connected with audiences and Hill‘s hilarious performance as an awkward high school senior alongside Michael Cera made him a star overnight. Over the next few years, Hill appeared in successful comedies like Knocked Up, Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Funny People, and Get Him to the Greek.
However, it was his turn in the 2011 sports drama Moneyball opposite Brad Pitt that really showed Hill‘s talents as a dramatic actor. As stats guru Peter Brand, Hill demonstrated subtle emotional depth and impressed critics, earning himself an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
Dramatic Transformation
In order to prepare for his role in Moneyball, Jonah Hill lost almost 40 pounds, transforming himself physically for the part. He showed dedication to his craft by getting in shape to play a more restrained, cerebral character compared to his typical comedic fare.
Hill again stunned audiences with his chilling performance as stockbroker Donnie Azoff in Martin Scorsese‘s The Wolf of Wall Street in 2013 alongside Leonardo DiCaprio. To inhabit the unhinged, cocaine-fueled role, Hill was required to lose weight and adopt a manic energy unlike anything he had done before on screen.
His raw, intense portrayal earned him another Oscar nod for Best Supporting Actor, proving Hill as a powerhouse dramatic actor. He continues to oscillate between comedy and drama, always fully committing himself to each new character.
Awards and Accolades
For his versatile performances, Jonah Hill has received various accolades:
- Two Oscar nominations for Best Supporting Actor for Moneyball and The Wolf of Wall Street
- Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actor – Motion Picture for Moneyball
- MTV Movie Award for Best Comedic Performance in 21 Jump Street
- National Board of Review Award for Best Supporting Actor for Moneyball
- Satellite Award for Best Supporting Actor for Moneyball
- Hollywood Walk of Fame Star in 2018 recognizing his contributions to the entertainment industry
Despite these impressive achievements before turning 40, Hill remains humble, down-to-earth, and dedicated to constantly improving at his craft.
Personal Life
Though he keeps a low off-screen profile, Hill has said that basketball, hip-hop, and surfing are among his hobbies and passions. He is a loyal fan of the Los Angeles Lakers and LA Clippers basketball teams.
Hill maintains a close friendship with Channing Tatum, his 21 Jump Street co-star. Their natural chemistry translated into a successful on-screen partnership.
In 2011, Jonah Hill started dating Dustin Hoffman‘s daughter Ali Hoffman but the relationship ended after about a year. Hill tends to keep romantic relationships private.
An advocate for body positivity and self-acceptance, Hill has spoken openly about his own struggles with weight and poor body image as a young performer trying to make it in Hollywood.
Legacy and Influence
With his particular style of raunchy yet heartfelt humor, Jonah Hill has become a defining comedic actor of his generation. His legend was cemented with hilarious performances in smash hits like Superbad, which resonated with millions of millennials.
As one of the most in-demand comedic actors today, Hill has influenced many young performers who grew up watching his movies. He expanded the possibilities for comedic actors, showing they can tackle weighty dramatic roles without being pigeonholed.
Hill also frequently collaborates with directors like Martin Scorsese and makes a point of working with the same filmmakers across multiple projects. This has allowed him to hone his skills over many years and deliver some of his best work.
Off-screen, Hill uses his platform to support educational initiatives and arts programs for underserved youth. He also speaks candidly about body image and self-love, serving as an inspiration.
What‘s Next for Jonah Hill?
Now established as a multi-talented actor, writer and director, the possibilities seem endless for Jonah Hill. He clearly savors the opportunity to work with brilliant directors and try new challenges with each film.
Upcoming projects for Hill include Adam McKay‘s apocalyptic satire Don‘t Look Up with Leonardo DiCaprio and Kenya Barris‘ untitled comedy. Hill will undoubtedly continue to impress with his signature brand of humor and emotional authenticity that have made him so beloved.
As a longtime Jonah Hill fan, I‘m excited to see him continue to develop as an artist and human being. No matter the role, he remains one of Hollywood‘s most engaging performers and promising talents. At just 39 years old, Hill‘s remarkable career is still just getting started!