Full Name | Elliot Page |
Age | 36 |
Birthday | February 21, 1987 |
Birthplace | Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada |
Accomplishments | Academy Award nomination, 2 Spirit Award nominations, Out100 Honor |
Social Media |
Elliot Page is a transgender Canadian actor with multiple awards and nominations. He captivated critics and audiences with his breakout performance in the 2007 hit indie film Juno, becoming one of the youngest performers ever nominated for a Best Actress Oscar at age 20. Since coming out as transgender in 2020, Page has been an inspirational role model and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community.
Early Life and Child Star Beginnings
Born in Halifax, Nova Scotia in 1987, Page got his start in acting doing local theater performances and voice work for radio and TV commercials. At age 10, he successfully auditioned for the lead role in the 1997 TV movie Pit Pony, launching his professional career. For this role, Page had to learn a Nova Scotian accent and received acting coaching from his older brothers.
Over the next few years, the young actor steadily built up his resume with parts in independent films like Marion Bridge, Mrs. Ashboro‘s Cat, and Wilby Wonderful. Page also traveled to Toronto to train with the prestigious Young Artists‘ Co-Op Theater company.
Meteoric Rise and Lasting Impact of Juno
Everything changed for Elliot Page in 2007 when he landed the lead role of sixteen-year-old Juno MacGuff in Jason Reitman‘s offbeat coming-of-age comedy Juno. Page‘s witty, fast-talking yet emotionally layered performance earned widespread praise. He deftly balanced Juno‘s sarcasm and vulnerability, creating an iconic teen heroine that resonated deeply with audiences.
Made on a modest $7.5 million budget, Juno went on to gross over $230 million worldwide. Numerous awards and accolades followed for Page‘s revelatory performance, including Golden Globe, BAFTA, and Academy Award Best Actress nominations. Page‘s Oscar nod made him one of the youngest performers recognized in the category.
Beyond its commercial success, Juno had a lasting cultural impact. The film bucked teen pregnancy stereotypes, helping normalize open and honest perspectives on abortion. And Page‘s mold-breaking performance set a compelling new standard for young heroines.
Versatile Talent in Blockbusters and Indie Films
Elliot Page leveraged his Juno breakthrough to pursue projects demonstrating both his mainstream and indie film appeal. In 2010, he starred opposite Leonardo DiCaprio in Christopher Nolan‘s sci-fi blockbuster Inception. Critics praised Page‘s "arch" performance as genius architect Ariadne, who designs the movie‘s dream landscapes.
Page also produced and starred in the acclaimed 2012 indie Freeheld, earning Spirit Award and Screen Actors Guild nominations for his moving performance as a terminally ill detective fighting for same-sex partner benefits. In 2014‘s X-Men: Days of Future Past, Page reprised his role as Kitty Pryde from The Last Stand, becoming the long-running franchise‘s first openly gay superhero.
The actor has also left his mark in animation, voicing the title role in 2016‘s Oscar-nominated My Life as a Zucchini and stealing scenes as a minor character in Toy Story 3.
Coming Out and Continued Success
In 2014, Elliot Page came out publicly as gay at a Human Rights Campaign event. He became an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ visibility and storytelling through his production company. Yet it was only years later in 2020 that Page came out again – this time as transgender, embracing his authentic self as a non-binary trans person.
Page‘s powerful coming out letter expressing his joy and gratitude for the ability to live freely as his true self resonated around the world. He quickly became one of the most visible transgender male actors in Hollywood.
Just months after coming out, Page returned triumphantly in season two of Netflix‘s The Umbrella Academy, earning career-best reviews for his nuanced performance as Vanya. Given the character‘s journey of self-empowerment, the role took on deeper significance in light of Page‘s own personal growth.
Why Elliot Page is an Inspiration
There are infinite reasons to admire Elliot Page:
Authentic Advocate
He lives openly and honestly as his true self, giving voice and visibility to the trans community.
Brilliant Actor
From indie films to blockbusters, Page disappears completely into each complex role.
Creative Collaborator
He produces poignant LGBTQ+ stories through his production company Tilzy.tv
Daring Spirit
Page bravely lives his truth, challenging outdated norms and paving the way for others.
Fun Facts About Elliot Page
1.
Nickname is "Sprout"
According to Page, his mom‘s nickname for him growing up was "Sprout" – how adorable!
2.
Trained in Ballet
Early in his career, Page trained extensively in ballet at Canada‘s National Ballet School.
3.
Avid Gamer
When he‘s not acting, Page loves playing video games, especially Call of Duty.
4.
Has Famous Godparents
Page‘s godparents are Canadian filmmaker Allan King and American actress Diane Keaton.
5.
Loves Horror Movies
Some of Page‘s favorite scary movies include The Shining, The Exorcist, and Rosemary‘s Baby.
The Future Looks Bright for Elliot Page
At just 36, Elliot Page already has an acclaimed career under his belt, and more greatness surely lies ahead. Having bravely shared his authentic self with the world, he continues to inspire others while pursuing creative projects that challenge preconceptions. With his prodigious talents and open heart, Page‘s positive impact will only grow. I can‘t wait to see the inspiring places his journey takes him next!