Nick Robinson (American actor)

Nick Robinson
Robinson at TIFF, 2015
Born	Nicholas John Robinson (1995-03-22) March 22, 1995 (age 21) Seattle, Washington, U.S.
Education	Campbell Hall School NYU (deferred)
Occupation	Actor
Years active	2006–present

Nicholas John "Nick" Robinson (born March 22, 1995) is an American actor. He is known for his roles as Zach Mitchell in Jurassic World, Joe Toy in The Kings of Summer, Ben Parish in The 5th Wave, and Ryder Scanlon on the ABC Family sitcom Melissa & Joey.

Robinson was born in Seattle, Washington on March 22, 1995, as the oldest of five children, with the exception of two older half-siblings from his father's previous marriage. His mother is Denise Podnar. He graduated from Campbell Hall School in 2013.

At age 11, Robinson made his professional acting debut in a stage version of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol.

In 2008, a theater friend suggested to Robinson's parents that Nick should meet with legendary Hollywood talent scout, Matt Casella, who said of Robinson, "He's a real kid, with an extraordinary talent and gift, not to mention a smart, good natured, creative kid with a great smile. Nick is ready for LA." Casella then recommended him to a few agencies and eventually signed with The Savage Agency in Los Angeles. Unfortunately for Robinson, the 2007–2008 Writers Guild of America strike was in full swing so he and his parents returned to Washington where he continued to perform on stage in and around Seattle.

In 2009, after only his second television audition, Robinson landed the role of Ryder Scanlon, nephew of Melissa Joan Hart's character on the ABC Family sitcom, Melissa & Joey, where he acted until the show concluded in 2015.

In 2011, while on hiatus from Melissa & Joey, Robinson began filming of the Disney Channel original movie Frenemies with fellow Disney stars Bella Thorne and Zendaya of "Shake It Up." Robinson played the role of Jake Logan. Frenemies premiered on January 13, 2012, on the Disney Channel.