Jon Heder is an American actor and director, mostly recognized for his starring role as the goofy but lovable Napoleon Dynamite in the 2004 cult film Napoleon Dynamite.
Jon Heder was born in 1977 in Fort Collins, Colorado, and through some extreme comedic performances and acting style, he earned fame and notoriety in Hollywood. Apart from his cult classic Napoleon Dynamite, some of the films he has acted in are Blades of Glory, The Benchwarmers, and Monster House.
Heder has also voiced several animated series such as The Legend of Korra and Pickle and Peanut. His film, television, and online content activities add to his diversified career.
Jon Heder Bio/Wiki
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jonathan Joseph Heder |
| Date of Birth | October 26, 1977 |
| Place of Birth | Fort Collins, Colorado, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Swedish descent |
| Siblings | Five siblings (including identical twin brother Dan) |
| Spouse | Kirsten Bales (married in 2002) |
| Children | Four (two sons and two daughters) |
| Education | Brigham Young University (Graduated in 2002) |
| Profession | Actor, Filmmaker |
| Notable Roles | Napoleon Dynamite, Blades of Glory, The Benchwarmers, Monster House |
| Famous Films | Napoleon Dynamite (2004), Blades of Glory (2007), The Benchwarmers (2006), Surf’s Up (2007) |
| TV Shows | Pickle and Peanut, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, The Legend of Korra |
| Net Worth | $10 million (estimated) |
| Social Media | Limited public presence, no active verified accounts |
| Religion | Member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints |
Who Is Jon Heder?
Jon Heder is an American actor and filmmaker, best known for his role as the awkward yet lovable Napoleon Dynamite in the 2004 cult classic film Napoleon Dynamite. His portrayal of the quirky, socially challenged teenager earned him widespread recognition and cemented his place in pop culture.
Heder’s comedic timing and unique style made the film a huge success, leading to several other notable projects throughout his career.
Following his breakthrough role, Heder appeared in various films, including Blades of Glory (2007), a sports comedy where he starred alongside Will Ferrell, and The Benchwarmers (2006), a comedy featuring David Spade and Rob Schneider.
He also lent his voice to animated films such as Surf’s Up (2007) and Monster House (2006), further expanding his versatility as an actor. Heder’s performances in both live-action and animated roles have earned him a diverse fanbase.
In addition to his film career, Jon Heder has made several television appearances. He voiced the character of Peanut in the Disney XD series Pickle and Peanut from 2015 to 2018 and appeared in various animated shows such as The Legend of Korra and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
Heder has also ventured into web series, producing and starring in projects like Woke Up Dead (2008). Despite his success, Heder remains relatively private, focusing on his career and family life with his wife, Kirsten Bales, and their children.
Jon Heder Early Life and Family
Jon Heder was born on October 26, 1977, in Fort Collins, Colorado, to Helen and physician James Heder. He is of Swedish descent and grew up with five siblings, including his identical twin brother, Dan.
The family moved to Salem, Oregon, when Jon was about two years old, where he attended Walker Middle School and South Salem High School.
During his high school years, Heder was involved in the drama club, swim team, and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, reflecting his strong work ethic and commitment to excellence from a young age.
Heder attended Brigham Young University (BYU) in Provo, Utah, where he graduated in 2002. It was during his time at BYU that he met director Jared Hess, who would later cast him in the iconic role of Napoleon Dynamite.
Heder’s close bond with his family has remained strong throughout his career. He married his wife, Kirsten Bales, in 2002. The couple, both members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, have four children together: two sons and two daughters.
Television Career
Jon Heder’s television career began with a guest appearance on Mad TV in 2004, where he showcased his comedic talents on the sketch comedy show. This appearance helped launch him into further TV opportunities, and soon after, he became a recurring voice on animated shows.
Heder lent his voice to several popular animated series, including Robot Chicken, The Legend of Korra, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and Clarence. His voice work allowed him to reach a diverse audience and solidify his place in the animated television world.
In addition to voice roles, Heder was the main character, Peanut, on the Disney XD animated series Pickle and Peanut from 2015 to 2018. The show was an offbeat, animated comedy that appealed to a younger audience, allowing Heder to continue showcasing his distinct comedic style.
Furthermore, Heder ventured into web-based content, producing and starring in Woke Up Dead (2008), a horror-comedy web series. His versatility across different media platforms has allowed Heder to remain a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.
Jon Heder Amazing Career
Jon Heder’s career skyrocketed with his breakout role as the eccentric and socially awkward Napoleon Dynamite in the 2004 cult classic Napoleon Dynamite.
The film became a massive success, thanks to Heder’s memorable performance and the film’s quirky charm, earning him a Teen Choice Award and widespread recognition.
This role opened the door for Heder to star in other comedic films, including Blades of Glory (2007), where he starred alongside Will Ferrell, and The Benchwarmers (2006), which showcased his ability to blend physical comedy with witty humor.
Beyond film, Heder successfully ventured into television, where he made a name for himself through voice roles on animated series such as The Legend of Korra, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and Clarence. He also took on the main role of Peanut in the animated series Pickle and Peanut from 2015 to 2018.
Heder’s ability to seamlessly transition between various forms of media—live-action film, animated voice work, and television—has demonstrated his remarkable versatility as an actor. His work continues to resonate with audiences across generations, maintaining his status as a beloved figure in Hollywood.
Jon Heder Height, Weight, and Physical Appearance
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm) |
| Weight | Approx. 185 lbs (84 kg) |
| Hair Color | Light Brown |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Body Type | Slim |
| Distinct Features | Often known for his quirky, awkward persona, especially in roles like Napoleon Dynamite |
Jon Heder Husband/Boyfriend and Relationship status
Jon Heder is married to Kirsten Bales, whom he met while attending Brigham Young University (BYU). The couple tied the knot in 2002 and have maintained a relatively private and stable relationship over the years.
Both Heder and Bales are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and they share strong family values. Together, they have four children: two sons and two daughters.
Heder has been known to keep his personal life out of the public spotlight, prioritizing his family while continuing to focus on his acting career.
Despite his fame, Jon Heder has managed to maintain a low-key personal life, often steering away from the spotlight when it comes to his relationship.
His commitment to his family and faith is evident, and he has maintained a solid reputation for being a devoted husband and father.
Heder’s focus on family life contrasts with the often chaotic world of Hollywood, allowing him to stay grounded and private amidst his career success.
Jon Heder Net Worth
Jon Heder has an estimated net worth of $10 million, a testament to his successful and diverse career in the entertainment industry. His breakout role as Napoleon Dynamite in the 2004 cult classic of the same name not only earned him widespread recognition but also established him as a bankable actor in Hollywood.
The film’s immense success, with its low production budget and high box office returns, solidified Heder’s place in the industry. Following this, he starred in several hit films, including Blades of Glory (2007), The Benchwarmers (2006), and Surf’s Up (2007), further contributing to his wealth.
In addition to his work in film, Heder has earned income through television appearances, voice acting roles in animated series, and web-based projects like Woke Up Dead. His entrepreneurial spirit also shines through his ventures into producing, which adds to his financial portfolio.
Despite his success, Heder is known for maintaining a modest lifestyle, emphasizing his values of family and faith over material wealth. His steady career and ability to adapt to various entertainment platforms have ensured a consistent stream of income over the years.
Jon Heder Plan and Goals
Jon Heder has always prioritized creating meaningful and entertaining projects, and his plans reflect a commitment to expanding his career while staying true to his roots.
As an actor, Heder has expressed interest in exploring diverse roles that challenge his comedic persona and allow him to delve into dramatic and character-driven performances.
His previous work in voice acting for animated series like Pickle and Peanut and The Legend of Korra has also hinted at his desire to continue contributing to family-friendly and creative projects that reach a broad audience.
Beyond acting, Heder aims to further his work behind the camera as a producer and filmmaker. His experience producing and starring in the web series Woke Up Dead showcases his interest in storytelling across different mediums.
He continues to prioritize projects that align with his principles while exploring new opportunities in both traditional and digital platforms, ensuring his enduring presence in the entertainment industry.
Fun Facts about Jon Heder
Identical Twin:
Jon Heder has an identical twin brother named Dan Heder, and their resemblance often surprises fans.
Napoleon Dynamite Salary:
For his role in Napoleon Dynamite, Heder was paid only $1,000 initially, but the film’s success catapulted him to fame.
Eagle Scout:
Heder achieved the rank of Eagle Scout as a teenager, showcasing his dedication and discipline early on.
BYU Connection:
He met director Jared Hess at Brigham Young University and starred in Hess’s student film, Peluca, which became the basis for Napoleon Dynamite.
Improvised Dance:
The iconic dance scene in Napoleon Dynamite was entirely improvised by Heder, adding to the film’s charm.
Voice Acting Talent:
Heder has lent his voice to several animated characters, including Chicken Joe in Surf’s Up and Peanut in Pickle and Peanut.
Martial Arts Comedy:
Heder and his brother starred in the quirky martial arts web series Sockbaby.
Fluent in Japanese:
Heder learned Japanese during a two-year mission in Japan for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Loves Animation:
He has a deep passion for animation and even studied 3D animation while at BYU.
Low-Key Lifestyle:
Despite his fame, Heder leads a modest life focused on his family and faith, avoiding the Hollywood spotlight.
Jon Heder Video and Images
Frequently Asked Questions about Jon Heder
What is Jon Heder’s most famous role?
Jon Heder is best known for his role as Napoleon Dynamite in the 2004 cult classic film Napoleon Dynamite.
How old is Jon Heder?
Jon Heder was born on October 26, 1977, making him 47 years old as of 2025.
Does Jon Heder have a twin?
Yes, Jon Heder has an identical twin brother named Dan Heder.
What is Jon Heder’s net worth?
Jon Heder’s estimated net worth is $10 million, earned through his acting, voice work, and producing projects.
Is Jon Heder married?
Yes, Jon Heder has been married to Kirsten Bales since 2002. They have four children together.
What other movies has Jon Heder starred in?
Apart from Napoleon Dynamite, Jon Heder has appeared in Blades of Glory, The Benchwarmers, School for Scoundrels, and Surf’s Up.
Does Jon Heder still act?
Yes, Jon Heder is still active in the entertainment industry, working in films, television, and voice acting projects.
Conclusion of Jon Heder
Jon Heder is a versatile actor who rose to fame with his unforgettable portrayal of Napoleon Dynamite, a role that cemented his place in pop culture.
With a career spanning live-action films, animated voice work, and television appearances, Heder has showcased his comedic timing and unique charm. Beyond his professional achievements, Heder remains devoted to his family and faith, maintaining a grounded and private life.
His ability to balance creativity with personal values continues to resonate with fans worldwide. As Heder explores new projects and opportunities, his enduring legacy in the entertainment industry remains as quirky and memorable as ever.
