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David Henrie

David Clayton Henrie (born July 11, 1989) is an American actor, producer, director, and screenwriter best known for his portrayal of the intelligent eldest sibling Justin Russo in the series (2007–2012). Henrie began his acting career in the early 2000s with guest appearances on television shows such as , , and , followed by lead roles in films including Monster Makers (2003) and The Mom's Mystery (2004). He rose to prominence with a recurring role on Disney's and his breakthrough as Justin Russo, a role that showcased his comedic timing and earned him widespread recognition among young audiences. Additionally, he appeared as Luke Mosby, the future son of the protagonist, in narrative wraparound segments of the sitcom from 2005 to 2014. Transitioning behind the camera, Henrie made his feature directorial debut with the coming-of-age comedy This Is the Year (2021), which he also wrote and produced, featuring Selena Gomez as an executive producer. He has since expanded into producing with projects like the NBA-themed comedy Trick Shot (announced 2024) alongside Stephen Curry and directed episodes of the Wizards of Waverly Place sequel series Wizards Beyond Waverly Place, in which he reprises his role as Justin Russo while serving as an executive producer, featuring guest appearances including Selena Gomez. The series premiered on Disney Channel in October 2024, with its second season premiering on September 12, 2025.

Early life

Family and upbringing

David Henrie was born on July 11, 1989, in . His mother, Linda Henrie (née Finocchiaro), is a whose family has Italian roots, with her parents having emigrated from . His father, James Wilson Henrie, is a producer who formerly worked in real estate. Henrie has a younger brother, (born June 29, 1993), who is also an actor. The family moved from to , shortly after his birth, where Henrie was primarily raised. In , Henrie grew up in a Catholic household that emphasized family closeness and traditions influenced by his mother's heritage, including stories and customs from his Sicilian grandparents that shaped his early cultural environment.

Entry into entertainment

Henrie began pursuing acting professionally around the age of 10, after his family relocated from to in 1999, prompted by encouragement from a director who spotted his potential during a regional commercial shoot the previous year. Upon arriving in , he quickly booked his first national commercials for and Quaker Oats, while enrolling in intensive training at local acting studios to hone skills in scene study, improvisation, theater, and . His mother, Linda Finocchiaro, a , provided initial representation and support as he transitioned into the competitive child acting scene in . Henrie's television debut came in 2002 with a guest role in the NBC series . He followed this with the role of Gabe Freedman in the October 2002 episode "Birthday Boy" of CBS's Without a Trace, which helped establish his versatility in dramatic roles. At age 13, Henrie landed a recurring role as Petey Pitt in the Fox sitcom , which aired in 2003 and was produced by creator Mike Scully. This opportunity marked his first significant on-screen presence in a series regular capacity, following years of local work and auditions. Building on this, Henrie secured a recurring guest spot as Larry in That's So Raven starting in 2003, signaling his growing foothold in prime-time television and shift from regional to major market opportunities.

Professional career

Acting roles

Henrie's early acting career featured several guest and recurring roles on Disney Channel series, helping establish him within the network's family-friendly programming. He first gained notice portraying Larry, the scheming friend of Cory Baxter, in multiple episodes of That's So Raven from 2004 to 2006, where his character's mischievous antics complemented the show's supernatural comedy. He also made a guest appearance on The Suite Life of Zack & Cody in 2005, contributing to the twin-centric sitcom's ensemble of quirky hotel guests and staff. Concurrently, Henrie took on a recurring role as Luke Mosby, the future son of the protagonist Ted Mosby, appearing in 10 episodes of the CBS sitcom How I Met Your Mother spanning 2005 to 2014; this part allowed him to showcase a more grounded, inquisitive young character amid the series' nonlinear storytelling about romance and adulthood. Henrie achieved his breakthrough with the lead role of Justin Russo, the intelligent and rule-abiding eldest brother in a family of wizards, on the series , which aired from 2007 to 2012 across 106 episodes. As Justin, Henrie portrayed a straight-laced teen navigating magical powers and sibling rivalries, often serving as the voice of reason in the Russo household while grappling with his own insecurities about wizard competitions and family dynamics; the role earned him widespread recognition among young audiences and a shared nomination for Best Young Ensemble Performance. Transitioning to film, Henrie took on supporting parts in comedies like (2013), where he appeared as a minor character in the ensemble-driven sequel centered on adult friendships and family vacations. In 2015, Henrie expanded into dramatic territory with key roles in independent films. He played James Busbee, the older, more prejudiced brother to the protagonist in , a World War II-era story of faith and innocence that highlighted themes of overcoming bias through familial bonds. That same year, he portrayed Rudy Ising, an early collaborator to , in the biographical drama , depicting the struggles of aspiring animators in the entertainment industry. Henrie also joined the cast of Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2 as a attendant, adding to the film's humor in a Vegas-set adventure following the titular security guard. More recently, Henrie reprised his signature role as Justin Russo in the sequel series Wizards Beyond (2024–present), now portraying an adult version of the character as a family man mentoring a new generation of wizards while rediscovering his magical heritage. In 2024, he appeared as a young in the biopic Reagan, capturing the future president's early life and charisma in a supporting capacity. Additionally, Henrie provided the voice of Goldbeak in the animated feature Goldbeak (2025), contributing to its family-oriented narrative.

Directing and producing

Henrie's foray into directing began with the short film Boo! in 2009, which he co-directed with Johnny Salvatore and centers on a group of friends encountering a mysterious disappearance in a parking lot. He expanded on this early experience with Catch in 2014, a short film he wrote and directed featuring an eight-year-old boy taking extreme measures to connect with his father, which premiered in select theaters and became available on iTunes. Both projects served as festival entries and marked his initial steps behind the camera, showcasing his interest in inspirational and familial themes. Henrie's first feature-length directorial effort came with (2021), a coming-of-age comedy-drama that he also co-wrote, following a high school senior navigating romance and personal growth during prom season; the film starred his brother and counted former co-star among its executive producers. This independent production highlighted his ability to helm narrative-driven stories with emotional depth, blending humor and heartfelt moments in a style reminiscent of 1980s teen films. In television, Henrie directed multiple episodes of Wizards Beyond Waverly Place (2024–present), including the pilot, while reprising his acting role as Justin Russo and serving as an executive producer on the Disney Channel revival series. This milestone represented his television directing debut and underscored his ongoing collaboration with Disney, where he balances creative control with ensemble storytelling focused on family dynamics and magic. Alongside directing, Henrie has amassed producing credits, particularly on family-oriented and faith-inspired projects that align with his personal values. For instance, he produced Monster Summer (2024), a coming-of-age infused with themes of , friendship, and overcoming adversity, which he also directed. These endeavors illustrate his evolution from to multi-hyphenate filmmaker, emphasizing independent cinema while maintaining ties to through selective partnerships that prioritize uplifting narratives.

Other ventures

In 2025, David Henrie hosted and produced the EWTN docuseries Seeking Beauty, announced that July and set to premiere in December on EWTN+. The series follows Henrie's travels through Italy's sacred sites, exploring the intersections of art, culture, and Catholic faith to illustrate how beauty fosters spiritual reflection. Henrie has pursued keynote speaking opportunities, addressing audiences on themes of , , and navigating Hollywood's challenges. He is actively represented by the AAE Speakers Bureau for such engagements as of 2025. Beyond these projects, Henrie contributes to faith-inspired , including advocacy for the development of media that aligns with Catholic principles. His efforts emphasize that promotes moral and spiritual themes in entertainment. Henrie maintains an active social media presence, particularly on , where he shares updates on his personal life, professional endeavors, and cultural promotions, such as the streaming availability of on Disney+.

Personal life

Family

David Henrie married Maria Cahill on April 21, 2017, in a Catholic ceremony at Saints Peter and Paul in Wilmington, . The couple welcomed their first child, daughter Pia Philomena Francesca Henrie, on March 19, 2019. Their second child, son James Thomas Augustine Emanuel Henrie, was born on December 25, 2020. Their third child, daughter Gemma Clare Henrie, arrived on July 18, 2022. Henrie and his family reside in , where he actively balances his commitments to acting, directing, and producing with the demands of parenthood. Cahill provides strong support for Henrie's career, frequently accompanying him to public events, including red carpet premieres and joint charity efforts like distributing gifts to . Their shared Catholic faith shapes the family's values and daily life. In September 2018, Henrie was arrested at after agents discovered a loaded .38-caliber in his carry-on luggage during screening. He pleaded no contest to the charges, receiving a sentence of two years and 20 days of community labor, avoiding jail time.

Religious beliefs

David Henrie was raised Catholic, with his faith forming a foundational part of his early life in . Although he drifted into during his teenage years and early acting career, he experienced a profound reversion to Catholicism in 2015, becoming devout thereafter and actively participating in church sacraments, including regular attendance and Eucharistic devotion. This renewed commitment has shaped his worldview, providing purpose amid Hollywood's challenges. Henrie's Catholic faith has guided his professional choices, prompting him to prioritize roles that reflect and avoid content conflicting with his beliefs. His involvement in the 2015 film , a story of faith and perseverance during , was instrumental in his spiritual awakening; reading the script moved him to tears and led him to seek the role, ultimately drawing him back to the after years of doubt. Since his reversion, he has continued to select projects that align with his convictions, viewing his career as an opportunity to promote moral storytelling. As a vocal for Catholicism, Henrie has used his to discuss integrating into , emphasizing and as pathways to God. In October 2025, he partnered with Studios to produce Seeking Beauty, a docuseries exploring Italy's Catholic artistic heritage, set to premiere on EWTN+ on December 8, 2025, aimed at inspiring viewers to deepen their spiritual lives through sacred art and history. He has shared these insights in numerous s, highlighting the need for faith-affirming media in . Henrie's personal spiritual life centers on daily practices that sustain his devotion, including praying the as a family ritual and incorporating sacramental elements into home life. He has described teaching his children to pray quietly during and engaging in family devotions like Advent traditions, such as packing charity boxes and observing liturgical seasons to foster and . These habits, often detailed in his public talks and interviews, underscore faith's role in his marriage and parenting.

Filmography

Feature films

YearTitleRoleDirectorNotes
2003Monster MakersDanny BurkeGlenn ChadwickActor
2004The Hollywood Mom's MysteryOliver PalumboNorma BaileyActor
2004Arizona SummerBadGus GustafsonActor
2009DadnappedWheezePaul HoenActor
2009Wizards of Waverly Place: The MovieJustin RussoLev L. SpiroActor
2009The JonesesMick Jones Jr.Derrick BorteActor
2010The Secret World of ArriettyShawn (voice)Hiromasa YonebayashiActor
2011That's What I AmAndy NicholGlenn GersActor
20121000 to 1: The Cory Weissman StoryCharlieMichael WeinrebActor
2013Grown Ups 2Boy at the poolDennis DuganActor
2015Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2LaneAndy FickmanActor
2015Little BoyLondon BusbeeAlejandro MonteverdeActor, associate producer
2015Walt Before MickeyRudy IsingKhoa LeActor
2016Cardboard BoxerClean Cut ManKnate LeeActor
2017Warrior RoadTomRick BieberActor
2021This Is the YearSebastianDavid HenrieActor, director, writer
2023Max & MeD.J. (voice)Paul NagleActor
2024Monster SummerN/ADavid HenrieExecutive producer, director
2024ReaganYoung Ronald ReaganSean McNamaraActor
David Henrie's feature film credits span from supporting roles in ensemble comedies to lead roles in inspirational dramas, with increasing involvement in production and directing in later works.

Television series

Henrie began his television career with a leading role in the short-lived Fox sitcom The Pitts (2003), where he portrayed Petey Pitt across all 7 episodes. He followed this with a recurring role as Skyler Blaford in the ABC comedy series Method & Red (2004), appearing in all 13 episodes. From 2004 to 2007, Henrie had a recurring guest role as Larry in the Disney Channel series That's So Raven, appearing in 12 episodes. Henrie played Ted Mosby's son, Luke Mosby, in a recurring capacity on the CBS sitcom How I Met Your Mother (2005–2014), credited in 65 episodes, primarily through the show's framing narrative. His most prominent television role came as Justin Russo, the eldest Russo sibling, in the Disney Channel fantasy comedy Wizards of Waverly Place (2007–2012), where he starred in all 106 episodes. Henrie reprised the role of Justin Russo in the sequel series Wizards Beyond Waverly Place (2024–present, ), appearing as a main cast member in 31 episodes across two seasons as of November 2025. In addition to these roles, Henrie made guest appearances in various series, including (NBC, 2002; 1 episode as Andy), (CBS, 2003; 1 episode as Benny), (CBS, 2003; 1 episode as Richard), (The WB, 2004; 1 episode as Frankie), The D.A. (ABC, 2004; 1 episode as Alex Henry), (CBS, 2004; 1 episode as Charlie), (Fox, 2005; 1 episode as Tommy), (CBS, 2006; 1 episode as Dale Wilson), and (Fox, 2006; 1 episode as Andy).

Directorial works

David Henrie's directorial debut came in 2009 with the short Boo!, which he co-directed with Johnny Salvatore; the project follows seven friends who encounter events after parking near a location. In 2014, Henrie wrote and directed the short drama Catch, an inspirational father-son story about an eight-year-old boy determined to catch a at a Dodgers game despite challenges. Henrie expanded into feature films with (2021), a coming-of-age comedy-drama about high school friends on a road trip to fulfill a pact; he also co-wrote the screenplay alongside Aquilini and . His second feature, the family adventure Monster Summer (2024), stars and follows siblings investigating mysterious lake monsters during summer vacation; Henrie also served as . Henrie made his television directing debut with episodes of Wizards Beyond Waverly Place (2024–present), including the season 2 holiday-themed episode "It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Wizmas," where Justin Russo helps his family navigate magical mishaps during .

Recognition

Awards and nominations

David Henrie has received multiple nominations for his acting and directing work, primarily from youth-focused and awards, though he has not won any major competitive awards as of 2025. His early nominations came from the Young Artist Awards, recognizing outstanding performances by young actors.
YearAwardCategoryWorkResult
2003Young Artist AwardBest Performance in a TV Drama Series – Guest Starring Young ActorWithout a TraceNominated
2004Young Artist AwardBest Performance in a Feature Film – Leading Young ActorArizona SummerNominated
2004Young Artist AwardBest Performance in a TV Series (Comedy or Drama) – Leading Young ActorThe PittsNominated
2008Young Artist AwardBest Performance in a TV Series – Supporting Young ActorWizards of Waverly PlaceNominated
2008Young Artist AwardBest Young Ensemble Performance in a TV SeriesWizards of Waverly PlaceNominated
2011Nickelodeon Kids' Choice AwardsFavorite TV SidekickWizards of Waverly PlaceNominated
2013Behind The Voice Actors AwardsBest Vocal Ensemble in an Anime Feature Film/SpecialThe Secret World of ArriettyNominated
2014Cleveland International Film FestivalBest Live Action Short Film (as director)CatchNominated
2022Children's & Family Emmy AwardsOutstanding Animated Series (as producer)A Tale Dark & GrimmNominated
2025Nickelodeon Kids' Choice AwardsFavorite Male TV Star (Kids)Wizards Beyond Waverly PlaceNominated

Other honors

David Henrie has been recognized as a prominent faith-based influencer in , particularly for his advocacy of Catholic values within the entertainment industry. In 2025, he was invited to speak at the SENT Summit, where he was described as one of the world's most followed Catholic influencers, highlighting his role in inspiring faith through media. Additionally, Henrie collaborated with Studios on the docuseries Seeking Beauty, set to premiere in December 2025, which explores Catholic heritage sites in and underscores his contributions to faith-oriented content creation. He also served as a at the Good News Conference, further affirming his status in Catholic media circles. Henrie's keynote speaking engagements emphasize themes of , , and in . He is represented by the AAE Speakers Bureau for topics related to Catholicism, with speaking fees ranging from $30,000 to $50,000, reflecting industry acknowledgment of his expertise. In April 2025, he was spotlighted as a speaker for events focused on using to promote and , drawing on his experiences from projects. His reprise of the role of Justin Russo in the 2024 series Wizards Beyond garnered significant fan and industry appreciation, with the premiere described by Henrie as a "love letter to our OG fans" that evoked widespread and excitement. The series' reception contributed to his growing public profile, evidenced by his substantial engagement. Henrie has made documented contributions to Catholic programs through charitable initiatives. As a for Cross Catholic Outreach's Box of Joy ministry, he participated in a 2024 to with his wife, personally delivering aid packages containing toys, school supplies, and hygiene items to impoverished children, an effort that continued to impact outreach in 2025. This involvement highlights his commitment to supporting global Catholic beyond entertainment.