Jeremy Ray Taylor
Jeremy Ray Taylor (born June 2, 2003) is an American actor best known for portraying Ben Hanscom in the horror films It (2017) and It Chapter Two (2019), adaptations of Stephen King's novel.[1][2] Born in Bluff City, Tennessee, Taylor began his acting career as a child, debuting in a guest role as Albert on the television series Reed Between the Lines in 2011.[1][3] Taylor's early film roles included small parts in 42 (2013), a biographical sports drama about Jackie Robinson; Ant-Man (2015), a Marvel Cinematic Universe entry; and Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip (2015), a family comedy.[4][2] His breakthrough came with the role of Ben Hanscom, the shy, intelligent member of the Losers' Club, in It, directed by Andy Muschietti, which grossed over $700 million worldwide and earned critical acclaim for its ensemble cast.[2] In 2017, he also appeared as Emmett in the disaster film Geostorm.[1] Following his success in horror, Taylor starred as Sonny Quinn in Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween (2018), a family-friendly sequel inspired by R.L. Stine's books.[2] He reprised his role as the young Ben Hanscom in flashback sequences in It Chapter Two (2019).[2] More recently, Taylor appeared as Chris in the drama This Too Shall Pass (2025)[5] and took on a lead role in the action-thriller London Calling (2025), opposite Josh Duhamel, where he plays a teenager navigating a criminal underworld in London.[2][6]Early life
Family and upbringing
Jeremy Ray Taylor was born on June 2, 2003, in Bluff City, Tennessee.[7] He is the youngest of six children of Michael Taylor and Tracy Taylor, with his mother working as a band manager.[8][9] Taylor grew up in East Tennessee on his family's farm, where he developed a strong work ethic influenced by his father's involvement in farm life.[8][10] From an early age, he accompanied his mother on travels related to her career, fostering his interest in music and performance.[9] His upbringing in a close-knit family environment emphasized values of hard work and creativity, shaping his early years before pursuing acting.[8]Entry into entertainment
Jeremy Ray Taylor entered the entertainment industry at the age of eight after being scouted by a promotions agent during a trip to Nashville with his mother. The agent suggested he pursue acting, leading to his signing with a talent manager and the beginning of his professional career. Taylor has credited both his agent and mother for this initial discovery, noting that he had not previously considered acting as a child but grew to love it through early experiences in the industry.[11][12][13] Taylor's earliest professional work included commercials for networks such as Cartoon Network and Disney/DreamWorks, which provided his initial exposure to on-camera performance. His first credited acting role was as Albert in an episode of the television series Reed Between the Lines (2011).[14] He transitioned to film in 2013 with a small role as a boy in the biographical drama 42. These roles, taken while he was homeschooled to accommodate his schedule, marked his entry into feature films and were handled through representation by agencies like The Avenue in Nashville and Paradigm in Los Angeles.[11][2] By 2015, at age 12, Taylor secured his first prominent big-screen appearance in Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip, where he played a scheming kid alongside actors like Jason Lee and Josh Gad; parts of the film were shot in Atlanta, Georgia. That same year, he also had a minor role in the Marvel film Ant-Man. These early projects established Taylor's presence in both comedy and superhero genres, laying the groundwork for larger opportunities while he balanced acting with his Tennessee roots.[11][2]Career
Early acting roles
Taylor began his professional acting career with a guest role as Albert on the television series Reed Between the Lines in 2011. At the age of 10, he had a small credited role as a "Boy" in the biographical sports drama 42 (2013), directed by Brian Helgeland, which chronicled the life of Jackie Robinson.[15][2] In 2015, he appeared in several films in minor capacities, marking his initial foray into larger productions. Taylor portrayed a "Bully" in the Marvel Cinematic Universe film Ant-Man (2015), directed by Peyton Reed, though the role was uncredited.[16][10] He also played a "Kid" in the family comedy Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip (2015), where his character schemes with another boy to sabotage the chipmunks during their adventures.[17][11] Additionally, Taylor took on the role of Young Chris in the Hallmark TV movie The History of Us (2015), a coming-of-age story about family reconciliation.[18][4] These early appearances were primarily uncredited or supporting parts in ensemble casts, allowing Taylor to gain on-set experience in both independent and studio-backed projects before landing his breakout lead role in 2017. Prior to these film roles, he had been acting since age eight, including commercials for networks like Cartoon Network and DreamWorks, which helped build his resume in the industry.[10][2]Breakthrough and major films
Taylor's breakthrough came with his portrayal of Ben Hanscom in the 2017 horror film It, directed by Andy Muschietti and based on Stephen King's novel.[19] In the film, Taylor played the shy, overweight newcomer to the Losers' Club who confronts the shape-shifting entity Pennywise alongside his young friends, earning praise for his emotional depth and vulnerability in a role that highlighted his acting range.[4] The movie grossed over $700 million worldwide, becoming one of the highest-grossing horror films of all time and propelling Taylor into mainstream recognition at age 14.[19] In 2017, he also appeared as Emmett in the disaster film Geostorm, though uncredited.[20] Following this success, Taylor starred as Sonny Quinn in the family horror-comedy Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween (2018), where he depicted a inventive teenager who accidentally unleashes monsters from R.L. Stine's books, teaming up with his sister and friends to contain the chaos.[21] The film, a sequel to the 2015 Goosebumps, featured Taylor alongside Madison Iseman and Wendi McLendon-Covey, and it received positive reception for its lighthearted scares and ensemble chemistry, further solidifying his presence in the young adult genre. He reprised his role as the young Ben Hanscom in It Chapter Two (2019), appearing in flashback sequences that bridged the adult Losers' return to Derry to battle Pennywise once more. Directed again by Muschietti, the sequel explored themes of trauma and friendship, with Taylor's performance providing poignant continuity to the character's arc from childhood innocence to adult resilience. The film earned over $473 million globally, underscoring the franchise's enduring impact.Recent projects
Following his breakout roles in the late 2010s, Jeremy Ray Taylor expanded into varied genres in television and streaming films during the early 2020s. In 2019, he appeared as Graham in the Nickelodeon miniseries Are You Afraid of the Dark?, playing a member of the new Midnight Society who shares spooky tales.[22] In 2020, he joined the cast of the ABC crime thriller series Big Sky for its first season, playing Bridger Ryan, the son of a truck-stop owner entangled in a kidnapping plot. The series, created by David E. Kelley and inspired by C. J. Box's novels, aired from November 2020 to March 2021.[23] Taylor returned to horror with a supporting role in the 2021 Netflix film Nightbooks, directed by David Yarovesky and based on J. A. White's novel. He portrayed Fred Figglehorn, a resourceful storyteller who aids the protagonist in outwitting a witch holding children captive through enchanted tales.[24] The movie, which premiered on September 15, 2021, blended fantasy elements with suspense, earning praise for its atmospheric production design. Shifting to comedy, Taylor appeared in the 2022 Netflix film Senior Year, directed by Brad Silberling, as Neil Chudd, a high school student navigating the chaos caused by an adult woman (Rebel Wilson) returning to complete her diploma after two decades in a coma. Released on May 13, 2022, the ensemble comedy highlighted Taylor's comedic timing alongside co-stars like Mary Holland and Michael Cimino.[25] In 2025, Taylor starred in two theatrical releases, marking a return to leading roles. He played Julian, the inexperienced son of a crime boss, in the action-comedy London Calling, directed by Allan Ungar. The plot follows a hitman (Josh Duhamel) tasked with toughening up Julian during a botched job in London, blending humor with heist elements. The film opened on September 19, 2025, to mixed reviews for its buddy dynamic.[26][6] Taylor described working with Duhamel as inspiring, noting the actor's mentorship on set.[6] Later that year, Taylor appeared as Chris, one of a group of friends accompanying 16-year-old Simon (Maxwell Jenkins), who rebels against his strict Mormon upbringing by crossing into Canada for a weekend of freedom, leading to personal reckonings, in the coming-of-age drama This Too Shall Pass, written and directed by Rob Grant. The film, which premiered on October 24, 2025, via Blue Fox Entertainment, received positive notices for its heartfelt exploration of adolescence and identity.[27][5]Other ventures
Directing and producing
Taylor made his directorial debut with the short film Unarmed Divide in 2020. The project, which he directed, explores the struggles of a Marine veteran dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) upon returning home. Filmed in accordance with SAG-AFTRA guidelines, the short premiered at a red carpet event in Bristol, Tennessee, on October 29, 2020, highlighting Taylor's interest in storytelling focused on veterans' mental health issues.[28][29] In addition to directing, Taylor has ventured into producing as an executive producer on the 2025 action-comedy film London Calling, in which he also stars as Julian. Co-executive produced with his mother, Tracy Taylor, the film follows a down-on-his-luck hitman who, after a job gone wrong, is forced to babysit the son of a crime boss and teach him how to become a man through a series of action-packed challenges. This marks Taylor's first credited producing role on a feature-length project, demonstrating his expanding involvement in film production.[30][26]Podcasting
Jeremy Ray Taylor co-hosts the podcast HalfTorqued alongside Matt Smith, a testicular cancer survivor, focusing on car enthusiasm, restoration projects, and community building within the automotive hobby.[31] The show aims to make car culture more accessible and less intimidating, covering topics such as luxury vehicles, automotive branding, custom designs, and dream garage selections, often featuring interviews with industry figures like custom automotive designers.[32] Episodes typically run on a weekly schedule, with content distributed via platforms like iHeartRadio and YouTube, and the podcast has produced at least 11 episodes as of late 2025, including discussions on high-performance cars like the Corvette ZR1 and NASCAR trends.[32] HalfTorqued also integrates philanthropy, partnering with the Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation (TCAF) to raise funds through events like the 2025 Dyno Day & Car Show in Johnson City, Tennessee, where proceeds support awareness and survivor initiatives.[31] Taylor's involvement ties into his personal interest in cars, as highlighted in promotional efforts for his film London Calling, where the hosts restored a 1969 Pontiac Grand Prix featured in the movie.[31] Beyond hosting, Taylor has appeared as a guest on several podcasts, discussing his acting career and personal growth. In 2019, he joined the Jesus Calling podcast to share insights on faith and self-worth alongside actress Priscilla Shirer, emphasizing how spiritual principles guide his life amid Hollywood pressures.[33] In 2025, he guested on Crazy Train Radio, where he talked about his roles in It and It Chapter Two, his car passion, and the launch of HalfTorqued.[34] Additional appearances include The Kingcast, discussing his interest in horror films like Pet Sematary (2019), along with his roles in the It adaptations, and promotional interviews for projects such as This Too Shall Pass.[35]Personal life
Marriage and relationships
Taylor has been married to Kaylie Faith since February 2024.[10] The couple, who began dating in late 2017, announced their engagement in September 2023 after knowing each other for six years.[36] They have since appeared together at public events, including the Los Angeles premiere of London Calling in September 2025, where Taylor introduced Faith as his wife.[37] No prior long-term relationships for Taylor have been publicly documented.Philanthropic activities
Jeremy Ray Taylor has been actively involved in various philanthropic efforts, particularly those supporting children, education, and community welfare. In 2018, he began collaborating with Isaiah 117 House, a Tennessee-based organization that provides temporary safe housing and support for children removed from their homes and awaiting foster placement.[38][13] In 2019, Taylor served as a teen ambassador for Safe and Sound Schools, participating in the "Good Days" Tour—a national campaign aimed at promoting positive school environments, reducing bullying, and enhancing student safety. The initiative included school assemblies, a contest for high schools to implement anti-bullying programs, and a theme song co-created with the organization. Taylor emphasized his passion for addressing bullying, drawing from personal experiences to advocate for safer learning spaces. The tour visited multiple schools across the United States, culminating in virtual events during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.[39][40] Taylor's philanthropy extends to broader causes, including support for the Salvation Army through holiday volunteering, such as bell ringing and packing boxes for Operation Christmas Child. He has also contributed to Free The Girls, an organization aiding women rescued from sex trafficking by providing job training to facilitate their reintegration into society. Additionally, he donates to Feed My Lambs, a program supporting a school in Uganda for orphaned and vulnerable children; Taylor has highlighted the resilience and joy of these children despite their hardships. Taylor has highlighted the personal benefits of these activities, stating that volunteering improves his mental health and that the true reward comes from helping others.[13] More recently, through his co-hosted YouTube channel and podcast HalfTorqued, launched in collaboration with Matt Smith—a testicular cancer survivor—Taylor has organized fundraising events for the Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation. In 2025, this included the HalfTorqued Dyno Day & Car Show in Johnson City, Tennessee, which featured vehicle displays, dyno runs, and donations to support awareness, survivor aid, and early detection efforts. These initiatives align with Taylor's commitment to using his platform for positive impact in health and community outreach.[31][41]Filmography
Film
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 42 | Boy | Uncredited |
| 2015 | Ant-Man | Bully | Uncredited |
| 2015 | Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip | Kid | |
| 2015 | The History of Us | Young Chris | TV movie[42] |
| 2017 | Geostorm | Emmett | |
| 2017 | It | Ben Hanscom | |
| 2018 | Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween | Sonny Quinn | |
| 2019 | It Chapter Two | Young Ben Hanscom | |
| 2021 | Nightbooks | Fred Figglehorn | Uncredited[43] |
| 2022 | Senior Year | Neil Chudd | |
| 2025 | This Too Shall Pass | Chris | |
| 2025 | London Calling | Julian |
Television
Taylor began his television career with a guest appearance as Albert in the episode "The 'C' Is Silent" of the BET sitcom Reed Between the Lines in 2011.[44] In 2016, he had a minor role as Another Kid in the TNT crime drama Good Behavior.[45] Taylor appeared as himself in five episodes of the Snapchat mockumentary series James Corden's Next James Corden in 2018, which earned a nomination for an Emmy Award for Outstanding Short Form Comedy or Drama Series.[46][47] He guest-starred as Reed in the episode "Tamagotchis and Bells" of the ABC sitcom Schooled in 2019. That same year, Taylor portrayed Graham Raimi, a member of the Midnight Society, in three episodes of the Nickelodeon horror anthology series revival Are You Afraid of the Dark?.[48] From 2021 to 2022, he had a recurring role as Bridger Ryan, the son of a detective, across 11 episodes in the second season of the ABC crime thriller Big Sky.[23][49]| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Reed Between the Lines | Albert | Episode: "The 'C' Is Silent" [50] |
| 2016 | Good Behavior | Another Kid | Episode: "Your New Friend, Efrem" [51] |
| 2018 | James Corden's Next James Corden | Himself | 5 episodes [52] |
| 2019 | Schooled | Reed | Episode: "Tamagotchis and Bells" [53] |
| 2019 | Are You Afraid of the Dark? | Graham Raimi | 3 episodes [54] |
| 2021–2022 | Big Sky | Bridger Ryan | 11 episodes, season 2 [55] |
[51]: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4855114/
[52]: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8134442/
[53]: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8166362/
[54]: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10473306/
[55]: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11794642/