CHARLIE MCDERMOTT

Name & Personal Details

Charles Joseph “Charlie” McDermott Jr. was born on April 6, 1990, in West Chester, Pennsylvania, and is currently 35 years old . He’s an American actor, director, writer, and folk musician.

Early Life & Education

Growing up in West Chester, Charlie was the eldest in a family of three siblings. He briefly attended Salesianum School in Wilmington, Delaware, before graduating from the Pennsylvania Leadership Charter School, an online learning academy, to accommodate his early acting career . At age 16, he moved to Los Angeles to immerse himself in acting full-time .

Breakthrough Acting Career

Charlie launched his career with a role in M. Night Shyamalan’s The Village (2004) and soon appeared in various TV and indie film projects .

• In 2006, he starred as Wild Bill in Disappearances, training authentically by chopping wood and ditching modern tech to prepare .

• His powerhouse performance as Troy “T.J.” Eddy in Frozen River (2008) earned him a nomination for the Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Male .

Television Fame & Notable Roles

From 2009 to 2018, Charlie became a familiar face as Axl Heck on the ABC sitcom The Middle, appearing in all 215 episodes and even directing one . He also had guest roles on series like The Office, Medium, and Private Practice .

Film & Streaming Appearances

Beyond his television success, Charlie contributed to several memorable films:

• Sex Drive (2008) – in a lead comedic role

• Hot Tub Time Machine (2010) – as Chaz

• Morning (2010) and Instant Family (2018) – supporting performances

• Countdown (2019) and the Netflix miniseries Unbelievable (2019), where he played Ty in three episodes .

Filmmaking & Creative Ventures

Charlie expanded his creative pursuits with writing and directing credits. In 2015, he wrote, directed, and starred in ImagiGARY, a comedic feature . He also directed short films and made behind-the-scenes contributions to The Middle .

Music Career & Current Activities

Since around 2020, Charlie has channeled his creativity into folk music, releasing experimental singles and exploring songwriting and performance . His transition into music demonstrates his evolving artistry beyond acting.

Awards & Recognition

• 2008: Nominated for Best Supporting Male at the Independent Spirit Awards for Frozen River .

• 2011: Young Artist Award nomination for ensemble acting in The Middle .

Personal Life

In 2017, Charlie married Sara Rejaie, marking a meaningful chapter in his personal life . He maintains a close connection to family and credits them as a source of inspiration .

Charlie McDermott’s journey—from a curious Pennsylvania teen submitting short films in school to a versatile creative voice in acting, directing, and music—is guided by passion, authenticity, and steady reinvention. His story continues to unfold, marked by thoughtful artistry and early ambition.