Joey Pollari Bio: Career, Movies, TV Shows, Music & Personal Life
Joey Pollari is an American actor, musician, and director known for his work across television, film, and music. He gained early attention through Disney projects before taking on more mature roles.
Pollari became widely recognized for playing Eric Tanner in ABC’s American Crime. He later appeared in the acclaimed teen romance Love, Simon.
His career also includes Skyrunners, Avalon High, The Inbetweeners, The Obituary of Tunde Johnson, and Sugar.
More recently, Pollari expanded his screen credits with projects such as SEAL Team, Things Like This, and Monster: The Ed Gein Story.
Joey Pollari Age and Birthplace
Joey Pollari was born on April 9, 1994, in St. Paul, Minnesota.
As of August 2026, Joey Pollari is 32 years old.
He grew up in Minnesota and developed an interest in acting during childhood. His early experiences eventually led him toward professional acting opportunities.
Pollari attended acting lessons through Stagecoach Theatre Arts. He also gained valuable stage experience during his younger years.
His stage credits include performances at the Guthrie Theater, Ordway Center, and SteppingStone Theatre. These experiences helped strengthen his performance skills.
How Did Joey Pollari Start Acting?
Pollari entered entertainment after attending a scouting event in downtown Minneapolis with his mother.
The experience quickly changed his career path. He received callbacks from several agents the following day.
He eventually began appearing in professional productions while still young. His early work helped him build confidence in front of cameras.
In 2006, Pollari appeared on the television crime series Cold Case. He played a newsboy in the episode titled “The Hen House.”
That appearance marked one of his earliest television credits. However, his career soon moved toward larger youth-oriented productions.
Joey Pollari and Skyrunners
One of Pollari’s early breakthrough roles came with the Disney XD movie Skyrunners.
The 2009 science-fiction film follows two brothers who discover a mysterious spacecraft. Pollari played Tyler Burns alongside Kelly Blatz.
The movie premiered on Disney XD in November 2009. Pollari was only 15 when the film reached audiences.
The project introduced him to a wider young audience. It also established Pollari as a promising young television performer.
Joey Pollari in Avalon High
In 2010, Pollari appeared in Disney’s Avalon High. He played Miles, a character connected to the film’s teenage storyline.
The movie starred Britt Robertson and Gregg Sulkin. It gave Pollari another major opportunity within Disney’s young-adult entertainment space.
Afterward, Pollari continued pursuing different television and film roles. His career gradually moved beyond family-focused productions.
Joey Pollari in The Inbetweeners
Pollari later joined MTV’s American adaptation of The Inbetweeners.
The comedy followed teenagers dealing with friendships, school, dating, and growing into adulthood. Pollari played a leading role in the series.
Although the show had a short run, it added another major television credit to his résumé.
Pollari subsequently appeared in several television productions. These included Major Crimes, Up All Night, and Saint George.
Joey Pollari in American Crime
A major turning point arrived when Pollari joined the second season of American Crime.
He played Eric Tanner, an accused perpetrator involved in the season’s complex criminal storyline.
The role represented a significant change from his earlier Disney work. Pollari tackled heavier themes and demonstrated a more mature dramatic range.
His performance attracted attention from critics and audiences. The role also helped establish him as a serious dramatic actor.
Joey Pollari in Love, Simon
In 2018, Pollari appeared in the groundbreaking teen romance Love, Simon.
He played Lyle, one of Simon Spier’s potential romantic interests. Nick Robinson played the film’s central character, Simon.
The movie became an important mainstream studio release centered on a gay teenage romance. Pollari’s appearance therefore became an important part of his career.
Love, Simon also introduced Pollari to a much broader international audience. Rotten Tomatoes currently lists the film among his highest-rated movie credits.
Joey Pollari and His Coming-Out Story
Pollari has spoken publicly about his sexuality and his personal journey.
He came out as gay at 18 to friends and family. His experiences later influenced how audiences understood some of his creative work.
His role in Love, Simon gained additional significance because the film focused on LGBTQ+ identity and young love.
However, Pollari has developed his career beyond any single role or personal story. He has continued working across television, film, music, and directing.
Joey Pollari in The Obituary of Tunde Johnson
In 2019, Pollari appeared in the independent drama The Obituary of Tunde Johnson.
He played Charlie Laveyen in the film. The story explores race, sexuality, privilege, and police violence through a young Black teenager’s experience.
The movie received strong critical attention. Rotten Tomatoes currently lists it among Pollari’s highest-rated films.
The project also demonstrated Pollari’s interest in socially significant stories. He continued choosing roles that differed from his earlier youth-oriented work.
Joey Pollari’s Music Career
Acting represents only one side of Pollari’s creative career. He also works as a musician and director.
Pollari released his debut album, About Men, around 2019 and 2020. The project explored themes connected with love, identity, relationships, and queer experiences.
He also directed music videos connected with his musical work. This creative involvement allowed him to control more aspects of his artistic expression.
In 2024, Pollari released his second album, I’ll Be Romance. The album expanded his musical identity beyond his acting career.
His transition into music shows another side of his artistic development. Rather than focusing exclusively on acting, he has explored several creative disciplines.
Joey Pollari in SEAL Team
Pollari later returned to television with appearances in SEAL Team.
He played Ben Gossett across multiple episodes between 2022 and 2024. The role added a military drama to his growing television résumé.
The series also gave him another opportunity to work within a more adult television setting.
Joey Pollari in Sugar
In 2024, Pollari appeared in the Apple TV+ series Sugar.
The mystery drama stars Colin Farrell as private investigator John Sugar. Pollari joined the series in a recurring role.
His appearance continued his pattern of choosing varied television projects. It also placed him within a high-profile streaming production.
Joey Pollari in Things Like This
In 2025, Pollari starred in the independent romantic comedy Things Like This.
He played Zack Mandel in the film. The project explored relationships and romance through a contemporary queer perspective.
The movie added another leading film credit to Pollari’s career. It also highlighted his continued connection with LGBTQ+ stories.
Joey Pollari in Monster: The Ed Gein Story
Pollari also appeared in the 2025 series Monster: The Ed Gein Story.
He portrayed Anthony Perkins in the Netflix production. Charlie Hunnam led the series as Ed Gein.
The project gave Pollari another opportunity to work within a darker dramatic genre. It also expanded his television work into true-crime-inspired storytelling.
Joey Pollari’s Latest Projects
Pollari continues to build his acting résumé in 2026.
Current industry listings include The Beauty, where he plays Mike. The project represents another recent addition to his television work.
IMDb also lists Pollari in the 2026 series American Horror Story. He appears as Ben DeSoto in the current listing.
His recent credits suggest an increasingly diverse career. Pollari now moves comfortably between television dramas, films, independent projects, and music.
Joey Pollari Movies and TV Shows
Some of Joey Pollari’s notable movies and TV shows include:
- Cold Case — Newsboy
- Skyrunners — Tyler Burns
- Avalon High — Miles
- Profile of a Killer — David Jenks
- The Inbetweeners — Will McKenzie
- Major Crimes — Wesley Grant
- Saint George — Tanner Whitman
- American Crime — Eric Tanner
- Love, Simon — Lyle
- The Obituary of Tunde Johnson — Charlie Laveyen
- SEAL Team — Ben Gossett
- Sugar — Moss
- Things Like This — Zack Mandel
- Monster: The Ed Gein Story — Anthony Perkins
- The Beauty — Mike
- American Horror Story — Ben DeSoto
Joey Pollari Awards and Recognition
Pollari received recognition early in his career through the Young Artist Awards.
He won the 2010 Young Artist Award for Best Performance in a TV Movie, Miniseries or Special. He also earned a nomination the following year.
His later dramatic performances brought further critical attention. In particular, his work on American Crime helped strengthen his reputation as a versatile actor.
What Is Joey Pollari Doing Now?
Joey Pollari continues working as an actor, musician, and creative artist.
His recent film and television credits show that his career remains active. At the same time, his music continues to provide another outlet for his creativity.
Pollari has successfully moved beyond his early Disney image. Today, his résumé includes comedy, drama, romance, mystery, and darker television projects.
His career demonstrates how a young performer can evolve through different creative stages. He has built a diverse career instead of relying on one defining role.
Frequently Asked Questions About Joey Pollari
How old is Joey Pollari?
Joey Pollari is 32 years old as of August 2026. He was born on April 9, 1994.
Where was Joey Pollari born?
Joey Pollari was born in St. Paul, Minnesota, United States.
What is Joey Pollari famous for?
He is best known for American Crime, Love, Simon, Skyrunners, and The Inbetweeners.
Who did Joey Pollari play in Love, Simon?
Pollari played Lyle, one of Simon’s potential romantic interests.
Is Joey Pollari a musician?
Yes. Pollari is also a musician and director. He released About Men and later I’ll Be Romance.
What is Joey Pollari’s latest movie?
One of his recent films is Things Like This, released in 2025.
What shows has Joey Pollari appeared in recently?
His recent television credits include SEAL Team, Sugar, Monster: The Ed Gein Story, The Beauty, and American Horror Story.
Final Thoughts on Joey Pollari
Joey Pollari has developed from a child actor into a versatile adult performer and musician.
His early Disney roles introduced him to television audiences. Later, American Crime demonstrated his ability to handle challenging dramatic material.
Meanwhile, Love, Simon became one of his most recognizable film credits. His independent films further expanded his artistic range.
His music career has also allowed him to express ideas beyond traditional acting. Therefore, Pollari represents a modern multi-hyphenate performer.
With new television and film credits continuing into 2026, his career remains one to watch.
