Biography of Ezra Miller

Early Life and Background

Ezra Matthew Miller was born on September 30, 1992, in Wyckoff, New Jersey, USA. They are the child of Marta Miller, a modern dancer, and Robert S. Miller, a former senior vice president and managing director of Hyperion Books. Ezra grew up in a creative and supportive household alongside their two older sisters. Miller showed an early interest in performing arts and began training as an opera singer at the age of six, performing in various productions, including Philip Glass' opera White Raven. This early exposure to the arts would help shape their future acting career.

Miller attended the Hudson School and later transferred to The Rockland Country Day School, but dropped out at the age of 16 to focus on their acting career. Ezra’s passion for acting and their unique style made them stand out early on in the industry.

Career Beginnings

Ezra Miller made their feature film debut in the 2008 drama Afterschool, directed by Antonio Campos. Miller played the role of Robert, a boarding school student who accidentally films the tragic death of two classmates. The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and received critical praise, marking the beginning of Miller’s rise in the independent film scene.

Following their debut, Miller took on more roles in independent and mainstream films, including:

• City Island (2009) - A family dramedy where Miller portrayed Vince Rizzo Jr., the son of Andy Garcia's character.
• Every Day (2010) - A family drama where Miller played Jonah, the teenage son struggling with his sexual identity.

Breakthrough Role in We Need to Talk About Kevin

Miller’s breakout role came in 2011 with the psychological thriller We Need to Talk About Kevin, directed by Lynne Ramsay. Miller portrayed Kevin Khatchadourian, a disturbed teenager with a complex and sinister relationship with his mother, played by Tilda Swinton. Miller’s chilling and intense performance earned widespread critical acclaim, solidifying their status as one of the most promising young actors in Hollywood.

The film, which explores the aftermath of a high school massacre committed by Kevin, was a critical success and garnered attention at film festivals worldwide. Miller’s portrayal of Kevin was praised for its raw emotional depth and complexity, showcasing their ability to tackle dark and challenging roles.

Other Notable Roles

After the success of We Need to Talk About Kevin, Ezra Miller continued to take on a variety of roles in both independent films and larger studio projects, including:

• The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012) - Miller played Patrick, an openly gay high school student, in this coming-of-age drama based on the novel by Stephen Chbosky. The film, which also starred Logan Lerman and Emma Watson, became a critical and commercial success, and Miller’s portrayal of Patrick was widely praised for its warmth, humor, and vulnerability.
• Madame Bovary (2014) - In this period drama based on the classic novel by Gustave Flaubert, Miller played Léon Dupuis, a young law student who has an affair with the titular character.
• Trainwreck (2015) - Miller had a memorable supporting role as Donald, an eager-to-please intern, in this comedy starring Amy Schumer and directed by Judd Apatow.

Role as The Flash in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU)

In 2016, Ezra Miller joined the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) as Barry Allen/The Flash, making their debut in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016). Miller’s portrayal of The Flash, a young and energetic speedster, brought a fresh and comedic energy to the superhero franchise. They reprised the role in Justice League (2017) and the 2021 director’s cut, Zack Snyder's Justice League.

Their portrayal of The Flash earned them a loyal fan base, and Miller is set to star in the standalone DCEU film The Flash, which is scheduled for release in 2023. The film will explore Barry Allen’s ability to travel through time and alter the timeline, bringing together different iterations of DC characters from various universes.

Role in Fantastic Beasts

In addition to their work in the DCEU, Ezra Miller also became a part of the Fantastic Beasts franchise, a spin-off of the Harry Potter series. Miller played Credence Barebone, a troubled young man with powerful magical abilities, in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016) and its sequels Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald (2018) and Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore (2022).

Miller’s portrayal of Credence brought an emotional complexity to the character, and their performance was praised for capturing the internal conflict and vulnerability of the role. The franchise further established Miller as a key player in major Hollywood blockbusters.

Personal Life and Activism

Ezra Miller identifies as non-binary and uses they/them pronouns. They have been open about their identity and are an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, often using their platform to raise awareness about gender identity and queer issues. Miller has spoken about the importance of representation in the media and has been praised for their commitment to breaking down barriers in Hollywood.

Miller has also been involved in activism related to environmental issues, Indigenous rights, and social justice. They have participated in various protests and campaigns aimed at promoting equality and sustainability.

Challenges and Controversies

In recent years, Miller has faced several controversies, including legal issues and public incidents that have drawn significant media attention. Despite these challenges, they continue to work in the film industry and maintain a strong presence in Hollywood. Miller has been candid about their struggles and is committed to addressing these challenges while continuing to pursue their acting career.

Future Projects

As of 2024, Ezra Miller is set to star in the highly anticipated The Flash film, which is expected to play a pivotal role in the future of the DCEU. Despite the controversies surrounding them, Miller remains an important figure in the world of cinema, with their unique talent and bold approach to acting continuing to captivate audiences.

Conclusion

Ezra Miller has made a name for themselves as one of the most versatile and intriguing actors of their generation. From their breakout role in We Need to Talk About Kevin to their performances in major franchises like the DCEU and Fantastic Beasts, Miller has shown a remarkable ability to bring depth and complexity to a wide range of characters. Their activism and commitment to breaking boundaries in Hollywood make them a unique and influential figure in both the entertainment industry and the world at large.