English actor Asa Butterfield stars in Martin Scorsese’s fantasy children’s movie Hugo this season, playing an orphan who lives in a London train station and has a secret to uncover. Asa is no stranger to the big screen though, this blue-eyed British teen has been acting since he was 7 years old. Find out more in his Kidzworld Bio!
London Lad
Asa Butterfield comes from Islington, England, but the 14-year-old actor currently lives in London with his older brother Morgan (a drummer for the band Oats) and his younger sister Loxie. Asa first started acting in his hometown at the young age of seven at the Young Actors Theater, soon after starting landing small roles like Donny in the film Ashes to Ashes.
The Boy in the Striped Pajamas
Asa’s big break came when he auditioned for the World War II drama The Boy in the Striped Pajamas. Mark Herman, the director, said that he knew right away that Asa was a talent to watch, but decided to audition hundreds of boys before telling Asa that the part was his. They purposely didn’t tell Asa much about the historical facts the movie revolved around in order to portray the innocence of the character sincerely. Asa was nominated for Most Promising Newcomer in the Independent British Film Awards, and also nominated for Young British Performer of the Year at the London Critics Circle Film Awards for his outstanding performance.
Merlin to Movies
After The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, Asa began appearing on Merlin, a TV show about King Arthur and his knights, as a mystery boy with a dark prophecy surrounding his destiny. This was Asa’s first step into fantasy, since his next big movie roles required some magic too! He played Norman in the Nanny MacPhee and the Big Bang alongside award-winning actress Emma Thompson. He’s in another whimsical history-meets-fantasy film this holiday season, playing the title character Hugo Cabret in Martin Scorsese’s 3D film Hugo. The movie is based on the book The Invention of Hugo Cabret! His next film is also based on a book, but instead of the past it takes place in a bleak version of the future. Asa plays Ender Wiggin in the sci-fi thriller Ender’s Game.
Did You Know...
Asa loves taking care of his cats, playing squash and reading.
Have Your Say
What do you think of Asa Butterfield? Will you be seeing Hugo over the holidays? Leave a comment and let us know!
