I was busy unpacking a Paul Smith garment bag when actor Fred Hechinger walked into the studio, and while he was humble in height, he was extremely impressive and inviting in personality. I could see how this young man was already wowing Hollywood and starring opposite Academy Award winner Tom Hanks in News of the World. While watching him being photographed, I witnessed how he could transform himself with every outfit and create any mood. It might sound funny to some, but if I could describe his acting talents as anything, it would be “forever employable.”

Fred Hechinger first got on my radar during lockdown when I finally got to catch up on my Netflix queue. On my list was a movie called Alex Strangelove. In it, a young actor named Fred Hechinger had a small supporting role as a friend to the title character, and his performance as the confident yet confused social media protagonist left me awed. This was the first time I have seen the work of this actor and I knew I would be seeing more of him. And, as we emerged from lockdown Fred seems to be everywhere! 

He’s starred in an episode of Barry Jenkin’s The Underground Railroad, was opposite Tom Hanks in News of the World, and even went to toe-to-toe with Amy Adams in The Woman in the Window in a spellbinding performance. Recently, he was in Netflix’s Fear Street and on HBO’s White Lotus. At just 21-years-old, the versatile actor is proving his range and ability to tackle any genre from drama to comedy. With an acting resume any young actor in Hollywood would kill for, Hechinger is proving to be a rare talent and one to watch.