Young Actors With Crazy Hobbies Ranked
Beyond the glitz and glamour of the red carpet, many of Hollywood’s rising stars maintain surprisingly complex and unusual personal interests. While some actors prefer standard leisure activities like travel or reading, others dedicate significant time to mastering niche skills and obscure crafts. These pursuits often range from competitive athletics and technical engineering to ancient artisanal traditions and professional-level gaming. Understanding these extracurricular passions provides a unique window into the discipline and creativity that these performers bring to their professional roles.
Caleb McLaughlin
Caleb McLaughlin is a highly trained dancer who specialized in various styles long before his breakout role in ‘Stranger Things’ (2016–2025). He began his training at the Harlem School of the Arts and performed as Young Simba in the Broadway production of ‘The Lion King’. The actor frequently shares choreographed routines on social media, demonstrating a professional level of rhythm and coordination. This background in physical performance has allowed him to perform many of his own stunts and movements in action-heavy sequences.
Logan Lerman
Logan Lerman is a dedicated musician who focuses on playing the guitar and composing original music in his private time. He has often stated that music serves as a vital creative outlet when he is not busy on film sets like ‘The Perks of Being a Wallflower’ (2012). Lerman occasionally collaborates with other musicians and friends to record tracks, though he rarely releases them to the public. His interest in the technical side of sound production often informs his appreciation for the scores of the projects he leads.
Archie Renaux
Archie Renaux is an avid boxing enthusiast who incorporates rigorous combat training into his daily fitness routine. The star of ‘Shadow and Bone’ (2021–2023) spends significant time in the gym practicing footwork and heavy bag drills to maintain his physicality. He has noted that the discipline required for boxing translates well to the focus needed for long days of filming. Renaux often seeks out boxing gyms while traveling for work to ensure he never misses a training session.
Connor Swindells
Connor Swindells pursued a serious amateur boxing career before transitioning into professional acting. He initially turned to the sport as a way to manage his energy and build physical strength during his teenage years. His athleticism was prominently displayed in his role as Adam Groff in the popular series ‘Sex Education’ (2019–2023). Although he now focuses on his screen career, he remains a dedicated fan of the sport and continues to train regularly for fitness and mental clarity.
Daryl McCormack
Daryl McCormack grew up playing traditional Irish sports, specifically hurling and Gaelic football, in his home county of Tipperary. He represented his local club, Nenagh Éire Óg, at various levels before moving to Dublin to study acting. The ‘Good Luck to You, Leo Grande’ (2022) star attributes much of his physical presence and teamwork skills to his years on the field. He continues to follow the Irish sporting seasons closely and participates in casual matches when his schedule permits.
Harris Dickinson
Harris Dickinson is a passionate amateur cinematographer and photographer who enjoys capturing life behind the lens. He often brings his own cameras to film sets, such as ‘The Iron Claw’ (2023), to document the process and the environments he inhabits. Dickinson has expressed a deep interest in the technical aspects of framing and lighting, often experimenting with film stocks and vintage equipment. His hobby has led him to explore directing, as he seeks to understand every facet of visual storytelling.
Jacob Elordi
Jacob Elordi is a devoted film photographer who is rarely seen without a Leica or a vintage point-and-shoot camera. He specializes in candid black-and-white portraiture, often capturing his co-stars and behind-the-scenes moments on productions like ‘Euphoria’ (2019–). Elordi has amassed a significant collection of cameras and enjoys the slow, deliberate process of developing physical film. His work has been featured in various fashion publications, showcasing his eye for composition and natural lighting.
Joe Keery
Joe Keery is a professional-level musician who performs under the stage name Djo and was formerly a member of the psych-rock band Post Animal. He spends much of his time between acting projects writing, recording, and producing complex indie-rock albums. His music career is not merely a side project, as he has toured extensively and received critical acclaim for his songwriting. The ‘Stranger Things’ (2016–2025) star often utilizes his musical background to influence the rhythm and timing of his comedic performances.
Felix Mallard
Felix Mallard was a competitive fencer in Australia before he achieved international fame as an actor. He competed at the state and national levels, reaching a high rank in the sport during his teenage years. Mallard has noted that the agility and strategic thinking required for fencing have been beneficial in his physical roles. He continues to practice the sport occasionally and maintains a deep respect for the technical precision it demands.
Mike Faist
Mike Faist is a classically trained dancer whose background in musical theater required years of intensive ballet and contemporary training. He spent his early career on Broadway in productions like ‘Newsies’ and ‘Dear Evan Hansen’ before transitioning to film. His exceptional movement skills were a central component of his performance as Riff in the ‘West Side Story’ (2021) remake. Faist continues to incorporate dance into his lifestyle as a way to maintain the specific physicality required for his demanding roles.
Jeremy Allen White
Jeremy Allen White spent many years training as a dancer, focusing on ballet, jazz, and tap during his youth. This early discipline in movement has contributed to the intense, physical acting style seen in his work on ‘The Bear’ (2022–). White has mentioned that he originally intended to pursue a professional career in dance before finding his calling in theater. He still relies on his dance background to help him understand the blocking and “choreography” of complex dramatic scenes.
Ansel Elgort
Ansel Elgort is a multi-talented artist who spends his leisure time producing electronic music and practicing professional-grade tap dancing. Under the name Anslo, he has released several tracks and performed as a DJ at various international music festivals. His tap dancing skills were cultivated from a young age and have been showcased in several of his film roles. Elgort also enjoys high-level rock climbing and frequently shares his outdoor adventures with his followers.
Tanner Buchanan
Tanner Buchanan is an accomplished dancer who competed in national tap dance tournaments throughout his childhood and adolescence. In addition to his skills on the dance floor, he is a dedicated practitioner of martial arts, particularly Taekwondo and Muay Thai. These hobbies were essential for his role in the series ‘Cobra Kai’ (2018–2025), where he performs a majority of his own stunts. Buchanan often spends his downtime refining his combat techniques and learning new forms of movement.
Joe Locke
Joe Locke is an enthusiastic baker who finds relaxation in creating complex pastries and desserts during his time off. He has shared that he enjoys the precision and chemistry involved in baking, often experimenting with difficult recipes at home. The ‘Heartstopper’ (2022–) star frequently brings his homemade treats to film sets to share with the cast and crew. This hobby serves as a grounded, domestic contrast to the fast-paced nature of his professional life.
Will Poulter
Will Poulter has developed a profound passion for the culinary arts, often spending his free time training in professional kitchens. He took his interest a step further by learning advanced cooking techniques to prepare for his guest role in ‘The Bear’ (2022–). Poulter enjoys the high-pressure environment of a kitchen and finds the process of preparing a meal to be a meditative experience. He is known among his peers for hosting elaborate dinner parties where he showcases his evolving skills.
Kit Connor
Kit Connor has become a dedicated powerlifter and fitness enthusiast, often documenting his intensive training sessions in the gym. He underwent a significant physical transformation for his roles, developing a passion for heavy lifting and bodybuilding in the process. Connor works with professional trainers to master complex lifts and maintains a strict nutritional regimen to support his goals. His commitment to physical fitness has become a defining part of his personal brand outside of his acting work.
Hero Fiennes Tiffin
Hero Fiennes Tiffin is a devoted fan and player of soccer, having played the sport competitively throughout his youth. He often participates in charity matches and joins local games whenever he is on location for a film shoot. The ‘After’ (2019) star follows the English Premier League closely and has stated that the sport is his primary way of staying active. He values the team dynamics and the competitive nature of the game as a healthy outlet away from the industry.
Andrew Garfield
Andrew Garfield was a competitive gymnast during his childhood, a skill that significantly influenced his later portrayal of ‘The Amazing Spider-Man’ (2012). He spent years training on various apparatuses, which gave him a unique sense of spatial awareness and flexibility. Although he eventually moved away from professional competition, he still utilizes his acrobatic abilities for physical roles. Garfield often incorporates elements of his gymnastic training into his preparation for demanding stage and screen performances.
Tom Holland
Tom Holland is a highly skilled gymnast and acrobat who famously used his abilities to secure the role of Peter Parker. He began his training in hip-hop dance and acrobatics while preparing for the title role in ‘Billy Elliot the Musical’ in London’s West End. Holland frequently posts videos of himself performing backflips and complex parkour maneuvers in his daily life. His high level of physical fitness also extends to golf, a sport he plays with a competitive handicap.
Paul Mescal
Paul Mescal was a standout player in Gaelic football and represented his home county, Kildare, at the under-21 level. He was known for his tenacity on the field before a significant jaw injury forced him to reconsider his priorities and focus on acting. Mescal has noted that the physical toughness and discipline he learned in sports have been instrumental in his career. He remains an active supporter of the sport and often speaks about the influence of Gaelic games on his personal development.
Nicholas Galitzine
Nicholas Galitzine is a former competitive rugby player and a practitioner of Krav Maga, a military self-defense system. He played rugby at a high level until an injury prompted him to pivot toward a career in the performing arts. His training in Krav Maga has provided him with the skills necessary to handle intensive fight choreography in action films. Galitzine enjoys the mental and physical challenge of martial arts and continues to train to keep his reflexes sharp.
Lucas Hedges
Lucas Hedges is an avid player of squash, a sport known for its high intensity and strategic depth. He frequently seeks out courts in New York City and other locations where he is filming to maintain his competitive edge. Hedges enjoys the solitary focus required for the game and the rapid physical exertion it provides during his breaks from acting. He has mentioned that the sport helps him clear his mind and stay grounded between demanding emotional roles.
Glen Powell
Glen Powell is a licensed private pilot who spends much of his free time in the cockpit of his own aircraft. His interest in aviation was heightened during the filming of ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ (2022), where he received flight training alongside the rest of the cast. Powell enjoys the sense of freedom and the technical challenge that comes with navigating the skies. He often flies himself to various locations and participates in aviation events across the United States.
Josh Hutcherson
Josh Hutcherson is another young star who has earned his pilot’s license and enjoys flying small planes as a primary hobby. He began taking flight lessons several years ago and has spoken about the peacefulness he finds while being thousands of feet in the air. Hutcherson finds the technical requirements of aviation to be a welcome challenge that requires his full attention. When he is not on set, he often spends his weekends at local airfields refining his piloting skills.
Aaron Taylor-Johnson
Aaron Taylor-Johnson lives a quiet life on a farm in the English countryside, where he is actively involved in livestock farming and beekeeping. He and his family manage a large plot of land where they raise animals and grow their own produce. The actor finds the manual labor and the rhythm of rural life to be a necessary balance to the intensity of Hollywood. He often shares insights into his “homesteading” lifestyle, emphasizing the importance of sustainability and connection to the land.
Rudy Pankow
Rudy Pankow is a proficient harmonica player who often carries the instrument with him on the set of ‘Outer Banks’ (2020–). He taught himself to play during his youth and enjoys the portable nature of the instrument for spontaneous jam sessions. Pankow finds that playing music helps him relax during long wait times between scenes. His interest in folk and blues music often influences his personal style and the roles he is drawn to.
Jack Dylan Grazer
Jack Dylan Grazer is a passionate skateboarder who has been practicing the sport since he was a young child. He is frequently spotted at skate parks in Los Angeles, where he performs technical tricks and maneuvers. Grazer has mentioned that skateboarding provides him with a sense of community and an outlet for his high energy. He often incorporates his love for the sport into his social media presence, sharing videos of his progress and his favorite skate spots.
Kelvin Harrison, Jr.
Kelvin Harrison Jr. is an accomplished jazz pianist and trumpeter who grew up in a musical family in New Orleans. He studied at the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts and continues to practice and perform music as a serious hobby. His deep understanding of jazz theory and performance has even crossed over into his acting work in films like ‘Chevalier’ (2022). Harrison Jr. finds that the improvisational nature of jazz is very similar to the spontaneity required in high-level acting.
Finn Wolfhard
Finn Wolfhard is a dedicated musician and songwriter who has served as the lead singer and guitarist for bands like Calpurnia and The Aubreys. He spends a significant portion of his time writing lyrics, recording in studios, and performing live at music festivals. Wolfhard’s passion for indie rock is a central part of his identity, and he often prioritizes his music career alongside his acting commitments. He enjoys the collaborative process of being in a band and the immediate feedback of a live audience.
Wyatt Oleff
Wyatt Oleff is a prominent enthusiast of retro video games and maintains a YouTube channel dedicated to vlogging and gaming culture. He collects vintage consoles and rare game titles, often sharing his knowledge of gaming history with his fans. Oleff enjoys the nostalgic aesthetic of 8-bit and 16-bit games and frequently participates in gaming conventions. This hobby allows him to connect with a different community of fans who share his appreciation for digital art and history.
Noah Schnapp
Noah Schnapp has developed a strong interest in entrepreneurship and the world of Roblox gaming, even launching his own business ventures. He founded a sustainable snack brand called TBH and has been involved in creating digital content within the Roblox platform. Schnapp enjoys the challenge of building a brand from the ground up and understanding market trends for his generation. His business acumen and digital interests provide him with a career path that extends far beyond traditional acting.
David Mazouz
David Mazouz is a dedicated practitioner of Krav Maga and other martial arts, having trained for several years to maintain his physical fitness. His interest in combat sports began while he was filming the series ‘Gotham’ (2014–2019), where he portrayed a young Bruce Wayne. Mazouz finds that the discipline and mental toughness required for martial arts help him stay focused in his professional life. He continues to take classes and enjoys the practical self-defense aspects of his training.
David Henrie
David Henrie is a skilled stage magician who has been practicing sleight of hand and illusions since he was a teenager. He often performs tricks for his friends and family and has even incorporated his skills into his public appearances. Henrie has a deep appreciation for the history of magic and the dedication required to master a complex illusion. He finds that the showmanship involved in magic is closely related to the craft of acting and engaging an audience.
Jack Quaid
Jack Quaid is a passionate player of Dungeons & Dragons and other tabletop role-playing games, often participating in long-running campaigns with his friends. He enjoys the collaborative storytelling and the opportunity to develop complex characters in a fantasy setting. Quaid has even appeared on various gaming livestreams to showcase his role-playing skills to the public. He finds that these games are a great way to stay creative and maintain close friendships outside of work.
Justice Smith
Justice Smith is a devoted enthusiast of tabletop RPGs and was a fan of the genre long before starring in ‘Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves’ (2023). He enjoys the mathematical and strategic elements of the games, as well as the deep lore associated with fantasy worlds. Smith often spends his weekends engaged in multi-hour gaming sessions, taking on the roles of various characters. He credits these games with helping him sharpen his improvisational skills and his ability to think on his feet.
Gaten Matarazzo
Gaten Matarazzo is a well-known fan of Dungeons & Dragons and has been instrumental in bringing the game into the cultural mainstream. He often participates in charity gaming events and has hosted various one-shot adventures for his fans and fellow actors. Matarazzo enjoys the community aspect of the game and the way it encourages imagination and problem-solving. His passion for the hobby is so well-documented that it has become a significant part of his public persona.
Daniel Radcliffe
Daniel Radcliffe is an avid bass guitar player who has spent years practicing the instrument in private. He enjoys the rhythmic complexity of bass lines and often plays along to his favorite punk and indie rock tracks. Radcliffe has mentioned that he finds playing music to be a great way to decompress after a long day on a film set or in a theater. While he has not pursued a professional music career, he takes his practicing seriously and enjoys the technical challenge of the instrument.
Barry Keoghan
Barry Keoghan is a highly skilled amateur boxer who has trained at various gyms in Dublin and beyond for most of his life. He initially turned to the sport as a way to find discipline during a difficult childhood and has since become a respected figure in the local boxing community. Keoghan often incorporates his boxing training into his preparation for roles, as seen in the physicality of his performance in ‘Saltburn’ (2023). He continues to spar and train regularly, viewing the sport as a vital part of his mental and physical well-being.
Nicholas Hoult
Nicholas Hoult took up the hobby of knitting while working on the set of ‘Mad Max: Fury Road’ (2015) to pass the time during long makeup sessions. He found the repetitive motion to be incredibly relaxing and continued the practice long after the film wrapped. Hoult has shared that he enjoys creating handmade items for his friends and family, often working on projects during his travels. This quiet, domestic hobby provides a stark contrast to the high-octane roles he often portrays on screen.
Jacob Bertrand
Jacob Bertrand is a black belt in Karate and has been training in various martial arts disciplines since he was eight years old. His real-life combat skills were a major asset when he was cast as Eli “Hawk” Moskowitz in the series ‘Cobra Kai’ (2018–2025). Bertrand enjoys the physical challenge and the respect for tradition that comes with martial arts training. He continues to attend classes and often practices his forms and sparring techniques to maintain his high level of proficiency.
Jacob Tremblay
Jacob Tremblay is a serious Lego enthusiast and an amateur engineer who spends his free time building massive, complex sets. He has a dedicated space in his home for his collection, which includes intricate models of spaceships and architectural landmarks. Tremblay enjoys the patience and attention to detail required to complete a multi-thousand-piece build. He often shares his completed projects on social media, showcasing his pride in his technical accomplishments.
Iain Armitage
Iain Armitage gained internet fame as a highly articulate theater critic at the age of six, long before he became the star of ‘Young Sheldon’ (2017–2024). He continues to attend Broadway shows and write thoughtful reviews, demonstrating a deep knowledge of theatrical history and performance. Armitage’s passion for the stage is genuine, and he is often seen backstage at various productions interviewing seasoned actors. This sophisticated hobby has made him a beloved figure in the New York theater community.
Thomas Brodie-Sangster
Thomas Brodie-Sangster is a dedicated enthusiast of vintage engine restoration and classic motorcycles. He spends much of his time in his workshop, taking apart and rebuilding old engines to get them back into working order. The ‘Game of Thrones’ (2011–2019) star enjoys the tactile, mechanical nature of the work and the satisfaction of solving complex engineering problems. He often takes his restored bikes out for long rides through the countryside, combining his love for mechanics with his appreciation for the outdoors.
Josh O’Connor
Josh O’Connor has a deep-seated passion for ceramics and pottery, a hobby that he pursues with professional-level dedication. He maintains a personal studio where he crafts unique bowls and vases, often experimenting with different glazes and firing techniques. Additionally, O’Connor spent time working on a farm in Yorkshire and actually learned how to birth lambs for a film role, a skill he still finds fascinating. His connection to the earth and to handmade crafts is a central part of his life outside of the spotlight.
Austin Butler
Austin Butler developed a serious interest in motorcycle mechanics and vintage riding culture while preparing for his role in ‘The Bikeriders’ (2024). He learned to ride a 1965 Harley-Davidson and became so invested in the culture that he began studying how to maintain and repair the bikes himself. Butler has spoken about the meditative quality of working on a machine and the sense of freedom he feels on the open road. He now owns several vintage motorcycles and continues to refine his mechanical skills in his garage.
Gabriel Basso
Gabriel Basso is a modern-day Renaissance man with hobbies that include professional-grade welding, archery, and competitive kickboxing. He often builds his own equipment and shares videos of his high-intensity training sessions on his social media accounts. Basso is also a gifted illustrator and sketch artist, frequently producing detailed drawings that he sells to a dedicated group of collectors. These varied and physically demanding interests reflect the intense focus he brings to his leading roles in action thrillers.
Asa Butterfield
Asa Butterfield is a professional-level competitive gamer who is a member of the elite esports organization Team Liquid. He specializes in ‘Super Smash Bros.’ and has competed in major international tournaments under the tag “Stimpy.” Butterfield takes his gaming very seriously, often practicing for hours to master frame-perfect techniques and character strategies. His involvement in the esports world has made him a unique bridge between the film industry and the global gaming community.
Timothée Chalamet
Timothée Chalamet has a surprisingly technical hobby that dates back to his early teenage years: modding Xbox 360 controllers. He even ran a YouTube channel called “ModdedController360” where he showcased his custom paint jobs and internal modifications. The ‘Dune’ (2021) star would take apart the controllers, apply custom aesthetics, and sell them to other gamers. While he no longer runs the business, he remains a dedicated gamer and often discusses his love for the technical side of hardware.
Cole Sprouse
Cole Sprouse is a trained archeologist who studied the subject at New York University and participated in various excavations around the world. During his time on these sites, he developed a secondary passion for anthropological photography, documenting the lives of local communities and landscapes. Sprouse often uses his travel for acting projects as an opportunity to explore remote areas and capture high-end editorial photographs. His work has been published in major fashion and travel magazines, establishing him as a respected visual artist.
Dylan Sprouse
Dylan Sprouse has mastered the ancient craft of mead brewing and is the co-founder of the All-Wise Meadery in Brooklyn, New York. He began experimenting with home brewing in his university dorm room and eventually turned his hobby into a successful, award-winning business. Sprouse is deeply involved in every step of the process, from selecting the honey to managing the fermentation and bottling. This niche interest in fermented beverages has made him a prominent figure in the modern craft brewing movement.
Which of these young actors has a hobby that surprised you the most, and are there any others you think belong on this list? Share your thoughts in the comments.
