Jon Heder: Biography

Jon Heder is an American actor, comedian and voice actor best known for playing the title character in the cult comedy Napoleon Dynamite.

Early Life

Jonathan Joseph Heder was born on 26 October 1977 in Fort Collins, Colorado. He grew up in a large family and later attended Brigham Young University in Utah.

While studying at university, Heder became involved in animation and filmmaking. He worked with filmmaker Jared Hess, who would later direct Napoleon Dynamite.

Napoleon Dynamite

Heder’s breakthrough came in 2004 when he starred as the socially awkward Napoleon Dynamite.

The film was produced on a relatively small budget but became a major cult success. Heder’s deadpan performance and distinctive portrayal of Napoleon turned the character into one of the most recognisable comedy characters of the 2000s.

Heder won an MTV Movie Award for Best Musical Performance for his work in the film.

Film Career

Following Napoleon Dynamite, Heder appeared in a series of mainstream comedies. His credits include The Benchwarmers, School for Scoundrels, Blades of Glory, Mama’s Boy and When in Rome.

His comic performances frequently feature awkward, eccentric or unconventional characters.

Voice Acting

Heder has also worked extensively as a voice actor. He provided the voice of Chicken Joe in the animated film Surf’s Up and reprised the role in Surf’s Up 2: WaveMania.

His other voice credits include animated productions such as The Legend of Korra.

Later Career

Heder has continued working in film, television, animation and independent productions.

Although Napoleon Dynamite remains his best-known role, his career has expanded into voice acting, television comedy and a variety of film projects.