Andrew Barth Feldman is the rare performer who managed to leap from the demanding, celebrated heights of Broadway to co-starring with an Oscar winner in Hollywood before the age of 21. His journey from an award-winning high school singer to Jennifer Lawrence’s unexpected “date” in the 2023 R-rated comedy No Hard Feelings is a story of versatile talent and rapid maturation.
Feldman’s most stunning twist? His musical gifts were not just a background detail—a live, self-arranged song he performed made it into the final cut of his major Hollywood film, proving his talent is undeniable, on and off script.
🌟 The Broadway Breakout: The Youngest Evan Hansen
Feldman’s ascent began not with an audition, but with a win.
- The Jimmy Award: In 2018, as a high school sophomore, Feldman won the National High School Musical Theatre Award (the Jimmy Award). This prestigious prize immediately validated his talent.
- Broadway Debut: Just months later, at the age of 16, he made his celebrated Broadway debut on January 30, 2019, stepping into the title role of Evan Hansen in the Tony Award-winning musical Dear Evan Hansen.
- Professional Conservatory: His year-long run as the anxious high school senior was praised by The New York Times, providing him with staggering professional growth that prepared him for the rigor of the screen.
🎬 Hollywood’s Call: Co-Starring with JLaw
Feldman swiftly transitioned from the stage to the screen, with roles in Disney+’s High School Musical: The Musical: The Series and the Netflix film A Tourist’s Guide to Love.
His major Hollywood breakout came in 2023 with No Hard Feelings. He starred opposite Academy Award winner Jennifer Lawrence as Percy Becker, an intensely introverted 19-year-old whose wealthy parents hire Lawrence’s character to “date” him.
- Testing His Mettle: Working with a major star was an immediate test. During their chemistry read, Feldman had to deliver an extremely risqué line to Lawrence, but despite the initial awkwardness, the two became fast friends on set, creating a playful environment that often challenged the director, Gene Stupnitsky, who sometimes struggled to maintain tension during their hilarious takes.
- The “Crazy and Perfect” Symmetry: Filming the movie near his childhood home on Long Island mirrored his character Percy’s sheltered, stuck feeling, adding a layer of authenticity to his performance.
🎹 The Unscripted Song: Maneater’s Live Performance
The defining highlight of Feldman’s cinematic debut was the surprise inclusion of his musical talent.
- The Seed was Planted: The filmmakers had seen a video of Feldman performing Elton John’s “Rocket Man” at a cabaret venue, which planted the idea of a musical moment for Percy.
- Jennifer Lawrence’s Advocacy: For the emotional turning point in the film—a date night where Percy plays the piano—Feldman was given the task of arranging the cover of Hall & Oates’ “Maneater” himself. Lawrence, his co-star and one of the film’s producers, was a vocal advocate for the scene to be done live, ensuring the raw, emotional power of Feldman’s voice made it directly into the film.
- The Versatile Actor: This memorable scene became a critical turning point for the character and was lauded by critics and fans, establishing Feldman as a respected dramatic screen actor capable of unexpected vulnerability.
🎶 Life Post-Teen: Music and Indie Projects
After deferring his studies at Harvard to film No Hard Feelings, Feldman has fully embraced his identity as a multifaceted performer.
- Debut Album: He has intensely pursued his music career, releasing his debut album, Penn Station, in 2023. This work showcases his talent for writing and performing original music outside of the musical theater setting, with tracks including “The College Breakup” and “2Am.“
- Continuing Versatility: Andrew Barth Feldman’s post-teen career is defined by his ability to successfully pivot from the stage to high-profile Hollywood projects, all while maintaining his roots in music and finding his footing as a versatile performer in a demanding industry.