Despite the enduring myth, few actors really become famous overnight. Heder is the exception. After starring as an ubernerd in the short
Peluca, the geeky thespian reprised the role in the full-length 2004 cult film
Napoleon Dynamite. The comedy was a hit at the Sundance Film Festival and a subsequent box-office sleeper hit, and suddenly he was a hot commodity. Although he made a slew of subsequent projects not all of which were gems (
The Benchwarmers), he enjoyed enough hits (
Blades of Glory) to solidify his star status.
Jon Heder Fast Facts:- Raised in a strict Mormon household and spent two years in Tokyo as a Mormon missionary.
- Developed an appreciation for '70s clothing and music, particularly Led Zeppelin.
- Majored in 3D Animation at Brigham Young University, alongside his identical twin brother.
- Credited his improvisational dance skills in Napoleon Dynamite to close observation of Michael Jackson and John Travolta.
- Won Breakthrough Male Performance and Best Musical Performance at the 2005 MTV Movie Awards for his role in Napoleon Dynamite.
- Is a nephew of former NFL player Vai Sikahema.
- Jon Heder Relationships:
- Adam Heder - Brother
- Daniel Heder - Brother
- Douglas Heder - Brother
- Evan Jane Heder - Daughter
- Helen Heder - Mother
- Jim Heder - Father
- Kirsten Heder - Wife
- Matthew Heder - Brother
- Rachel Heder - Sister
- College:
- Brigham Young University, Provo, UT
