Jon Heder Biography

Fast Facts

• Majored in 3-D animation at BYU, where he met fellow student Jared Hess, who would feature him in "Peluca" as a lead-up to "Napoleon Dynamite․"
• Fractured his ankle during the filming of his figure-skating film "Blades of Glory․"
• Quote: "[on voice-acting for "Surf's Up"] "I've always been in love with animation․ And getting involved with it on this side, I never really expected it, but was definitely kind of jumping at it like, 'This is cool․'""
• Quote: "[on where he got his dance moves] "From my heart․ I love movin'․ I was observant growing up, watching Michael Jackson and John Travolta․ I'd close my eyes, see the moves․""
• Started the production company Greasy Entertainment with his brothers Daniel and Doug
• Best known for playing the title character in "Napoleon Dynamite" and Jimmy MacElroy in "Blades of Glory․"
• Filmed commercials to promote the 2005 Utah State Fair with his "Napoleon Dynamite" co-star Efren Ramirez, who played the role of Pedro in the movie
• Took on the role of Napoleon Dynamite for only $1,000 until the film rights were sold to Fox SearchLight Entertainment
• Went on a mission to Japan for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which led to him becoming fluent in Japanese