Robbie Amell
Robbie Amell is a Toronto born actor whose work spans Canadian and American productions. Born Robert Patrick Amell on April 21, 1988, he built a career in television, film, and streaming projects that connect with audiences across North America.
From a young age, Amell showed a natural talent for performance. He began acting and modeling when he was six, setting the stage for a multi decade career that would take him from child roles to leading man status. He has played hockey since childhood, a hobby that keeps his energy high on set and in his workouts. He has also explored break dancing and Muay Thai, disciplines that contribute to his physical versatility in action heavy scenes. He loves classic cartoons and grew up enjoying the humor of Bugs Bunny and Tweety Show, a playful thread that often informs his on screen charisma.
Amell’s early film work drew attention for his ability to light up scenes with an easy charm. He first made a splash on the big screen as Daniel Murtaugh in Cheaper by the Dozen 2, a family comedy that introduced him to a wide audience. His television career gained momentum with Life with Derek, a hit series in which he played Max from 2006 to 2008, delivering a performance that blended humor with a grounded sincerity. This role helped him connect with younger viewers while proving his range to industry professionals.
His star rose further with True Jackson VP, where he portrayed Jimmy from 2008 to 2011. The character offered a balance of humor and heart that resonated with fans of the show. Amell continued to explore diverse genres through Scooby Doo projects, taking on the iconic role of Fred in Scooby Doo The Mystery Begins in 2009 and reprising Fred in Scooby Doo Curse of the Lake Monster in 2010. These films cemented his status as a dependable performer who can shift between family friendly content and genre thrillers with ease.
Beyond family entertainment, Amell moved into drama and science fiction. He appeared as Adam Connor in Revenge in 2011, a role that tested his ability to carry tense, emotional scenes. He also appeared as a young Ray Archer in Alcatraz, a series that explored mysteries tied to a haunted past. In 2013 he joined the cast of The Tomorrow People, delivering a credible performance as Stephen Jameson in a show that blended superhero tropes with coming of age drama. His work in the superhero arena expanded with appearances on The Flash, where he portrayed Firestorm, a dynamic hero whose partnership with other heroes highlighted his capacity for action and teamwork. His presence in the wider DC TV universe kept him in the cultural conversation for fans across the United States and Canada alike.
The rise of streaming brought Amell into a new light with the science fiction comedy series Upload. In this series he stars as Nathan Brown, a man navigating a technologically advanced afterlife with humor, suspense, and social commentary. The central performance has earned praise for its wit, warmth, and depth, helping to solidify Amell as a versatile performer who can anchor a show that blends heart with speculative ideas. The project reflects a broader movement toward streaming platforms in both Canada and the United States, where audiences have embraced characters who drive personal storytelling within futuristic settings.
Throughout his career, Amell has maintained a connection to his Canadian roots while expanding his reach into the United States market. He has balanced action, comedy, and drama, taking on roles that require physical prowess, expressive acting, and a steady screen presence. His ongoing work across film, network television, and streaming services demonstrates a flexible approach to choosing projects, a willingness to collaborate across genres, and an enduring appeal that resonates with viewers on both sides of the border.
Career timeline and notable projects
- 2005 Daniel Murtaugh in Cheaper by the Dozen 2
- 2006-2008 Max in Life with Derek
- 2008-2011 Jimmy in True Jackson VP
- 2009 Fred in Scooby Doo The Mystery Begins
- 2010 Fred in Scooby Doo Curse of the Lake Monster
- 2011 Adam Connor in Revenge
- 2011 Young Ray Archer in Alcatraz
- 2013 Stephen Jameson in The Tomorrow People
- 2014-2017 Firestorm in The Flash and related Arrowverse appearances
- 2020-2023 Nathan Brown in Upload
Amell continues to diversify his portfolio by embracing roles that blend adventure, humor, and emotional depth. The combination of Canadian roots and American opportunities has shaped him into a reliable leading man for modern audiences who enjoy both traditional television and cutting edge streaming series.