Max Burkholder has established himself as a talented actor who successfully transitioned from child stardom to adult roles. His portrayal of a character with Asperger syndrome on NBC’s “Parenthood” showcased his remarkable range and sensitivity as a performer.
Introduction
Max Burkholder is an American actor who gained recognition for his portrayal of Max Braverman on the NBC series “Parenthood.” Beginning his career as a child actor, he has successfully navigated the transition to adult roles while showcasing versatility in both on-screen performances and voice acting work.
Biography Table
| Full Name | Maxwell Burkholder |
|---|---|
| Profession | Actor, Voice Actor |
| Famous For | Role as Max Braverman on “Parenthood” |
| Age | 27 years (as of 2025) |
| Date of Birth | November 1, 1997 |
| Birthplace | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Zodiac Sign | Scorpio |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | Harvard University |
| Net Worth | Approximately $3 million (2025) |
| Height | 5’8" (173 cm) |
| Relationship Status | Private |
Early Life & Background
Maxwell “Max” Burkholder was born on November 1, 1997, in Los Angeles, California. Growing up in the entertainment capital provided him with early exposure to the film and television industry. Raised in a supportive family environment that nurtured his talents, Burkholder showed an aptitude for performing from a young age.
Unlike many child actors, Burkholder managed to maintain a relatively normal childhood despite his professional commitments. He has one brother, though he generally keeps family details private. Being born and raised in Los Angeles allowed him to pursue acting opportunities while remaining in a stable home environment.
His early education took place in Los Angeles, where he balanced academics with his growing acting career. Later, demonstrating his commitment to education alongside his professional pursuits, Burkholder attended Harvard University, setting himself apart from many young actors by prioritizing higher education.
Career Journey
Max Burkholder’s career began at a remarkably young age when he made his film debut in the 2003 comedy “Daddy Day Care,” starring alongside Eddie Murphy. This early exposure to big-budget filmmaking provided him with valuable experience that would serve him throughout his career.
Before becoming known for on-screen roles, Burkholder established himself as a talented voice actor. He lent his voice to beloved animated characters, including Chomper in “The Land Before Time” television series and Roo in Disney’s “My Friends Tigger & Pooh.” These voice acting roles showcased his versatility and ability to bring characters to life using only his vocal talents.
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Burkholder’s breakthrough came when he was cast as Max Braverman in NBC’s “Parenthood,” a role he played from 2010 to 2015. His character had Asperger syndrome, and Burkholder’s nuanced, sensitive portrayal earned widespread praise from critics, viewers, and the autism community. The role required extensive research and preparation, demonstrating his dedication to authentic representation.
Following “Parenthood,” Burkholder continued to work in television and film while also focusing on his education. In 2020, he ventured into music, releasing an album titled “The Return,” showcasing his artistic range beyond acting. By 2022, he joined a Peacock-based TV series, continuing his television career into adulthood.
Personal Life
Max Burkholder maintains a relatively private personal life, especially compared to many former child actors. After gaining fame through “Parenthood,” he made the conscious decision to balance his public career with personal privacy, particularly during his college years at Harvard University.
Details about his romantic relationships remain largely private, as Burkholder does not typically discuss his dating life in public forums. This discretion has allowed him to maintain boundaries between his professional and personal worlds.
His family has been supportive of his career from the beginning. While he has mentioned having a brother, Burkholder generally keeps family details out of the spotlight. This approach has likely contributed to his successful transition from child to adult actor without the personal struggles often associated with early fame.
Net Worth & Financial Success
As of 2025, Max Burkholder’s net worth is estimated at approximately $3 million. This wealth stems from his extensive acting career that began in childhood and has continued into adulthood. His long-running role on “Parenthood” likely provided a significant portion of his earnings, as the show ran for six successful seasons.
Beyond television, Burkholder’s voice acting work in animated series and films has contributed to his financial portfolio. Additionally, his music venture with the album “The Return” represents an expansion of his creative and potentially financial endeavors.
Unlike many former child actors, Burkholder’s decision to pursue higher education at an elite institution like Harvard suggests a thoughtful approach to long-term career planning and financial management. This education provides him with options beyond the entertainment industry if he chooses to explore them.
Physical Attributes
Max Burkholder stands at approximately 5’8" (173 cm) tall. He has maintained a lean build throughout his transition from child to adult actor. With brown hair and expressive eyes, Burkholder has a versatile appearance that has allowed him to play diverse characters across different genres.
Notable Facts & Trivia
- Burkholder made his film debut at just 5 years old in “Daddy Day Care” (2003)
- He provided the voice for Chomper in “The Land Before Time” animated TV series
- Voiced the character of Roo in Disney’s “My Friends Tigger & Pooh”
- Portrayed a character with Asperger syndrome on “Parenthood,” a role that required significant research and preparation
- Released a music album titled “The Return” in 2020
- Attended Harvard University while continuing his acting career
- Appeared in “Friends With Money,” a film featuring Jennifer Aniston
- Successfully transitioned from child acting to adult roles, avoiding many of the pitfalls common to former child stars
FAQs
Q: What is Max Burkholder best known for? A: Max Burkholder is best known for playing Max Braverman, a character with Asperger syndrome, on the NBC series “Parenthood” which ran from 2010 to 2015.
Q: Did Max Burkholder do voice acting work? A: Yes, before becoming known for on-screen roles, Burkholder was an accomplished voice actor who provided voices for characters like Chomper in “The Land Before Time” series and Roo in “My Friends Tigger & Pooh.”
Q: Did Max Burkholder go to college? A: Yes, unlike many child actors, Burkholder attended Harvard University while continuing his acting career.
Q: Has Max Burkholder pursued any interests outside of acting? A: Yes, Burkholder released a music album titled “The Return” in 2020, demonstrating his interest in music alongside his acting career.