Key Highlights
- Donovan Colan is a rising star playing Hunter Cooper in the Apple TV show “Your Friends & Neighbors.”
- The show has been renewed for a third season despite focusing mostly on adult characters.
- Colan, 16, began acting early and attended the Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts.
- He won an ACTRA award for his performance in “The Dogs.”
Your Friends & Neighbors: A Teen Actor’s Big Break
Meet Donovan Colan, the 16-year-old actor who plays Hunter Cooper in Apple TV’s dramedy “Your Friends & Neighbors.” The show, starring and executive produced by Jon Hamm, is in its second season after being renewed for a third. While it focuses on adult characters like Hamm’s Andrew “Coop” Cooper, Colan brings fresh energy to the younger generation of the series.
The Rise of Donovan Colan
Colan started acting early, despite being shy. By the time he was six, he joined Summit Playhouse in South Orange, New Jersey, following his sister’s footsteps into theater. His family later moved to Nova Scotia, Canada, where he continued to act in short films and plays.
When Colan spoke with local news about his path to acting, he explained that it was driven by his shyness. “That’s why I love acting,” he said, “because you can embody another person and truly bring your own personality into that character.” This unique approach has clearly paid off, as evidenced by his role in the critically acclaimed film “The Dogs,” where he won an ACTRA award for outstanding performance.
Music and Acting: A Double Threat
Beyond acting, Colan is also a musician. His musical prodigy character, Hunter Cooper, showcases his talent on screen, but off-screen, he plays the piano and writes his own music. This dual passion reflects his multifaceted interests and the diverse talents he brings to his roles.
A Teen Actor in a Mature Setting
Colan’s role as Hunter Cooper in “Your Friends & Neighbors” is significant not only because of his age but also due to the show’s focus on adult characters. His presence adds depth and complexity, offering glimpses into the family life of the Cooper household. While the series revolves around Coop and his wealthy friends, it’s Colan who brings a fresh perspective as Hunter.
The fact that “Your Friends & Neighbors” has been renewed for another season speaks volumes about its success. As Colan continues to grow both as an actor and a musician, his journey in the entertainment industry is nothing short of inspiring.
