Nathan Kress

Nathan Kress – Life, Career, and Famous Quotes

Nathan Kress is an American actor and director best known for playing Freddie Benson in iCarly. Dive into his journey from child actor to family man, his influences, his famous quotes, and lessons from his life.

Introduction

Nathan Kress is an American actor and television director who first gained widespread recognition for his role as Freddie Benson on the Nickelodeon sitcom iCarly. Born on November 18, 1992, Kress has evolved from a child actor into a versatile creative force—balancing acting, directing, voice work, and family life. His path is inspiring for fans and aspiring actors alike, offering lessons in perseverance, authenticity, and growth.

Early Life and Family

Nathan Karl Kress was born on November 18, 1992, in Glendale, California, to parents Allison (née Shows) and Steven Kress.

From a very young age, Nathan exhibited a keen ability to memorize and reenact dialogue from television shows and films—something he later credited as the spark for his acting ambitions.

During his childhood, Nathan briefly stepped away from acting to focus on his schooling. He later returned to the screen with renewed commitment in his early teens.

Youth and Education

Nathan’s early acting credits date back to when he was about three or four years old. He appeared in commercials and print ads before landing voice-over work in the film Babe: Pig in the City (1998), voicing the characters “Easy” and “Tough Pup.”

As he grew older, Nathan made a deliberate decision to maintain a balanced life—pursuing education along with performance. He often attended school on set or was homeschooled when necessary. The Emperor’s New Clothes, which rekindled his drive to pursue acting more consistently.

Career and Achievements

Early Roles & Breakthrough

Nathan’s professional comeback began around 2005. His first live-television appearance after returning to acting was on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, where he took part in sketches (notably impersonating Simon Cowell). House, Without a Trace, and Standoff.

In 2006, Nathan appeared in an episode of Drake & Josh, playing a character named Toplin. That small role caught the attention of iCarly creator Dan Schneider, who later called him in to audition for the role of “Freddie.”

He won the part, and when iCarly premiered in 2007, it quickly grew into one of Nickelodeon’s signature shows. Nathan portrayed Fredward “Freddie” Benson—the tech-minded best friend and producer of the show-within-the-show.

He also starred in Gym Teacher: The Movie (2008) and iCarly: iGo to Japan.

Expanding Horizons: Film, Voice, and Directing

After iCarly, Nathan branched into film and voice acting. In 2014, he starred in the disaster movie Into the Storm. Video Game High School as “The New Law.”

In voice work, he lent his voice to characters such as Wedge Antilles in Star Wars Rebels (2016–2017) and JJ Jameson in Pinky Malinky (2019).

Nathan also turned to directing, making his directorial debut on Nickelodeon’s Henry Danger in 2015. He went on to direct episodes of Game Shakers and even episodes in the iCarly revival.

In 2021, iCarly was revived on Paramount+, and Nathan reprised his role as Freddie Benson.

Additionally, Nathan co-hosted the podcast RadioActive Dads, where he and fellow actor Brett Davern discuss parenthood and life in general.

Historical Milestones & Context

• Rise of Internet & Teen Digital Culture: iCarly premiered in 2007 during a period when social media and web content were rapidly gaining traction. The show’s concept—kids running an online show—resonated with a generation growing up alongside YouTube and early social platforms. Nathan's role as Freddie placed him at the intersection of youth culture and evolving media trends.

• Shift to Multiplatform Careers: Nathan’s transition from actor to director reflects a broader trend in entertainment, where talents expand into multiple roles behind the camera.

• Reboots & Nostalgia: The revival of iCarly in 2021 demonstrates how 2000s nostalgia has become a powerful force in media. Nathan’s return to the role highlights how actors can re-engage with their iconic characters while adjusting to new expectations.

Legacy and Influence

Nathan Kress is best known for his role as Freddie Benson, which allowed him to become a familiar face in many households worldwide. His character was a positive portrayal of a tech-nerd archetype: earnest, smart, and supportive. That representation gave fans someone relatable and aspirational.

His shift into directing and producing shows a determination to grow rather than stagnate in a single niche. Many young actors look to his career path as an example of how to evolve with the industry.

As a public figure, Nathan has also shown transparency about his family life, mental health, and challenges—helping normalize vulnerability in celebrity culture.

Personality and Talents

Nathan is often described as humble, grounded, and intentional in his decisions. In interviews, he’s shared that he doesn’t need fame or red carpets to feel fulfilled—he’s content watching his kids play, tinkering with new projects, or relaxing at home.

He’s known for his strong work ethic, which traces back to his early childhood when he’d memorize and reenact scenes for fun.

Beyond acting, his skills as a director show adaptability and a deeper understanding of storytelling and teamwork. He’s been trusted with directing episodes in shows he once starred in—a sign of respect from his peers.

Famous Quotes of Nathan Kress

Here are some memorable quotes that give insight into his character, interests, and worldview:

“My biggest hobby is airsoft, which is similar to paintball. Essentially, it’s military simulation, but the guns shoot plastic BBs. My friends and I go out in the woods or the desert and play all day long!”

“I’m thankful to say that I already have my dream job. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”

“Since I was very young, probably two or three, I had really good memorization skills. I would memorize stuff from TV and perform it for my family. I was the little performer for most of my early life. So eventually, my mom caught onto that and thought I might want to get into acting.”

“My new obsession is ‘Storage Wars.’ I don’t know how such a simple show concept can be so addicting, but I can sit and watch marathons of it.”

“I’m a really big ‘Lord of the Rings’ fan. I have all the extended editions.”

“I got good grades in math, but I never really enjoyed it. My favorite part of math was algebra, but geometry was the worst.”

These quotes show his down-to-earth interests, humor, and reflections on his journey.

Lessons from Nathan Kress

1. Start early, but pace yourself. Nathan began acting as a child but balanced it with periods of schooling and pause—avoiding burnout.

2. Diversify your skills. Instead of staying solely in front of the camera, he expanded into writing, directing, producing, and voice work.

3. Stay grounded and authentic. He frequently emphasizes that small, everyday moments matter more than spotlight events.

4. Embrace change and reinvention. Returning to a beloved role (Freddie) years later shows that growth doesn’t mean losing your roots.

5. Vulnerability can strengthen connection. Nathan has been open about mental health, family struggles, and caregiving—encouraging fans to see the human side behind the celebrity.

Conclusion

Nathan Kress’s journey—from a child memorizing lines in his living room to a multifaceted actor-director and family man—is a testament to resilience, passion, and evolution. He reminds us that success isn’t simply about fame, but about staying true to one’s gifts, adapting to new seasons, and valuing genuine connections. Whether you’re a fan, an aspiring actor, or someone seeking inspiration, Nathan’s story holds many lessons worth remembering.