Life and career

Schmidt was born in Andover, Kansas. His brother is a musician and actor Kendall Schmidt.

At first, Schmidt did not plan to work in the entertainment industry. As a football player and a student, Schmidt was uninterested in acting. However, as his two brothers, Kenneth and Kendall Schmidt, began finding success as actors in Los Angeles, California, Schmidt was finally persuaded to start auditioning. He was ten years old when he began to book a string of guest-starring roles on prime time television. Schmidt appeared on shows such as NCIS, Bones, Without a Trace, CSI: NY, Curb Your Enthusiasm and Monk. Schmidt also found success on the big screen. In addition to his role in Cheaper by the Dozen and its sequel, Schmidt co-starred with Ashton Kutcher in The Butterfly Effect and Kristen Stewart in Catch That Kid. Schmidt transitioned to leading roles, starring in Resurrection Mary as well as Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel.

Having undergone his own personal weight loss at age 17, Schmidt shared what he had learned about fitness and health on his directorial debut project entitled The Alyson Stoner Project. Teaming up with good friend and dance prodigy Alyson Stoner, the pair produced an instructional musical and fitness hybrid that uses the latest dance moves as a method of exercise. The project was intended to teach children the importance of fitness, nutrition, and making good lifestyle choices. Schmidt is currently developing The Alyson Stoner Project concept into a weekly TV series.

In addition, Schmidt is in production on The Great Migration, an animated film which he wrote; he is producing the film alongside Rob Minkhoff, director of the Disney film The Lion King. The film stars his younger brother, Kendall, along with Logan Henderson, Ashley Tisdale, Vanessa Hudgens, and Ashley Benson.

Schmidt is an advocate for sustainable farming methods such as aquaponics and hopes to aid in ending malnutrition and obesity worldwide. He continues to promote exercise and enjoys cooking.

Filmography

[ Source: Wikipedia ]