Nico Tortorella: Actor, Author, and Advocate
Nico Tortorella is an American actor, model, author, and podcaster. He is widely recognized for his roles in the Scream franchise, the Fox crime drama The Following, and the TV Land series Younger. Beyond acting, Tortorella has built a career as a writer and LGBTQ+ advocate, often sharing personal insights about identity and family.
Born on July 30, 1988, in Wilmette, Illinois, Tortorella began performing in professional theatre as a seventh grader. He later transitioned to screen work, landing his first major film role in 2009. Over the past decade, he has balanced mainstream television roles with more personal creative projects, including poetry collections and a memoir.
While much of his professional life is well documented, other aspects, particularly regarding his personal relationships and financial details, are less publicly defined. The following overview compiles the most reliable and current information available from biographical sources and interviews.
How Old Is Nico Tortorella and What Is His Background?
Nico Tortorella was born on July 30, 1988, making him 36 years old as of 2025. He is a native of the Chicago area and has Italian ancestry, according to biographical listings on IMDb. He attended New Trier High School before moving into modelling and acting after an open call led to a contract with Ford Models in 2007.
Beyond his hometown roots, Tortorella’s early life was marked by a keen interest in performance. His start in professional theatre during seventh grade laid the foundation for his later work in film and television. His first notable screen credit came with the drama Twelve (2009), where he played the character Razor.
The following grid summarises key facts about his identity and career trajectory.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Age: 36 (as of 2025)
- Birthplace: Wilmette, Illinois
- Known For: Younger (2015–2021)
- First Major Film: Scream 4
- Notable Book: All of It Is You
- Spouse: Bethany Meyers (m. 2018)
Key Insights
- Tortorella’s career spans over 15 years in television and film.
- He is known for taking on roles that challenge traditional masculinity.
- His writing often explores themes of love, gender, and addiction.
- He co-hosts the podcast Full of Shift with his spouse.
- He was recognised by the City of Los Angeles for his advocacy work.
Career Snapshot
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Birth Date | July 30, 1988 |
| Birth Place | Wilmette, Illinois |
| Breakthrough Role | Scream 4 (2011) |
| TV Series (3+ Years) | The Following (2013–2015), Younger (2015–2021) |
| Recent Series | The Walking Dead: World Beyond |
| Literary Debut | All of It Is You (2018) |
| Spouse | Bethany C. Meyers (m. 2018) |
| Pronouns | Shifted from they/them to he/him (as of 2024) |
What Are Nico Tortorella’s Most Notable Acting Roles?
Tortorella’s acting career includes a mix of high-profile film work and long-running television roles. His part in Scream 4 in 2011 brought him initial mainstream attention. He then secured a major role in Fox’s crime drama The Following, where he starred from 2013 to 2015.
However, his role as Josh on the TV Land series Younger from 2015 to 2021 is likely his best-known performance. The show, which centred on a woman pretending to be younger to re-enter the workforce, became a cultural touchstone. Following Younger, Tortorella appeared in the post-apocalyptic series The Walking Dead: World Beyond as Felix Carlucci. More recent credits listed in biographical sources include roles in City on Fire and The Mattachine Family.
From Independent Films to Mainstream TV
Tortorella’s filmography demonstrates a range that spans from indie productions to major studio franchises. While his time on Younger solidified his status as a television lead, his early work in films like Twelve and Scream 4 helped establish his presence in Hollywood. His casting in genre projects like the The Walking Dead universe also shows his versatility in different storytelling formats.
According to his official speaker biography, Tortorella’s career is not limited to acting. He is also credited as an author, musician, and podcaster, making him a multi-hyphenate creative in the entertainment industry.
What Books and Writing Projects Has Nico Tortorella Published?
Tortorella has expanded his creative output beyond the screen. In 2018, he published his first poetry collection, titled all of it is you, which was later re-released as All of It Is You: A Memoir in Poetry. He has also written a memoir called Space Between, which explores themes of love, sex, gender, addiction, family, fame, and fluidity. His writing is known for its emotional honesty and introspective style.
In addition to books for adults, Tortorella has entered the children’s book market with a picture book titled Olivette Is You. This venture into different genres confirms his interest in storytelling in all its forms. An interview from 2019 indicates he was already publishing books at that time, confirming his dedication to writing as a core part of his career.
From Actor to Author
Tortorella’s book Space Between is often described as a memoir that delves into his personal experiences with relationships and identity. The title itself suggests a focus on the gray areas of life. His work in poetry and prose is frequently cited in interviews as a way for him to connect with fans on a more personal level than acting allows.
The specific publication dates for some of his writing projects, such as Space Between, are not consistently listed across all biographical sources. However, his poetry collection All of It Is You is confirmed to have been published in 2018.
Who Is Nico Tortorella’s Wife, Bethany C. Meyers?
Nico Tortorella is married to Bethany C. Meyers, an entrepreneur and fitness instructor. The couple had been together for over a decade before officially marrying. They held a civil ceremony on March 9, 2018, in New York City, and later exchanged vows at St. Paul’s Chapel. Meyers is also the co-host of the podcast Full of Shift alongside Tortorella.
Biographical sources describe their relationship as polyamorous. Tortorella has publicly stated that this aspect of their relationship created divisions with their respective families. The couple have also expanded their family; sources confirm they have a daughter born in 2023 and a son born in 2024. Reports from mid-2026 announced they were expecting a third child.
A Relationship in the Public Eye
The relationship between Tortorella and Meyers is notable for its openness. They have spoken publicly about their non-traditional relationship structure and the challenges that come with it. Their partnership is often highlighted in the media not only for their professional collaborations but also for their advocacy around relationship and gender norms.
While the couple’s marriage and the birth of their first two children are widely reported, details regarding the announcement of a third child in 2026 are based on more recent reports and may be subject to change.
Timeline of Key Events in Nico Tortorella’s Life
Understanding Tortorella’s journey is easier when looking at the sequence of major milestones. These events show his progression from a young actor in Chicago to a multi-faceted public figure.
- 1988: Born on July 30 in Wilmette, Illinois.
- 2007: Signed a modelling contract with Ford Models after an open call.
- 2009: Appeared in the film Twelve.
- 2011: Landed a major role in Scream 4.
- 2013: Began starring in the Fox series The Following.
- 2015: Began his long-running role as Josh on TV Land’s Younger.
- 2018: Published the poetry collection All of It Is You.
- 2018: Married Bethany C. Meyers in a civil ceremony in New York City.
- 2021: Concluded his role on Younger after six seasons.
- 2023: Welcomed the couple’s first child, a daughter.
What Is Confirmed and What Remains Unclear?
When looking at Nico Tortorella’s public profile, some information is well established through multiple credible sources, while other details are less clear or not officially confirmed. This distinction helps separate fact from speculation.
Established Information
- His birth date and place are consistently reported by biography databases like IMDb and Wikipedia.
- His major television roles in The Following and Younger are well documented.
- His marriage to Bethany C. Meyers in 2018 is confirmed.
- His public identification has evolved, including past use of they/them pronouns.
- His shift to using he/him pronouns was shared via his own social media in 2024.
Information That Remains Unclear
- Specific details regarding the publication rights and exact release dates for some of his books.
- The precise financial details of his net worth, which are not officially confirmed.
- Specific details about his children, as they are kept largely out of the public eye.
- The exact timeline and details surrounding the report of an expected third child in 2026.
Why Is Nico Tortorella a Significant Figure in LGBTQ+ Advocacy?
Beyond his entertainment career, Tortorella is respected for his work as an LGBTQ+ rights advocate. He has been open about his identity, which has evolved over time. In various sources, he has identified as bisexual, demisexual, and gender fluid. This openness has made him a relatable figure for many fans.
His advocacy has not gone unnoticed. The City of Los Angeles recognised his efforts by dedicating a day in his honour. This recognition highlights the impact of his public work. By using his platform to discuss identity, he has contributed to broader conversations about gender and sexuality in the media.
His public self-description has evolved over time, which he has shared openly to reflect his personal journey.
As an advocate, he has used his platform to discuss the complexities of gender identity and relationships, challenging conventional norms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nico Tortorella related to Hayden Panettiere?
There is no evidence to suggest they are related. Reports of a connection appear to be based on misinformation or confusion, as no credible source lists a family relationship.
What is the name of Nico Tortorella’s book?
He has published a poetry collection titled All of It Is You: A Memoir in Poetry. He has also written a memoir called Space Between.
Does Nico Tortorella have children?
Yes, reports indicate the couple has a daughter born in 2023 and a son born in 2024. They reportedly announced they were expecting a third child in 2026.
What pronouns does Nico Tortorella use?
He previously used they/them pronouns. In 2024, he shared on social media that he had shifted to using he/him pronouns.
What is Nico Tortorella’s net worth?
Exact figures are not publicly confirmed. Estimates range between $1 million and $2 million, but these are unofficial guesses.
When did Nico Tortorella marry Bethany Meyers?
They had a civil ceremony on March 9, 2018, in New York City, and later exchanged vows at St. Paul’s Chapel.
What character did Nico Tortorella play in Younger?
He played Josh, a younger love interest for the main character played by Sutton Foster.
Is Nico Tortorella non-binary?
He has publicly identified as gender fluid in the past, and databases like The Movie Database list him as non-binary.
What is Bethany C. Meyers’s profession?
Bethany C. Meyers is described in sources as an entrepreneur and fitness instructor.
Where was Nico Tortorella born?
He was born in Wilmette, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago.
Sophie Marlowe is Culture & Lifestyle Editor at TheUKDaily.uk, covering culture, entertainment, lifestyle, events, media trends and consumer features.