Luke Benward's acting career began at the tender age of five, when he landed a role in the film "We Were Soldiers" as Mel Gibson's son, despite not knowing how to read yet. His remarkable performance, which included reciting the pledge of allegiance, earned him the part. This early success was followed by his portrayal of "Stevie Dewberry" in the family film "Because of Winn-Dixie" at the age of eight. His unique audition, which featured a toothpick in his mouth, set him apart from the hundreds of other boys vying for the role.
Luke's career continued to flourish, with roles in films such as "How to Eat Fried Worms" and "Dear John". He also made appearances in several television pilots, including "Life on the Water", "Family Affair", "Madison High", and "Zombies and Cheerleaders". His extensive list of credits also includes starring roles in Disney Channel original movies "Minutemen" and "Girl vs. Monster".
Born in Franklin, Tennessee, Luke comes from a family deeply rooted in the entertainment industry. His mother, Kenda Benward, is an actress and acting coach, while his father, Aaron Benward, is a singer-songwriter. Luke's grandfather, Jeoffrey Benward, was a Contemporary Christian music singer. As a result, Luke was exposed to the world of entertainment from a young age, often tagging along to auditions with his mother.
Luke's musical talents were nurtured by his father, with whom he recorded his first five-song EP, "Let Your Love Out", in 2008. He also supported the EP with a 50-city tour. In addition to his musical pursuits, Luke studied dance with renowned choreographer Nick Bass, who has worked with artists such as Britney Spears, Chris Brown, Christina Aguilera, and Michael Jackson.
Today, Luke resides in Los Angeles, California, where he continues to pursue his passion for acting and music.
