Jeremy James Miller (born October 21, 1976) is an American actor, known mostly as a child actor. He is known for his portrayal of Ben Seaver on the TV series Growing Pains and its two reunion movies. He also voiced Linus van Pelt in the animated TV specials Happy New Year, Charlie Brown! and Snoopy!!! The Musical.
Early life, family and education
Born in Covina, California, Miller began acting as a youth.
Miller attended the University of Southern California for one year.
Career Miller began acting professionally in a few commercials, then he landed a 1984 guest role in the kid-centered TV series Punky Brewster. He subsequently was cast as Ben Seaver, the youngest sibling on TV series Growing Pains. The show ran for seven seasons (1985-1992) and spawned two TV movies: The Growing Pains Movie (2000) and Growing Pains: Return of the Seavers (2004). He also voiced Linus van Pelt in the animated TV specials Happy New Year, Charlie Brown! (1986) and Snoopy!!! The Musical (1988), and an episode of This Is America, Charlie Brown (1988). He starred in the 1990 Hanukah episode of Shalom Sesame (an American/Israeli coproduction of Sesame Street).
After Growing Pains, Miller appeared in the films Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star (2003) and Milk and Fashion (2007). He had a small role in The Boys & Girls Guide to Getting Down. He performed in commercials for McDonald's "Dollar Menunaires" promotion shot as a parody of the VH1 series Best Week Ever. Miller also appeared in a special celebrity team-up episode of Where in the World Is Carmen Sandiego? facing off against Mayim Bialik from Blossom, and Tatyana Ali from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. He and his partner proceeded to the bonus round at the end of the episode, but they did not win the big prize.
He performed in four movies that were due to be released in 2009: Ditching Party, Never Have I Ever, The Fish and Tar Beach.
In 2011, Miller became a spokesperson for Fresh Start Private Management Inc., the rehabilitation company that administered his treatment.
Personal life At about age 14, during the run of Growing Pains, Miller received numerous letters from an older male stalker.
He is married to Joanie Miller, and he has three stepsons.
Miller explained in 2000 that he was diagnosed with attention deficit disorder, which affected his ability to concentrate and focus on school. In April 2014, while promoting Start Fresh Recovery of Santa Ana, California, Miller stated that he started drinking alcohol at age four, and once the TV series Growing Pains ended, he began binge drinking. Also published at: He explained that he suffered from alcohol abuse for years, and that his stepsons were afraid of him because of his alcoholism, until he had an implant that released the drug Naltrexone into his system.
He had a catering business, but it failed after the 2008 financial crisis. Alan Thicke helped him get a job in a restaurant.
His hobbies have included poker and cooking.
Filmography
Year Title Role Notes 1984 Pryor's Place Gladys's nephew 1 episode ("Sax Education") 1984 Punky Brewster Jimmy 1 episode 1985 Deceptions Mark Richards TV movie 1985–92 Growing Pains Ben Seaver Main role Young Artist Award for Best Young Supporting Actor in a New Television SeriesYoung Artist Award for Exceptional Performance by a Young Actor in a Television Comedy SeriesNominated - Young Artist Award for Best Young Actor Starring in a Television SeriesNominated - Young Artist Award for Exceptional Performance by a Young Actor in a Long Running Series Comedy or Drama 1986 Happy New Year, Charlie Brown! Linus van Pelt (voice) TV special1987 Emanon Jason Ballantine Shalom Sesame Special Guest 1988 Snoopy!!! The Musical Linus van Pelt (voice) TV special This Is America, Charlie Brown Linus Van Pelt 1 episode 1990 The Willies Brad 1992 Ghostwriter Craig Mitchell 4 episodes 1993 Based on an Untrue Story Jackie TV movie2000 Scooby-Doo and the Alien Invaders Additional Voices (voice) Direct to Video The Growing Pains Movie Ben SeaverTV movie 2004 Growing Pains: Return of the Seavers 2006 Von's Room Guest 2007 Milk and Fashion Jack 2009 Never Have I Ever Glenn Brandis 2010 Ditching Party Jim 2021 True to the Game Detective Derek
References
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