Ezra Jonah Bobo (born ) is an American musician and former child actor. He is best known for his roles as Danny Budwing in the 2005 film Zathura: A Space Adventure, Robbie Weaver in the 2011 film Crazy, Stupid, Love, and the voice of Austin the Kangaroo on Nickelodeon's animated television series The Backyardigans. Jonah’s full albums include: Newgrass Suite (2021), Rainbow LP (2023), and Charm School (2025). They are available on all music streaming platforms.
Early life Bobo was raised in Roosevelt Island, New York in an Orthodox Jewish household. His father works in software, while his mother is a physical therapist and personal trainer. His paternal great-grandmother was Syrian-American businesswoman and philanthropist Salha "Mama" Bobo.
Career His first film role was in The Best Thief in the World. He co-starred in Around the Bend, portraying the youngest of a four-generation family. Bobo was subsequently cast in Zathura: A Space Adventure as Danny Budwing. His next role was in Strangers with Candy. He portrayed young Victor Mancini in Choke. He has also made an appearance on 30 Rock as a paparazzo named Ethan. He appeared on Roosevelt Island in the play Seussical, Jr. at the Main Street Theatre and Dance Alliance. He was also on the 5th episode of Royal Pains. From 2004 to 2013, Bobo voiced Austin on Nickelodeon's The Backyardigans. In 2011, he appeared in Crazy, Stupid, Love as Robbie. In 2012, his final film role was in Disconnect as Ben, a lonely teenager in highschool.
Bobo is also a musician, composer and theatre artist, with his theatrical work being awarded distinctions by the Richard Rodgers Award Foundation and the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center. In September 2021, Bobo released his debut album Newgrass Suite. His second album Rainbow was released in September 2023.
Filmography Film Year Film Role Notes 2004 The Best Thief in the World Sam Zaidman Around the Bend Zach Lair 2005 Strangers with Candy Shamus Noblet Uncredited Zathura: A Space Adventure Danny Budwing 2006 The Fox and the Hound 2 Tod Voice 2008 Choke Young Victor Mancini 2011 Crazy, Stupid, Love Robbie Weaver 2012 Disconnect Ben Boyd
Television Year Title Role Notes 2004–2013 The Backyardigans Austin Voice 2009 30 Rock Ethan Episode: "Jackie Jormp-Jomp" Royal Pains Arlo Grant Episode: "No Man Is an Island"
Awards and nominations + List of awards and nominations Award Year Category Result WorkYoung Artist Award2006Best Performance in a Feature Film - Young Actor Age Ten or YoungerZathura2012Best Performance in a Feature Film – Supporting Young Actor()Crazy, Stupid, Love.
Discography Albums AlbumAlbum details Newgrass SuiteReleased: September 3, 2021 Label: Jonah Bobo Formats: Digital download, streaming RAINBOWReleased: December 15, 2023 Label: Jonah Bobo Formats: Digital download, streaming
Charm School Released: July 25, 2025 Formats: digital download, streaming Singles Year Song2021"iii. party""ii. woods""vii. letter"2022"YELLOW"2023"ORANGE""INDIGO"2024"BLUE PT. 1""BLUE PT. 2" Notes
References
External links
Interview with Jonah Bobo at the LA Premiere of "Zathura"