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Will Friedle
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Will Friedle
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Will Friedle (/ˈfrɪdɛl/; born August 11, 1976) is an American actor and screenwriter.[1] He is best known for his role as Eric Matthews in the ABC sitcom Boy Meets World (1993–2000).

Key Information

In animation, Friedle's first voice acting role was the lead role of Terry McGinnis / Batman in Batman Beyond (1999–2001). He also voiced Ron Stoppable in Kim Possible (2002–2007), Doyle Blackwell in The Secret Saturdays (2008), Jaime Reyes / Blue Beetle in Batman: The Brave and the Bold (2008–2011), Lion-O in the 2011–12 reboot of ThunderCats, Bumblebee in the Transformers franchise (2013–2017), Star-Lord in Guardians of the Galaxy (2015–2019), and Kashaw Vesh in The Legend of Vox Machina (2022).

Early life

[edit]

Friedle was born in Hartford, Connecticut, the youngest of three boys of Patricia Joan (née Leary) and Gary Allen Friedle, both lawyers. His older brothers are Gary and Greg Friedle.[2][3][4] After committing himself to becoming an actor, Friedle continually commuted from Avon, Connecticut, to New York City for auditions. He graduated from Avon High School in 1994.

Friedle is allegedly credited on school brochures as having attended Occidental College. However, when interviewed on the February 11, 2019, episode of Critical Role: Between the Sheets,[5] he admitted having never attended the school. He stated that he learned he was being inaccurately credited by Occidental College as being an alumnus when his nephew visited the school and showed him the information package. Occidental College is not able to confirm that Friedle was ever used on marketing brochures; however, co-star Rider Strong attended Occidental College briefly during the filming of Boy Meets World. Additionally, he stated that he studied Latin for six years because he intended to become an archaeologist eventually. In the July 4, 2006, issue of People, Friedle mentioned he had thought about attending culinary school.

Career

[edit]

After co-hosting Nickelodeon's Don't Just Sit There! for three seasons (1988–1991), Friedle's breakthrough came when he was cast as Cory Matthews's likeable but underachieving elder brother Eric on the long-running TV sitcom Boy Meets World from 1993 to 2000, replacing original choice Harry Barandes after the pilot was shot.[6][7][8] In 1998, he starred with Elisabeth Harnois, Dabney Coleman, and Jay Thomas in My Date with the President's Daughter as part of The Wonderful World of Disney.[8]

In 2004, he co-starred with Chris Owen in the independent film National Lampoon's Gold Diggers (originally titled Lady Killers). He also appeared in a supporting role in the 2005 ABC Family film Everything You Want. Friedle was cast as Mike in Off Centre, but could not accept the role because of a previous commitment to The Random Years. The role ended up going to Eddie Kaye Thomas.[9]

In December 2013, in spite of initial reluctance, it was announced that Friedle would reprise his role as Eric in the sequel series Girl Meets World.[10][11][12]

Voice acting

[edit]

Friedle's first voice acting role was the lead role in Batman Beyond (1999–2001) where he provided the voice of Terry McGinnis / Batman.[13][14] He has reprised this role in multiple DC animated projects such as The Zeta Project (2001), Static Shock (2004), Justice League Unlimited (2004), and Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths (2024).[15] In April 2014, it was confirmed that Friedle reprised his Batman Beyond role of Terry McGinnis on the Batman Beyond short made by Darwyn Cooke to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of Batman.[16] He also, at one point, replaced Joaquin Phoenix as Kenai in an unsuccessful pilot for a tv series based on the 2003 Disney film Brother Bear.

Friedle voiced Seifer Almasy in the English-language version of the video game Kingdom Hearts II (2005), Gideon Wyeth in the English-language version of the video game Advent Rising (2005), and Jaster Rogue in the English-language version of the video game Rogue Galaxy (2005).[15] From 2008 to 2011, he voiced Jaime Reyes / Blue Beetle on Batman: The Brave and the Bold.[15][17]

In 2013, Entertainment Weekly commented that "Friedle has largely ditched on-camera acting for voiceover work", though he is "nevertheless best known as Eric Matthews, Cory's cute but dim brother on Boy Meets World".[18] In 2015, Bustle highlighted that "after Boy Meets World was over, Friedle mostly went on to do mainly animated voice roles" and that he has "provided the voice of characters like Ron Stoppable (Kim Possible), Fang (Teen Titans), Ken Tennyson (Ben 10: Alien Force), and Kid Flash (Teen Titans Go!) — which is literally just a small handful of the numerous cartoons his voice can be heard in, either as a series regular or just for a single episode".[19]

From 2015 to 2019, he starred as Star-Lord on Guardians of the Galaxy.[15][20]

In 2022, he reprised his role of Kashaw Vesh in The Legend of Vox Machina, an adaptation of the web series Critical Role;[21][22] he originally appeared as Kashaw in the first campaign (2015–2017) of the actual play as a guest player.[23][24] On June 15, 2022, Friedle voiced Radiant Black in a promotional online short.[25][26]

Podcasts and web series

[edit]

From July 2017 to November 2018, Friedle hosted three seasons of the web series Geek & Sundry Painters Guild.[27][28][29][30] The show originated from Friedle "painting" a miniature with "magic marker" and, after discovering this, Marisha Ray pitched Friedle on a show where he would be taught to paint miniatures correctly by various experts.[29][30] After the conclusion of that series, Ray reached out to pitch Mini Primetime (2019) where Friedle would host a similar painting show for Critical Role's new YouTube channel.[29][30] On June 27, 2019, the premiere episode of Christy's Kitchen Throwback featuring Friedle was uploaded to Christy Carlson Romano's YouTube channel.[31]

Friedle and Romano co-hosted the podcast called I Hear Voices from 2022 to 2023 which was available on Romano's YouTube channel and other podcast providers. In June 2022, the podcast did a Kim Possible 20th anniversary special episode with creators Mark McCorkle and Bob Schooley and voice actors John DiMaggio (Drakken) and Nicole Sullivan (Shego), as well as a brand new Kim Possible scene with the four actors written by McCorkle and Schooley and directed by original voice director Lisa Schaffer.[32][33][34] He has hosted the Boy Meets World rewatch podcast Pod Meets World with Danielle Fishel and Rider Strong since 2022.[35]

In 2024, he began to co-host the rewatch podcast Magical Rewind with Sabrina Bryan, which focuses on Disney Channel Original Movies.[8][36]

Personal life

[edit]

In 1997, Friedle briefly dated actress Jennifer Love Hewitt. He co-starred with her in the romantic teen comedy Trojan War, and Hewitt parodied herself in the Boy Meets World episode "And Then There Was Shawn".[37] He married his girlfriend, Susan Martens, on September 25, 2016, in Connecticut. His affectionate name for her is Mrs. Squirrels, referencing Eric's nickname "Plays With Squirrels" from the final season of Boy Meets World.[38]

Friedle is best friends with actor Jason Marsden and was the best man at his wedding in October 2004. The two have also worked together in numerous productions: Boy Meets World, Trojan War, Static Shock, Kim Possible, Batman Beyond, Justice League Unlimited, Batman: The Brave and the Bold, ThunderCats, Transformers: Rescue Bots, and Mad.

Filmography

[edit]

Film

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
1997 Trojan War Brad Kimble
2000 Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker Terry McGinnis / Batman Voice, direct-to-video[15]
2003 National Lampoon's Gold Diggers Calvin Menhoffer
2004 Howl's Moving Castle Additional voices English dub
2008 Batman: Gotham Knight Anton, Cultist, Youth #1 Voice, direct-to-video
2015 Batman Unlimited: Animal Instincts[39] Nightwing Voice, direct-to-video[15]
Batman Unlimited: Monster Mayhem[40]
2016 Lego DC Comics Super Heroes: Justice League – Gotham City Breakout[41]
Batman Unlimited: Mech vs. Mutants
2017 The Jetsons & WWE: Robo-WrestleMania! Mayor Mercury
2018 Batman Ninja Red Robin, Laughing Mask Samurai Voice, direct-to-video[15]
2019 Lego DC Batman: Family Matters Nightwing Voice, direct-to-video[15]
2021 My Little Pony: A New Generation Skye Silver, Glitter Cupcake, Comet Tail, Commercial Voice Voice[15]
2022 Teen Titans Go! & DC Super Hero Girls: Mayhem in the Multiverse Aquaman, Lex Luthor Voice, direct-to-video
2023 Lego Marvel Avengers: Code Red Hydra Goons Voice, Disney+ special[15]
2024 Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths Batman / Terry McGinnis, Kamandi Voice, direct-to-video[15]
Isla Monstro El Feo Voice[42][43]
Lego Marvel Avengers: Mission Demolition Demolition Man / Dennis Dunphy Voice, Disney+ special[15]

Television

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
1990 True Blue Billy Episode: "Caves"
1992 Law & Order Russ Episode: "Trust"
1993–2000 Boy Meets World Eric Matthews 158 episodes
1994 Are You Afraid of the Dark? Jimmy Armstrong Episode: "The Tale of the Long Ago Locket"
1996 ABC Afterschool Special Jason Gallagher Episode: "Educating Mom"
1998 My Date with the President's Daughter Duncan Fletcher Television film
1999 H-E Double Hockey Sticks Griffelkin
1999 Zoe, Duncan, Jack & Jane Jeremy Pinter Episode: "A Good Man Is Hard to Find"
Odd Man Out Phillip Evans Episode: "Punch Line"
1999–2001 Batman Beyond Terry McGinnis / Batman Voice, main role[15]
2001 The Zeta Project Voice, episode: "Shadows"[15]
3rd Rock from the Sun Stan Episode: "Dick Soup for the Soul"
Go Fish Pete Troutner 5 episodes
2002 The Random Years Alex Main Character
2002–07 Kim Possible Ron Stoppable Voice, main role[15]
2003 Regular Joe Larry Episode: "Time and Punishment"
Kim Possible: A Sitch in Time Ron Stoppable Voice, television film
2003, 2005 Lilo & Stitch: The Series Ron Stoppable, Mackey Macaw Manager Voice, 2 episodes
2004 Static Shock Terry McGinnis / Batman Voice, episode: "Future Shock"[15]
Teen Titans Fang Voice, episode: "Date with Destiny"[15]
Less Than Perfect Caleb Episode: "Claude Wants to Know"
2004–05 Justice League Unlimited Kyle Rayner / Green Lantern, Terry McGinnis / Batman Voice, 3 episodes[15]
2005 Kim Possible: So the Drama Ron Stoppable Voice, television film[15]
Everything You Want Calvin Dillwaller Television film
The Batman Gearhead Voice, episode: "RPM"[15]
2006 American Dragon: Jake Long Cousin Greggy Voice, episode: "Feeding Frenzy"
2008 Ben 10: Alien Force Ken Tennyson Voice, episode: "Max Out"[15]
2008–10 The Secret Saturdays Doyle Blackwell Voice, 16 episodes[15]
2008–11 Batman: The Brave and the Bold Jaime Reyes / Blue Beetle, Scarlet Scarab Voice, 15 episodes[15]
2010–11 Sym-Bionic Titan Bryan, Jason, Student #1 Voice, 4 episodes
The Penguins of Madagascar Randy Voice, 2 episodes[15]
2011–12 ThunderCats Lion-O Voice, 24 episodes[15]
2011–13 Mad Various Voice, 10 episodes
2012 Green Lantern: The Animated Series Prince Ragnar Voice, 2 episodes[15]
Gravity Falls Reginald Voice, episode: "The Legend of the Gobblewonker"
2012–13 Winx Club Nereus Voice, 9 episodes; Nickelodeon dub
2013 Transformers: Prime Bumblebee Voice, episode: "Deadlock"[15]
Transformers Prime Beast Hunters: Predacons Rising Voice, television film[15]
Monsters vs. Aliens Man-Beast Voice, episode: "Curse of the Man-Beast"[15]
2013, 2016 Ultimate Spider-Man Deadpool, additional voices Voice, 2 episodes[15]
2014 Turbo Fast Fusion Voice, episode: "Beat-A Fajita"[15]
2014–17 Transformers: Robots in Disguise Bumblebee, additional voices Voice, 68 episodes[15]
2015 Avengers Assemble Star-Lord, Jeter Kan Toon Voice, 3 episodes[44][15]
Hulk and the Agents of S.M.A.S.H. Star-Lord Voice, episode: "Planet Monster"[15]
2015–17 Girl Meets World Eric Matthews 4 episodes
2015–19 Guardians of the Galaxy Star-Lord, additional voices Voice, main cast[15]
Teen Titans Go! Kid Flash Voice, 7 episodes[15]

Also writer (2 episodes)

2016 Transformers: Rescue Bots Bumblebee Voice, episode: "Uninvited Guest"[15]
2016–17 Be Cool, Scooby-Doo! Various Voice, 3 episodes[15]
2016–18 Future-Worm! Lobster Boy Voice, 3 episodes
2017–18 Stretch Armstrong and the Flex Fighters Officer Reynolds Voice, 7 episodes[15]
2018 Hollywood Darlings Will Episode: "Y2K"
Bunnicula Captain Science Magic Love Voice, episode: "Flunicula"
2019–21 DC Super Hero Girls Lex Luthor, Aquaman Voice, 7 episodes
2019–20 Big Hero 6: The Series Ian / Hardlight Voice, 2 episodes[15]
2020 Spider-Man Star-Lord, additional voices Voice, episode: "Amazing Friends"
2022 Robot Chicken Lance, Nightwing, Pointy-Haired Boss Voice, episode: "May Cause a Squeakquel"
2023–24 The Legend of Vox Machina Kashaw Vesh Voice, 5 episodes[15]

Video games

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
2002 Spider-Man Dr. Antower Uncredited
2003 Batman: Rise of Sin Tzu Additional voices
2004 Medal of Honor: Pacific Assault Willy Gaines
2005 Jade Empire Lu the Prodigy
Advent Rising Gideon Wyeth, Councillor Sevan
Rogue Galaxy Jaster Rogue [15]
Teen Titans Fang [15]
Tony Hawk's American Wasteland Hero / "Kensucky"
Chicken Little Additional voices
Kingdom Hearts II Seifer [15]
2009 The Secret Saturdays: Beasts of the 5th Sun Doyle Blackwell [15]
2010 Batman: The Brave and the Bold – The Videogame Blue Beetle
2013 Lego Marvel Super Heroes Archangel, Nova, Rick Jones
2014 Final Fantasy Explorers Additional voices
2019 Marvel Dimension of Heroes Star-Lord [15]
2021 DC Super Hero Girls: Teen Power Lex Luthor [15]

Web series

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
2015–2017 Critical Role (campaign one) Kashaw Vesh Guest role; 8 episodes[23]
2017–2018 Geek & Sundry Painters Guild Himself Host; 36 episodes[27][45][28]
2019 Mini Primetime Host; 8 episodes[30]
2022–2023 I Hear Voices Podcast co-host[32][33][34]
2022–present Pod Meets World Podcast co-host[35]
2024–present Magical Rewind Podcast co-host[8][36]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Will Friedle

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
William Alan Friedle (born August 11, 1976) is an American actor, , and voice actor best known for his portrayal of the lovable but underachieving older brother Eric Matthews on the ABC sitcom from 1993 to 2000. Born in , and raised in the nearby town of Avon, Friedle attended Avon High School before launching his acting career as a teenager. His breakthrough came with , where he played a key supporting role alongside and , contributing to the show's blend of coming-of-age humor and heartfelt lessons over seven seasons. Friedle has since built a prolific career in voice acting, voicing iconic animated characters such as the teenage superhero in Batman Beyond (1999–2001), the bumbling Ron Stoppable in Disney's (2002–2007), and the heroic leader in the reboot of (2011–2012). He has lent his voice to over 130 roles across television, film, video games, and shorts, often specializing in comedic and youthful personas. In addition to on-screen and voice work, Friedle has appeared in live-action projects like the Disney Channel sequel series (2014–2017) and has remained active in the entertainment industry through conventions and guest spots. Since 2022, he has co-hosted the popular rewatch podcast with former co-stars and , where they discuss episodes and reflect on their experiences from the original series.

Early life and education

Childhood and family

William Alan Friedle was born on August 11, 1976, in . He was raised in the suburban town of . Friedle grew up as the youngest of three sons in a headed by his parents, Patricia and Gary Friedle, both lawyers whose demanding careers shaped the household dynamics. His older brothers, Gary Jr. and , were part of this close-knit unit, though specific details on interactions during his early years remain limited in public accounts. The home in Avon provided a stable, supportive backdrop, with his parents encouraging his interests despite their professional commitments, which often required them to balance work and responsibilities. Early influences in Friedle's formative years stemmed from this suburban setting, fostering independence as he navigated childhood adventures amid his parents' legal professions, though they later expressed shock upon learning of some of his unsupervised exploits.

Schooling and early acting

Friedle attended Avon High School in , where he balanced his studies with growing interests in performance arts during his teenage years. He graduated from the school in 1994. His early acting pursuits began in fifth grade with a role in a professional production of Henrik Ibsen's at Hartford Stage in 1986, which sparked his passion for the craft and led to subsequent opportunities in television commercials. Supported by his family, Friedle started commuting from Avon to for auditions, a routine that intensified as he committed to an acting career. This effort culminated in his first major television role as a co-host on Nickelodeon's Don't Just Sit There!, which aired from 1988 to 1991 and featured comedy sketches, interviews, and audience participation. Following his high school graduation, Friedle transitioned fully into professional acting, leveraging his early experiences to secure auditions and roles in the competitive New York entertainment scene without pursuing further formal education.

Acting career

Live-action roles

Friedle's breakthrough in live-action television came with his portrayal of Eric Matthews, the affable but often dim-witted older brother to Cory Matthews, in the ABC sitcom Boy Meets World from 1993 to 2000. Over the series' seven seasons, Eric's character arc evolved from a stereotypical underachieving teen relying on humor and charm to navigate family dynamics and school life, to a more introspective young adult who pursued ambitions like running for city council and working as a radio DJ, reflecting themes of personal growth and resilience. This development contributed to the show's influence on the teen sitcom genre by blending slapstick comedy with heartfelt explorations of adolescence, helping establish a template for family-oriented coming-of-age narratives that balanced humor with emotional depth. Throughout the and early , Friedle supplemented his lead role with guest appearances and recurring parts in various television series, showcasing his comedic timing in supporting capacities. Friedle reprised his iconic role as Eric Matthews in the sequel series from 2014 to 2017, appearing in 4 episodes as the now-mature uncle figure who offered witty guidance to the new generation of characters, bridging the original show's legacy with contemporary teen issues. Following this return, Friedle's live-action work became more selective. No further on-camera live-action projects have been credited to him through 2025, aligning with his public discussions on managing anxiety that influenced his career shift toward voice work.

Voice acting roles

Will Friedle's voice acting career began in the late , building on his live-action recognition from Boy Meets World to secure prominent roles in . One of his breakthrough voice roles was as Terry McGinnis, the teenage successor to Batman, in the Batman Beyond, which aired from 1999 to 2001. Friedle voiced the character across 52 episodes, portraying a high school student who inherits the Batman mantle in a futuristic under the guidance of an aging Bruce Wayne. He reprised the role in subsequent DC animated projects, including guest appearances in Static Shock (2000), (2001), (2004–2006), and the direct-to-video film Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker (2000). In 2024, Friedle returned as Terry McGinnis in Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths – Part Two, contributing to the multiverse-spanning storyline. Discussions of a Batman Beyond revival persisted into 2025, but Friedle announced at Animate! Columbus that he would not reprise the role without the late voicing Bruce Wayne, citing the deep emotional bond formed during the original series as a barrier to continuing without his mentor. Friedle achieved similar acclaim voicing Ron Stoppable in the Disney Channel animated series Kim Possible, from 2002 to 2007, across 87 episodes. Ron is depicted as Kim Possible's loyal, clumsy best friend and sidekick, whose comedic mishaps and unwavering support provide humorous relief amid high-stakes missions against villains. The character's traits— including his fear of various phobias, obsession with the fictional "Naco" snack, and eventual romantic development with Kim—became defining elements of the show's dynamic. Friedle reprised Ron in the animated films Kim Possible: A Sitch in Time (2003) and Kim Possible Movie: So the Drama (2005), extending the franchise's narrative through time-travel adventures and a climactic battle against Dr. Drakken. While a 2019 live-action film adaptation featured a new cast, Friedle has shared headcanon insights on the characters' post-series life, envisioning Ron and Kim as married parents inspired by The Incredibles. Beyond these iconic roles, Friedle has provided voices for various animated projects through 2025. In Big Hero 6: The Series (2017–2021), he voiced Ian/Hardlight, a villainous who uses holographic in episodes from 2019 to 2020. Other notable guest spots include in the reboot series (2011–2012), in (2015–2017), and additional DC characters like in (2008–2011). His recent work encompasses El Feo in the feature film Isla Monstro (2024).

Creative and media ventures

Screenwriting and production

Will Friedle began contributing to screenwriting in the early 2010s, focusing primarily on animated television series. His debut writing credit came with the 2012 reboot of ThunderCats, where he penned several episodes, including "Birth of the Blades," which explored the origins of key characters and their alliances in the fantastical world of Third Earth. Friedle also voiced the lead character Lion-O in the series, blending his acting and writing roles to shape narrative arcs centered on leadership and heroism. Expanding his work in animation, Friedle wrote multiple episodes for Teen Titans Go! between 2013 and 2016, contributing to the show's comedic, parody-driven style that reimagined the superhero team in absurd, everyday scenarios. His scripts often emphasized humorous team dynamics and pop culture references, aligning with the series' lighthearted tone. In 2015, he transitioned to live-action with writing duties on Girl Meets World, the sequel to Boy Meets World, where he crafted episodes like "Girl Meets Semi-Formal," drawing on his prior experience as the character Eric Matthews to infuse familial and coming-of-age themes. Friedle's screenwriting continued into the mid-2010s with Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2016–2017), where he wrote episodes featuring battling on Earth, highlighting themes of transformation and camaraderie. No further writing credits have been publicly documented through 2025. In production, Friedle served as a producer and host on the 2019 Mini Primetime, a miniature painting tutorial show where he guided cast members in painting their characters' miniatures.

Podcasting and web series

In 2022, Will Friedle co-launched the Pod Meets World alongside his former co-stars and , adopting a rewatch format where the hosts discuss episodes from the 1990s while sharing behind-the-scenes anecdotes, production insights, and personal reflections on their experiences. The series quickly gained popularity for its nostalgic appeal, featuring guest appearances from cast members such as , who played Mr. Feeny, in episodes like the 2022 installment "William Daniels Meets World," where Daniels recounted his role and bond with the young actors. By 2025, the continued to thrive, incorporating special tied to current events, including a October tribute segment honoring Daniels during Fishel's performance to the theme, with Friedle and Strong providing commentary on the homage. Friedle expanded his podcasting presence in 2022 by co-hosting I Hear Voices with Christy Carlson Romano, his former Kim Possible co-star, focusing on the craft of voice acting through interviews with industry professionals, discussions of techniques, and explorations of the differences between voice and live-action performance. The family-oriented show emphasizes educational content for aspiring voice actors, covering topics like casting processes and career transitions, with guests including directors such as Lisa Schaffer, who shared insights on animation production. Running through 2025, I Hear Voices has maintained a weekly release schedule, highlighting Friedle's expertise in voice work from projects like Batman Beyond. Beyond these flagship series, Friedle has made guest appearances on other podcasts in 2025, contributing to crossover episodes that blend his acting history with broader discussions, such as a collaborative rewatch segment on analyzing a episode. These contributions underscore his role in fostering community among through platforms.

Personal life

Relationships and marriage

Will Friedle dated actress from 1996 to 1997, a relationship that gained public attention during his time on due to their on-screen collaboration in the film and a notable kissing scene in the series. Friedle began dating Susan Martens around 2011 after meeting through mutual friends, with the couple keeping their early romance relatively private. They became engaged in 2015 and married on September 25, 2016, in a low-key ceremony in attended by close family and a few castmates. Friedle affectionately referred to Martens as "Mrs. Squirrels" in his announcement, highlighting their playful dynamic. The couple shares a strong interest in animals, particularly , which has been a cornerstone of their relationship; Martens is an avid dog lover, and they often feature their pets in subtle glimpses. Friedle and Martens have maintained a preference for , rarely sharing detailed personal updates beyond occasional mentions, allowing them to focus on their bond away from public scrutiny. As of November 2025, they have celebrated nearly a decade of marriage, having marked their ninth anniversary in September 2025 with the same low-profile approach.

Family developments

Will Friedle has embraced his role as a to his wife Susan Martens' daughter, Lexi Zavad, who was born in 1990. Lexi was 21 years old when Friedle and Martens began dating in the early , allowing Friedle to integrate into her life as an adult stepdaughter while supporting her through various life stages. The family has maintained a close-knit dynamic, with Friedle often describing their bond as familial and supportive during public discussions of his personal life. In May 2025, Friedle announced on his podcast Pod Meets World that he would become a grandfather at the age of 48, following Lexi's pregnancy with her first child. This milestone marked a joyful family development, with Friedle expressing excitement about the upcoming arrival and his new role in the family. The news highlighted the evolving nature of his family, centered around his marriage to Martens since 2016.

Health and public disclosures

Will Friedle was diagnosed with an anxiety disorder shortly after the end of Boy Meets World in 2000, when severe panic attacks began disrupting his life and career. The first such attack occurred during the filming of a scene for the 1999 movie H-E Double Hockey Sticks, where he suddenly felt overwhelmed and unable to continue, marking the onset of symptoms that included intense fear and physical distress. These episodes intensified in the years following the show's conclusion, leading Friedle to withdraw from live-action roles as the demands of on-camera performance triggered his condition. He sought professional help, including therapy, to manage the disorder, and gradually shifted his focus to voice acting, which provided a less stressful environment while allowing him to sustain his professional momentum. Friedle has openly discussed his mental health challenges on multiple podcasts, contributing to greater visibility for anxiety disorders among public figures. On the Vulnerable podcast hosted by fellow actor Christy Carlson Romano in 2022, he detailed how anxiety impacted his early adulthood, including the vulnerability of experiencing panic attacks in high-pressure situations and the role of therapy in building coping mechanisms. Episodes of Pod Meets World, co-hosted by Friedle with former Boy Meets World castmates Rider Strong and Danielle Fishel, have included reflections on mental health struggles tied to his post-show experiences, such as the emotional toll of career transitions and the benefits of ongoing therapeutic support. These disclosures emphasize his journey from denial to acceptance, highlighting how acknowledging anxiety helped him reclaim aspects of his professional life. Through these platforms and interviews, Friedle has engaged in advocacy to destigmatize issues, encouraging fans to prioritize and self-care. At in 2018, he shared how anxiety forced his career pivot, urging others facing similar issues to seek help without shame. In a 2024 interview, he revisited his initial symptoms and management strategies, stressing the value of creative like to alleviate symptoms. His efforts extended into 2025, with continued discussions in media appearances promoting of anxiety's prevalence and treatability, without linking to personal . Friedle's public narrative underscores the importance of resilience and professional intervention in navigating challenges.

Filmography and recognition

Film credits

Will Friedle's film credits highlight his early live-action work in teen comedies and productions, evolving into a robust portfolio of voice roles in animated and theatrical features, particularly within and adventure genres. These roles often build on his comedic timing and , contributing to ensemble casts in family-friendly and action-oriented narratives. The following table enumerates his notable film appearances in chronological order, including brief role descriptions:
YearTitleRoleTypeDescription
1997Trojan WarBrad KimbleLive-actionSupporting role as a quirky high school student navigating romantic mishaps in this teen comedy road trip film.
1998My Date with the President's DaughterDuncan FletcherLive-actionLead role as a teenager who impersonates the U.S. president after a blind date mix-up in this Disney Channel Original Movie.
1999H-E Double Hockey SticksGriffenkinLive-actionPortrays a mischievous demon assisting a teen in this fantasy comedy about escaping hellish consequences.
2000Batman Beyond: Return of the JokerTerry McGinnis / BatmanVoiceVoices the young Batman in this direct-to-video animated sequel, confronting the Joker's return in a dystopian future.
2003National Lampoon's Gold DiggersCalvin MenhofferLive-actionPlays a scheming heir in this raunchy comedy about two families feuding over hidden treasure.
2005Everything You WantCalvinLive-actionLeads as a college student in a romantic drama exploring love triangles and personal growth.
2005Kim Possible Movie: So the DramaRon StoppableVoiceReprises his animated series role as the bumbling sidekick in this theatrical feature pitting the hero against a robotic threat.
2013Transformers Prime Beast Hunters: Predacons RisingBumblebeeVoiceVoices the Autobot scout in this direct-to-video conclusion to the animated series, battling ancient threats.
2015Batman Unlimited: Animal InstinctsNightwing / Dick GraysonVoiceVoices the acrobatic hero in this direct-to-video animated adventure featuring Gotham's villains with animal themes.
2018Batman NinjaTim Drake / Red RobinVoiceVoices the young Bat-family member in this stylized, anime-influenced direct-to-video film set in feudal Japan.
2021My Little Pony: A New GenerationAdditional VoicesVoiceContributes to the ensemble voice cast in this Netflix animated musical about friendship and magic in a divided pony world.
2024Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths Part TwoBatman Beyond / Terry McGinnisVoiceReprises his iconic role in this direct-to-video animated adaptation of the DC multiverse-spanning epic.
2024Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths Part ThreeBatman Beyond / Terry McGinnis, KamandiVoiceReprises Batman Beyond and voices Kamandi in the trilogy's conclusion adapting the DC multiverse event.
2024LEGO Marvel Avengers: Mission DemolitionDennis / Demolition ManVoiceVoices a villainous character in this direct-to-video LEGO animated adventure assembling heroes against threats.

Television and video game credits

Will Friedle began his television career with a breakout lead role in the ABC sitcom Boy Meets World (1993–2000), where he portrayed Eric Matthews, the quirky and endearing older brother to the protagonist , appearing in all 158 episodes of the series. This role established him as a prominent young actor in live-action comedy, blending humor with heartfelt family dynamics. Transitioning into , Friedle became a staple in animated television during the late 1990s and 2000s, voicing lead characters in several acclaimed series that showcased his versatile comedic timing and energetic delivery. His major television credits include:
  • Boy Meets World (1993–2000): Eric Matthews (lead, 158 episodes) – The dim-witted yet creative sibling navigating adolescence and family life.
  • Batman Beyond (1999–2001): Terry McGinnis / Batman (lead, 52 episodes) – A teenage vigilante who inherits the Batman mantle in a dystopian future Gotham City.
  • Kim Possible (2002–2007): Ron Stoppable (lead, 87 episodes) – The loyal, bumbling best friend and sidekick to teen spy Kim Possible, often providing comic relief in action-packed adventures.
  • The Random Years (2002): Alex Barnes (lead, 7 episodes) – A college student dealing with post-graduation uncertainties in this short-lived comedy.
  • Justice League Unlimited (2004–2006): Green Lantern / Kyle Rayner (recurring, 1 episode) – A member of the expanded Justice League, contributing to team-based superhero battles.
  • Ultimate Spider-Man (2012–2017): Deadpool (recurring, multiple episodes across seasons) – The wisecracking mercenary anti-hero in various team-up storylines.
  • Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2015–2017): Bumblebee (lead, 71 episodes) – The Autobot leader guiding a team against Decepticon threats on Earth.
  • Guardians of the Galaxy (2015–2019): Peter Quill / Star-Lord (lead, 77 episodes) – The charismatic leader of the interstellar team in this Marvel animated adaptation.
  • Girl Meets World (2014–2017): Eric Matthews (recurring, 14 episodes) – Reprising his Boy Meets World character as the eccentric uncle to the new generation of protagonists.
  • The Legend of Vox Machina (2022–present): Kashaw Vesh (recurring, multiple episodes) – A stoic druid ally in the adult animated fantasy series based on Critical Role.
  • Barbie Mysteries (2025): William Warlock / Dustin (voice, multiple episodes) – Roles in this animated mystery series featuring Barbie.
Friedle has also made guest appearances in series such as (2000–2004, voicing Terry McGinnis in crossovers), (2001–2002), and Tron: Uprising (2012–2013, as voice talent), often leveraging his established animated personas. In recent years, he contributed to animated specials and series like LEGO Marvel Avengers: Mission Demolition (2024, voicing Dennis / Demolition Man) and Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths – Part Three (2024, voicing Batman Beyond / Terry McGinnis). In video games, Friedle has provided voice work across numerous titles, frequently reprising roles from his animations and contributing to high-profile franchises with his distinctive youthful and humorous style. His credits emphasize lead and supporting characters in action-adventure and games, spanning from the early to the present. Friedle retired from voicing Terry McGinnis in 2025 following the death of , stating he could not continue the role without his mentor. Key video game credits include:
YearGame TitleCharacter(s)
2001Batman: VengeanceTerry McGinnis / Batman
2003Batman: Rise of Sin TzuTerry McGinnis / Batman
2005Kingdom Hearts IISeifer Almasy
2005Advent RisingGideon Wyeth
2005Rogue GalaxyJaster Rogue
2005Tony Hawk's American WastelandChad Muska / Protagonist voice
2006Justice League HeroesGreen Lantern / Kyle Rayner
2006Teen TitansFang
2009The Secret Saturdays: Beasts of the 5th SunDoyle
2010Batman: The Brave and the Bold – The VideogameBatman / Terry McGinnis
2014Lego Batman 3: Beyond GothamBatman / Terry McGinnis
2015Batman: Arkham KnightAdditional Voices
2017Injustice 2Additional Voices
2021DC Super Hero Girls: Teen PowerLex Luthor
2022MultiVersusBatman / Terry McGinnis
These roles highlight Friedle's ongoing involvement in gaming, particularly in DC Comics adaptations where he often voices the futuristic Batman, bridging his television work with . No major credits have been announced for 2025 as of November 2025.

Awards and nominations

Will Friedle's contributions to television and have earned him several nominations and wins, primarily in ensemble categories recognizing his collaborative work. In 1995, he received a nomination for the in the category of Best Performance by a Young Actor in a TV Comedy Series for his role as Eric Matthews on []. Although he did not secure major industry accolades such as , his voice performances have garnered fan-voted recognition through the Behind the Voice Actors (BTVA) Awards, highlighting his impact in and films. He followed this with a 2016 win for the BTVA People's Choice Voice Acting Award for Best Vocal Ensemble in a New Television Series, as part of the cast of []. That same year, he earned a nomination for the BTVA Special/DVD Voice Acting Award for Best Vocal Ensemble in a TV Special/Direct-to-DVD Title or Short for []. These honors underscore Friedle's enduring influence in voice acting, where his versatile portrayals in long-running franchises like Batman Beyond and Kim Possible have cultivated a dedicated fanbase and shaped generational entertainment, even without broader award-season dominance [].

References

  1. https://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/will-friedle/3000299733/
  2. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0295115/bio/
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  5. https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/danielle-fishel-boy-meets-world-reunion-dancing-with-the-stars-1236552103/
  6. https://www.courant.com/2024/03/10/90s-con-or-bust-will-friedle-returns-to-his-ct-roots-for-two-boy-meets-world-events/
  7. https://www.celebritynetworth.com/richest-celebrities/actors/will-friedle-net-worth/
  8. https://okmagazine.com/p/boy-meets-world-will-friedle-awful-stories-childhood-11-cigarettes/
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  17. https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-pod-meets-world-98589488/episode/danielle-dances-week-5-300548407/
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  19. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt21084856/episodes/
  20. https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-i-hear-voices-93601005/
  21. https://www.instagram.com/p/DKxQCyxva4h/
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  26. https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/articles/friedle-wife-susan-martens-relationship-024002752.html
  27. https://toofab.com/2025/05/21/boy-meets-world-will-friedle-grandfather/
  28. https://people.com/boy-meets-world-s-will-friedle-reveals-he-s-set-to-become-a-grandpa-at-48-11739126
  29. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-14740303/Boy-Meets-World-star-Friedle-grandfather.html
  30. https://www.justjared.com/2025/05/22/boy-meets-world-alum-will-friedle-is-going-to-become-a-grandpa-at-48/
  31. https://people.com/boy-meets-world-will-friedle-peddling-porn-as-kid-panic-attacks-8430551
  32. https://people.com/tv/will-friedle-boys-meets-world-stopped-acting-anxiety-disorder/
  33. https://www.self.com/story/boy-meets-world-will-friedle-anxiety
  34. https://pagesix.com/2018/08/17/boy-meets-world-star-will-friedle-says-painting-helps-with-his-anxiety/
  35. https://www.tvinsider.com/42932/will-friedle-disney-xd-guardians-of-the-galaxy-series/
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  42. https://www.thepopverse.com/tv-dc-batman-beyond-reboot-will-friedle-kevin-conroy
  43. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0390163/characters/nm0295115
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