Celebrity spotlight: “Henry Danger” actor Jace Norman uses dyslexia to his advantage
When the cameras are rolling, Jace Norman is the star of Nickelodeon’s hugely popular kids’ show, Henry Danger. But when they’re off, he’s just a teen juggling life, fame and dyslexia.
As his celebrity has grown, Norman has spoken out about his dyslexia and bullying. He’s also grown into a budding entrepreneur with his own marketing company.
Landing the role of Henry Danger
Born in New Mexico, Norman and his family moved to Southern California when he was 8. He started acting when he was 12.
Soon after, he made his television debut with a guest appearance on the Disney Channel series Jessie. Several more roles followed until he auditioned for and got the lead in Henry Danger.
On the show, Norman plays Henry Hart, a young teen living in the town of Swellview. Henry is hired as a sidekick for the local superhero, Captain Man. Suddenly, Henry finds himself facing off with a cast of villains as he helps Captain Man protect the town.
An instant hit, Henry Danger was nominated for Nickelodeon’s Kids’ Choice Award for Favorite TV Show four years in a row, from 2015 to 2018, winning in 2017. Norman was a big part of the show’s success. He won Favorite TV Actor at the 2017 Kids’ Choice Awards. Following the success of Henry Danger, he continues to star in a number of Nickelodeon original TV movies.
Speaking out about dyslexia and bullying
While accepting the Favorite TV Actor award, Norman spoke out to encourage other kids.
“Have the courage to follow your heart and intuition,” he said during his acceptance speech. “If someone says that your dreams are too big and too out there, and you can’t do them, just remember this… what they’re really saying is they can’t.”
Norman spoke from personal experience. He was bullied because of dyslexia and his passion for acting.
“[The bullying] happened while I was in middle school,” he explained on the Today show. “I have dyslexia so I didn’t get very good grades. I was acting and that’s kind of a little bit outside the norm.”
Norman tells kids with learning and thinking differences that they can be successful.
“So I just want to show that you can be successful,” he told US Weekly. “[Dyslexia] doesn’t mean you’re not smart.”
Following the path to entrepreneurship
Norman isn’t content to remain just an actor. He’s taking on the business world, too.
“Entrepreneurship was always something I really wanted to do,” he said. “My dad was an entrepreneur as well. He didn’t go to college and had dyslexia, and I also have dyslexia. It was calling me a little bit.”
Teaming up with partners like NBA agent Michael Gruen, Norman launched Creator Edge Media, a millennial marketing company. Creator Edge Media helps brands get messages to consumers by tapping into young, influential creators.
“I've met with a lot of business and entrepreneur people and literally half of them have dyslexia,” he told Rogue magazine. “I see all these success stories like Steve Jobs and all these crazy successful people who are dyslexic, so there are two sides to the coin.”
“I think people look at it like a major disadvantage, and it is when it comes to school, but as I’ve got into entrepreneurship and got into business… I’ve learnt it can be a great advantage.”
Learn what to do if you think your child might have dyslexia.
And dive into more dyslexia success stories.
