By Yale Breslin
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Hayden Michael Brown grew up surrounded by creativity – a mum and grandmother who acted, and a father who spent years in visual effects on South Park and blockbuster films like The Avengers and Life of Pi. His first “role” came at just 18 months old, voicing Baby Ike on South Park, but his first love was soccer – a passion that took him to London in pursuit of a professional career before fate (and Ryan Murphy) led him back to the screen.
Yale Breslin: You grew up surrounded by the film industry. How did that shape you?
Hayden Michael Brown: I grew up down the street from Sony and what’s now Amazon Studios, so passing by those lots every day built a quiet curiosity. My dad worked on The Avengers, Life of Pi, and so many animated films – creativity just felt normal. Both my parents work hard but get to express themselves through what they do, and that’s always inspired me.
YB: Your first role was Baby Ike on South Park. Do you think storytelling was inevitable for you?
HMB: Maybe! I don’t remember it, but it’s a funny story – my dad called my mum asking if I could say “penis and vagina” because they needed a new Ike that day. I could say “penis,” but “vagina” came out “ba-gina.” They went with it anyway. From then on, storytelling has always felt like a natural part of life.
YB: You moved to London at 18 to chase a soccer career. What did that experience teach you?
HMB: It taught me resilience. Being in a new country, training daily, and facing constant pressure pushed me beyond my limits. You learn quickly that failure isn’t final – it’s just part of the process.
YB: What ultimately brought you back to LA – and toward acting?
HMB: Injuries and visa issues cut my soccer journey short. Modeling came next – mostly to pay bills while I kept playing – but it opened unexpected doors. Then Ryan Murphy changed everything.
YB: Tell us about that Ryan Murphy moment.
HMB: I was cast as background on his show Dr. Odyssey. You’d have to pause to even spot me, but that experience made me want to act. A few weeks later, my agents called – the producers liked my look and asked if I was an actor. They said “yes,” sent me an audition, and I booked it. I’ll never forget getting that call – I was literally about to jump in the ocean at Venice Beach.
YB: You shared scenes with Naomi Watts, Kim Kardashian, Sarah Paulson, and Glenn Close in All’s Fair. How was that first real set experience?
HMB: Completely surreal. I told Naomi it was my first scene ever and she said, “Don’t worry – I’ve got you.” That generosity made all the difference. It reminded me of sports – you put in the work, stay humble, and lean on your teammates.
YB: What’s Ryan Murphy like to work with?
HMB: He’s brilliant. Intense, tireless, and incredibly detail-oriented. Watching him work gave me a new understanding of what true dedication looks like.
YB: Who inspires you as you build your craft?
HMB: I get compared to Brad Pitt and Robert Redford, which is a huge compliment. I love Daniel Day-Lewis in There Will Be Blood, Brad Pitt in Fight Club, and Leo in just about anything. I’m drawn to authenticity – performances that feel lived-in.
YB: What kinds of stories or roles excite you most?
HMB: Characters with moral or emotional complexity – people who start with good intentions and lose their way. Roles like Michael Corleone or Jax Teller – flawed but deeply human.
YB: What keeps you grounded through all the change?
HMB: My family. They’re my anchor. Daily routines help too – walking my dog, journaling, working out, cooking for the family. It keeps me balanced and grateful.
Credits:
Talent HAYDEN MICHAEL BROWN
Photographer BARTEK SZMIGULSKI
Grooming LEE PATRICK DEVLIN
Fashion Director JUSTIN HAMILTON represented by A-FRAME AGENCY
Stylist LORNA LANE
Styling Assistant ALEXANDER REICH MCNAE