Eli Golden

Biography

Eli Golden is a talented American actor and singer-songwriter, best known for his lead role as Evan Goldman in the 2022 Netflix adaptation of "13: The Musical." Born on September 7, 2007, in New York, USA, he is 17 years old as of April 2025. ​

Early Life and Family

Eli was raised in a Jewish family in Westchester, New York, alongside his parents and sister, Lilah. He began his journey into the entertainment industry at a young age, starting with commercials around the age of six. Despite portraying a bar mitzvah in "13: The Musical," Eli did not have one himself, as he didn't feel a strong need to attend Hebrew school. He humorously noted that the film's bar mitzvah was the one he never had. ​

Acting Career

Eli's acting career began with a role in the television series "Sneaky Pete" in 2015. He went on to appear in notable TV shows such as "Orange Is the New Black" (2016) and "Lincoln Rhyme: Hunt for the Bone Collector" (2020). In 2017, he played Young Daniel in the HBO film "The Wizard of Lies," which delved into the Bernie Madoff Ponzi scheme. ​

His breakthrough came with the lead role in "13: The Musical," where he portrayed Evan Goldman, a 12-year-old navigating his parents' divorce and a move from New York City to small-town Indiana while preparing for his bar mitzvah. Eli found parallels between his own experiences and his character's journey, particularly regarding the challenges of being the new kid in a different environment. ​

Musical Endeavors

Beyond acting, Eli is passionate about music. In July 2022, he released his debut single, "Back to Me," showcasing his vocal and songwriting abilities. He has expressed a desire to continue pursuing both acting and music, with plans to release an EP in the near future. ​

Personal Interests and Aspirations

Eli has a keen interest in fashion, often sharing his stylish outfits on social media. He is also learning Spanish, aided by his "13: The Musical" co-star Jonathan Lengel. Looking ahead, Eli aspires to work in action films, expressing a particular interest in collaborating with Tom Cruise.

Overcoming Challenges

Eli has been open about his experiences with stuttering, which began in early childhood. Through speech therapy and personal determination, he has managed to navigate these challenges, emphasizing the importance of patience and self-acceptance. ​

Eli Golden continues to make a significant impact in the entertainment industry through his dedication to acting and music, resonating with audiences through his authentic performances and personal journey.