Will Friedle was born on August 11, 1976, in Hartford, Connecticut. He grew up in Avon as the youngest of three brothers in a household where both parents worked as lawyers. His upbringing was relatively ordinary, but even as a child he carried a spark for performing.
During his teenage years, Will often traveled independently from Connecticut to New York City for auditions. Those solo trips exposed him to the realities of the entertainment world early on and shaped his determination to succeed.
Quick Bio
| Full Name | William Alan “Will” Friedle |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | August 11, 1976 |
| Age | 49 years old (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Hartford, Connecticut, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5′8½″ (1.74 m) |
| Parents | Patricia Joan & Gary Allen Friedle |
| Siblings | Two older brothers, Gary and Greg |
| Marital Status | Married to Susan Martens (2016) |
| Profession | Actor, Voice Actor, Podcast Host |
| Known For | Eric Matthews (Boy Meets World), Terry McGinnis (Batman Beyond) |
| Net Worth | Around $2 million (2025 estimate) |
| Hobbies | Painting miniatures, tabletop games |
Family Ties
Family has always been important to Will. His parents, Patricia Joan and Gary Allen Friedle, supported him through the ups and downs of his career. His older brothers, Gary Jr. and Greg, provided balance as he navigated sudden fame.
In his personal life, Will found lasting love. He married Susan Martens in September 2016. In a playful nod to his famous role, he affectionately calls her “Mrs. Squirrels”, inspired by his alter ego “Plays With Squirrels” from Boy Meets World.
Height, Age, and Appearance
Now at 49 years old, Will stands at around 5′8½″ (1.74 m). While he no longer looks like the teenage star who once charmed audiences, he carries himself with warmth and relatability. His approachable demeanor has been key in keeping him connected with fans across generations.
The Boy Meets World Years
Will’s big break came in 1993 when he was cast as Eric Matthews on the ABC sitcom Boy Meets World. His role as Cory’s hilarious and sometimes clueless older brother made him one of the most memorable characters of the 1990s.
Across seven seasons, Will delivered some of the show’s funniest lines, while also growing into a beloved TV icon. Even today, fans quote Eric Matthews’ antics and rewatch episodes to relive the nostalgia.
A Transition to Voice Acting
After the show ended in 2000, Will made a surprising career move. Instead of continuing with on-screen roles, he turned to voice acting. This decision came after experiencing anxiety and a panic attack while filming the Disney movie H-E Double Hockey Sticks.
Voice work gave him the opportunity to keep performing without the pressures of on-camera life. It also revealed a whole new dimension of his talent.
Iconic Voice Roles
Will’s voice acting résumé is impressive. He became the new Batman in Batman Beyond, voicing Terry McGinnis in a role that fans still celebrate. He later gave life to Ron Stoppable in Kim Possible, a part that remains one of his most endearing performances.
Other highlights include Lion-O in the 2011 ThunderCats reboot, Bumblebee in several Transformers series, and Star-Lord in the animated Guardians of the Galaxy. More recently, he appeared as Kashaw Vesh in The Legend of Vox Machina. His versatility has made him one of the most reliable names in animation.
Beyond Acting: Hosting and Podcasts
Will has also built a strong presence in digital media. He hosted creative shows like Geek & Sundry Painters Guild and Mini Primetime, where he shared his love for painting tabletop miniatures.
In recent years, he’s become a voice in the podcasting space. With Christy Carlson Romano, he co-hosted I Hear Voices. He also reunited with Boy Meets World co-stars Danielle Fishel and Rider Strong for Pod Meets World, a nostalgic rewatch podcast loved by fans. In 2024, he launched Magical Rewind alongside Sabrina Bryan, focusing on Disney Channel Original Movies.
Net Worth and Lifestyle
Estimates of Will Friedle’s net worth vary, but most sources place it at around $2 million. This comes from his steady mix of acting, voice work, and podcasting.
Unlike many celebrities, Will lives a relatively quiet life. He doesn’t flaunt luxury possessions or make headlines for lavish spending. Instead, he values privacy, creativity, and meaningful fan engagement.
Social Media and Fan Connection
Though not the most active celebrity on social media, Will has maintained a warm relationship with fans. His podcasts and convention appearances keep him connected to those who grew up with him on screen. His genuine personality and humor make every fan interaction memorable.
Fun Facts and Trivia
Will’s life is full of unique tidbits. In his youth, he once traveled alone to New York City for auditions, sometimes getting into mischief. He studied Latin for six years and once considered becoming an archaeologist or chef before acting took center stage.
Despite being listed in brochures as an alumnus of Occidental College, he has clarified he never attended. And in a funny behind-the-scenes story, the first panic attack he ever had was actually caught on film during H-E Double Hockey Sticks.
Influence and Legacy
Will’s influence stretches across different generations. For millennials, he will always be Eric Matthews—the heart and humor of Boy Meets World. For younger audiences, he’s the voice of their favorite animated heroes.
His ability to reinvent himself while remaining authentic has kept his career relevant for over three decades. His candidness about mental health has also inspired many fans facing similar struggles.
Conclusion
From his Connecticut roots to his evolution as a voice actor and podcast host, Will Friedle’s journey is one of resilience, humor, and creativity. He’s built a career that balances fame with personal well-being, and a life anchored in family and authenticity.
At 49, Will continues to bring joy to fans worldwide—whether through nostalgia, new projects, or his voice behind beloved characters. His story reminds us that success isn’t always about staying in the spotlight, but about finding happiness and fulfillment in the roles you choose to play.
FAQs About Will Friedle
1. How old is Will Friedle now?
Will Friedle was born on August 11, 1976, which makes him 49 years old as of 2025.
2. Who is Will Friedle married to?
He married Susan Martens in 2016, and he affectionately calls her “Mrs. Squirrels,” inspired by his Boy Meets World character.
3. What is Will Friedle’s net worth?
Will’s net worth is estimated at around $2 million, earned through acting, voice work, and podcasting.
4. What are some of Will Friedle’s most famous roles?
He is best known as Eric Matthews in Boy Meets World and as the voice of Terry McGinnis/Batman in Batman Beyond, plus roles in Kim Possible, ThunderCats, Transformers, and Guardians of the Galaxy.
5. Why did Will Friedle switch to voice acting?
Will openly shared that anxiety and panic attacks made on-camera work difficult. Voice acting became a creative space where he could continue performing comfortably.
