Nico Hiraga: Age, Height, Net Worth & Complete Career Journey 2026

What happens when a skateboarder’s dreams get derailed by injury? For Nico Hiraga, it sparked an unexpected journey to Hollywood stardom.

This Japanese-American talent traded his skateboard for scripts and became one of entertainment’s most authentic young voices. Here’s everything about his age, height, career transformation, and rising net worth.

Quick Bio: Nico Hiraga at a Glance

Attribute	Details
Full Name	Nico Hiraga
Date of Birth	December 19, 1997
Age	28 years old (as of 2026)
Birthplace	San Francisco, California, USA
Nationality	American
Ethnicity	Japanese-American (Half Japanese, Half European)
Height	5 feet 8 inches (173 cm)
Weight	Approximately 154 lbs (70 kg)
Profession	Actor, Professional Skateboarder, Model
Years Active	2017–present
Zodiac Sign	Sagittarius
Marital Status	Unmarried
Stance	Goofy
Hometown	Highgate, San Francisco, CA
Instagram	@nicotheduffer (486K+ followers)

Note: Net worth and earnings figures mentioned in this article are industry estimates based on available sources and may vary.

Early Life and Background

Born on December 19, 1997, in San Francisco, California, Nico Hiraga grew up in the vibrant skate culture of the Bay Area. His father is Japanese while his mother is of European descent, giving him a multicultural background that shaped his worldview.

Hiraga spent his childhood in San Francisco’s Highgate neighborhood. The city’s creative energy influenced him deeply. He graduated from high school in June 2016, proudly sharing photos with his parents at the ceremony on Instagram.

Unlike many actors who pursue formal drama education, he chose a different path. His education came from the streets, skate parks, and the tight-knit skateboarding community. He spent his youth at Golden Gate Park, where he developed his skills and passion.

Skateboarding Career

Hiraga picked up skateboarding around age 10 or 11. The sport became his obsession. He practiced relentlessly, developing a distinctive goofy stance that made him recognizable in the skating world.

Sponsors and Achievements

His talent didn’t go unnoticed. At just 14 years old, he secured major sponsorships from prominent brands. His sponsor list grew to include:

• Lakai Shoes – Footwear sponsorship
• Create Skateboards – Deck sponsorship
• Illegal Civilization – Crew membership
• Royal Trucks – Truck sponsorship
• Spitfire – Wheel sponsorship
• Stance – Apparel sponsorship
• FTC Skateshop – Shop sponsorship

Through Illegal Civilization, the skating collective founded by Mikey Alfred, he toured extensively. He participated in the famous Illegal Civ European Tour, traveling to Denmark alongside Tyler, the Creator and the Odd Future rap collective in 2015.

Contest History

According to The Boardr skateboarding database, Hiraga competed in several amateur contests:

Contest	Date	Result
Phoenix Am Qualifiers	March 28, 2015	Competed
Cowtown’s PhxAm Qualifiers	April 2, 2016	78th out of 204
Damn Am Woodward West Qualifiers	October 4, 2014	95th out of 131

While he didn’t win major competitions, his style and personality made him a respected figure in skateboarding circles. His real impact came from video parts and his influential presence within the Illegal Civilization crew.

Transition to Acting

Everything changed when Hiraga was 19. A serious ankle ligament injury ended his professional skateboarding aspirations. He faced a difficult reality: his dream career was over.

Having modeled on the side for a few years, people had always told him to consider acting. With skateboarding temporarily off the table, he decided to explore it seriously. He hired a manager and started auditioning.

His first break came through director Crystal Moselle, who cast him in Skate Kitchen (2018). The role felt natural since it centered on skateboarding culture. He played Patrick, bringing authenticity that only a real skater could provide.

What started as a backup plan became his new passion. Once his ankle healed, he continued skating but now balanced it with his acting commitments. He remains a member of Illegal Civilization and still skates regularly.

Film and TV Roles

Breakthrough Performances

Summer of 17 (2017)
His debut came in this short film produced by Illegal Civilization. He didn’t just act—he also wrote episodes one and two, showing his creative range beyond performing.

The Flare (2017)
This skateboarding drama marked another early role where he could showcase his natural skating ability alongside his developing acting chops.

Skate Kitchen (2018)
Director Crystal Moselle’s film about female skateboarders in New York gave him wider exposure. Playing Patrick, he brought genuine skate culture authenticity to the production.

Booksmart (2019)
He played Tanner in Olivia Wilde’s directorial debut, a comedy about two academic overachievers trying to party before graduation. His portrayal of the lovable high school jock earned him recognition beyond skateboarding circles. The film won 24 awards and received 83 nominations.

Major Film Projects

North Hollywood (2021)
This Illegal Civilization feature film let him play Jay, the lead role opposite Vince Vaughn. The story centered on skate culture, allowing him to merge both his passions seamlessly.

Moxie (2021)
Directed by Amy Poehler, this Netflix film featured him as Seth Acosta, the love interest of the main character. The role demonstrated his versatility and expanded his fanbase significantly.

Hello, Goodbye, and Everything in Between (2022)
Based on Jennifer E. Smith’s bestselling novel, he played Scotty in this romantic drama about a couple deciding their relationship’s future before college.

Rosaline (2022)
A fresh take on Romeo and Juliet from Rosaline’s perspective, showcasing his ability to handle period-adjacent material.

Love in Taipei (2023)
This romantic comedy added another dimension to his growing filmography, proving he could carry diverse types of stories.

Sweethearts (2024)
He played his first lead role as Ben in this Max film opposite Kiernan Shipka. The story follows two best friends since eighth grade navigating their first year of college. When asked about San Francisco, he beamed with pride saying he’s born and raised there and it’s his home.

Television Work

Ballers (2018)
He appeared in three episodes of this HBO sports comedy drama starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. The series ran from 2015 to 2019 and earned five Primetime Emmy nominations.

The Power (2023)
He was cast in the main role of Ryan in this British sci-fi drama series, based on Naomi Alderman’s 2016 novel. The Amazon series premiered on March 31, 2023, marking his first major television leading role. This performance established him as a credible dramatic actor.

Upcoming Projects

The Julia Set (2025)
In October 2025, he joined the cast of this coming-of-age film, continuing his trajectory in young adult-focused narratives.

The Devil’s Mouth (2026)
Amazon MGM Studios added him to this genre film directed by Jeff Wadlow. He joins stars Kathryn Newton, Lana Condor, and Gavin Casalegno in a thriller about college friends trapped in an underwater cave system with a bull shark in Thailand.

Complete Filmography

Films

Year	Title	Role	Notes
2017	The Flare	Himself	Skateboarding drama
2017	Summer of 17	Lead	Short film, also writer
2018	Skate Kitchen	Patrick	Feature debut
2019	Booksmart	Tanner	Breakthrough role
2021	North Hollywood	Jay	Lead role
2021	Moxie	Seth Acosta	Netflix original
2022	Hello, Goodbye, and Everything in Between	Scotty	Romantic drama
2022	Rosaline	Supporting role	Period film
2023	Love in Taipei	Lead	Romantic comedy
2024	Sweethearts	Ben	First lead role
2025	The Julia Set	TBA	In production
2026	The Devil’s Mouth	TBA	Upcoming thriller

Television

Year	Title	Role	Episodes
2018	Ballers	Recurring	3 episodes
2023	The Power	Ryan	Main role

Music Videos

• “Brutal!” by Olivia Rodrigo (2021) – Featured appearance

Personal Life

Hiraga keeps his private life relatively low-key despite growing fame. He’s never been one for Hollywood excess or public drama. His authenticity remains his trademark both on and off screen.

Relationships

In 2018, he shared a photo featuring a woman named Leilani, sparking dating rumors. According to sources, Leilani lives in Hawaii and maintains a low profile unlike her actor boyfriend. However, he hasn’t publicly confirmed any relationship details, preferring to keep that aspect of his life private.

Family Connections

He maintains a close relationship with his parents. He’s mentioned having a brother, though he keeps family details private. His father’s Japanese heritage and his mother’s European background gave him an appreciation for different cultures.

He described himself as half Japanese, half White with some European heritage on his mother’s side. This multicultural identity influences his perspective and the roles he chooses.

Friendship with Tyler, the Creator

Through Illegal Civilization, he became friends with rapper Tyler, the Creator. They toured Denmark together in 2015 with Tyler’s rap collective Odd Future. This friendship connected him to the music world and expanded his creative network.

San Francisco Loyalty

Despite opportunities in Los Angeles, he insists he’ll never leave San Francisco permanently. He credits the city’s creative energy with shaping who he is. When between acting projects, he returns home to skate Golden Gate Park with childhood friends.

His friends help keep him grounded. He separates his skateboarding life from his acting career deliberately, not wanting to jeopardize the joy each brings.

Modeling Career

Beyond acting and skating, he’s worked as a model. His natural style and racial ambiguity make him appealing to fashion brands. He’s modeled for several streetwear and luxury brands, though he doesn’t prioritize modeling over his other pursuits.

His aesthetic blends skate culture with contemporary fashion. Brands appreciate his authentic connection to youth culture rather than manufactured coolness.

Age and Physical Stats

Born December 19, 1997, Hiraga is currently 28 years old as of 2026. As a Sagittarius, he embodies many traits associated with the sign—adventurous, optimistic, and honest.

He stands 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) tall and weighs approximately 154 pounds (70 kg). His build reflects years of skateboarding—lean but athletic. His medium-length brown hair and brown eyes give him a versatile look for various roles.

Net Worth and Earnings

Industry estimates place Hiraga’s net worth between $1 million and $2 million as of 2026. His income comes from multiple sources:

Income Streams

Acting Salaries
His lead and supporting roles in films and television provide his primary income. Netflix and Max productions typically pay competitive rates for young talent.

Sponsorships
Even after transitioning to acting, he maintains skateboarding sponsorships. Brands like Lakai, Illegal Civilization, and others continue partnerships.

Modeling Contracts
Fashion brands pay for his appearances in campaigns and editorials, though this represents a smaller portion of his income.

Social Media
With over 486,000 Instagram followers (@nicotheduffer), he has influence that brands value for promotions.

Disclaimer: Exact net worth figures aren’t publicly disclosed. Estimates vary by source and should be considered approximate rather than definitive.

Social Media Presence

Instagram: @nicotheduffer

His main platform is Instagram where he’s posted over 500 images. He shares skateboarding clips, behind-the-scenes film content, and glimpses of his San Francisco life. His bio simply reads “🇯🇵🌉🌁NEEKS🌁🌉🇯🇵” reflecting his Japanese heritage and San Francisco pride.

Other Platforms

He joined Twitter in September 2017 but posts infrequently. His Facebook page has over 2,000 followers though it’s less active. He doesn’t maintain an official TikTok account, but fan-uploaded videos featuring him have received nearly 50 million views.

Mental Health Advocacy

He’s become an outspoken supporter of mental health awareness, particularly among young men. He talks openly about the importance of community, self-expression, and emotional wellness.

His platform allows him to reach young fans who face similar pressures. He emphasizes authenticity over perfection, encouraging others to embrace their true selves.

Unique Facts About Nico Hiraga

Skateboarding Quirks

• Goofy Stance: He skates with his right foot forward, which is less common than regular stance
• No Shower Habit: In a TransWorld Skateboarding interview at 17, he admitted he “doesn’t shower really” as a bad habit
• Favorite Reading: Listed “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” as his recommended reading in the same interview

Career Firsts

• First Pro Met: Either Frank Gerwer or Jack Curtin
• Writing Credit: Wrote episodes of the “Summer of 17” short film
• Lead Role: “Sweethearts” (2024) was his first true lead performance

Cultural Impact

He represents a new generation of multifaceted artists who don’t fit traditional Hollywood molds. His authenticity resonates with audiences tired of manufactured personas. He’s proof that staying true to yourself can be your greatest asset.

The Boardr Global Rankings

According to The Boardr skateboarding database, his competitive profile shows:

• Age: 28
• Stance: Goofy
• Hometown: Highgate, CA, USA
• Sponsors: Lakai, Illegal Civ, Royal, FTC, Spitfire, Brick
• Earnings: $0 (amateur status)
• Street Points: 0

While he never achieved high competitive rankings, his influence in street skating and skate culture far exceeded contest results. His video parts and crew contributions matter more than trophy counts.

What Makes Nico Hiraga Stand Out

Authenticity Over Image

In an industry obsessed with perfection, he remains refreshingly real. He doesn’t pretend acting was always his dream. He openly admits skating was his first love and acting emerged from necessity after injury.

Skate Culture Ambassador

He brings genuine skate culture to Hollywood rather than Hollywood’s version of skating. Directors value his input on how skaters actually talk, move, and think.

Multicultural Perspective

His Japanese-American background gives him a unique perspective. He represents Asian-American visibility in spaces where representation still matters.

San Francisco Pride

When asked about his hometown, he said “Loud and proud. I’m born and raised in San Francisco. That’s my home. My city”. His refusal to relocate to LA permanently sets him apart from most actors.

Career Trajectory and Future Outlook

His career shows steady upward momentum. He’s progressed from skateboarding cameos to supporting roles to leading performances. Each project demonstrates growing range and confidence.

The Power proved he could handle dramatic television. Sweethearts showed he could carry a film as the lead. The Devil’s Mouth will test his action-thriller abilities. He’s strategically choosing diverse projects that challenge him.

Industry insiders recognize his talent and authenticity. He’s not trying to be the next anyone—he’s establishing himself as the first Nico Hiraga.

Lessons from His Journey

Adaptability Wins

When injury ended his skating dreams, he didn’t give up. He pivoted to acting while maintaining his skate connections. This flexibility turned a setback into an opportunity.

Stay Connected to Your Roots

Despite Hollywood success, he skates Golden Gate Park with childhood friends. These connections keep him grounded and authentic.

Multiple Passions Enrich Each Other

His skating informs his acting. His acting gives him resources to support skating. Rather than choosing one or the other, he found ways to honor both.

Authenticity Attracts Opportunities

He doesn’t fake enthusiasm for acting. This honesty makes him trustworthy to directors, brands, and audiences. People appreciate when you’re real about your journey.

FAQs

How old is Nico Hiraga in 2026?

He’s 28 years old, born December 19, 1997.

What is Nico Hiraga’s height?

He stands 5 feet 8 inches or 173 centimeters tall.

What’s Nico Hiraga’s estimated net worth?

Industry estimates range between $1-2 million based on his acting and sponsorships.

Is Nico Hiraga still skateboarding?

Yes, he still skates regularly and maintains sponsorships despite focusing on acting.

What skateboarding stance does Nico Hiraga use?

He skates goofy stance with his right foot forward.

Where is Nico Hiraga from?

He’s from Highgate in San Francisco, California, and he still lives there.

Conclusion

Nico Hiraga’s journey from San Francisco skate parks to Hollywood sets proves there’s no single path to success. An injury that could have ended everything instead opened new doors.

At 28, he’s built a impressive career across acting, skating, and modeling. His estimated $1-2 million net worth reflects years of hard work and smart choices. More importantly, he’s maintained authenticity in an industry that often demands conformity.

Whether you discovered him through Booksmart, Moxie, The Power, or Sweethearts, one thing’s clear: Nico Hiraga represents a new generation of talent that refuses to be boxed in. He skates, acts, models, and advocates for mental health—all while staying true to his San Francisco roots.

His story reminds us that setbacks can become setups for something better. When one dream ends, another might be waiting if you’re brave enough to explore it.