The Actor Behind ‘Napoleon Dynamite,’ ‘Surf’s Up’ And ‘Blades Of Glory’ Reflects On Film, Art And His Time At BYU
Before becoming widely recognized for his role in the cult comedy “Napoleon Dynamite,” actor Jon Heder was a BYU student exploring multiple creative paths. His journey from animation student to Hollywood actor was less a carefully planned route and more a sudden turn that changed everything.
“My career path was kind of sudden,” Heder said. “I graduated with a degree in fine arts, and then I went into the world and did not really end up using it the way I thought I would.”
Heder first came to Brigham Young University planning to pursue film. His interests in drawing and visual storytelling led him to BYU’s animation program, which was just beginning at the time.
“I started out studying film at BYU,” he said. “Then I got into the animation program because I really grew up enjoying drawing. I loved film, and animation felt like a perfect mixture of the two.”
The program introduced him to both traditional and computer animation. Traditional animation required drawing every frame by hand, something he quickly realized was demanding.
“I started doing traditional two-dimensional animation, where you draw every single picture yourself,” Heder said. “I realized very quickly that it is so much work.”
He soon explored computer animation, where students learned a variety of technical skills including lighting, modeling and rigging. At the time, Heder expected that path would lead to a career in the animation industry.
“I honestly thought I was going to go down to Los Angeles after graduating and try to get a job in animation,” he said.
At the same time, he began acting in student film projects and exploring performance. That interest eventually changed the direction of his career.
“I was also studying acting on the side and doing some student film projects,” Heder said. “Then I shot a movie that would become very successful and blow the doors wide open.”
That film was “Napoleon Dynamite,” the 2004 comedy that launched his acting career and introduced audiences to the awkward but unforgettable title character. The movie rapidly became a cult classic, unlocking a lot of new opportunities for Heder.
Even though acting became his primary profession, Heder said his animation background influenced the way he approached performance.
“To me, animation and acting were very similar,” he said. “In both cases, you are bringing characters to life.”
Heder credits his time at BYU for helping shape both his artistic development and personal perspective.
“I am very glad I went to BYU,” he said. “It helped me in so many ways academically and experience-wise.”
He also said the university environment strengthened his sense of identity and values.
“BYU helped create not just a brand but an identity — who I am and how I am expressing myself,” Heder said.
Outside the classroom, many of Heder’s favorite memories come from friendships formed during college.
“A huge thing for me about college was the friendships,” he said. “The people and the relationships I built were so important.”
One particularly memorable project during his BYU years was a short film called “Peluca,” which he worked on with fellow student Jared Hess. The short film eventually inspired “Napoleon Dynamite.”
“Shooting that little short film with Jared Hess was such a highlight for me,” Heder said. “We had so much fun making it and seeing people react to it.”
The experience left a strong impression.
“I liked knowing that we were making something that was going to hit differently with people,” he said.
Today, Heder continues acting while also returning to some of the artistic interests that first brought him to BYU. He has been drawing again and exploring digital illustration projects with friends.
“I still have a passion for acting, but I also have a passion for the fine arts,” he said.
Looking ahead, Heder hopes to take on more creative roles beyond acting.
“I would love to create an animated series based on characters and worlds that I dream up,” he said. “I would also love to write and direct some live-action projects.”
For students currently studying in the arts, Heder encourages curiosity and exploration across disciplines.
“Try lots of things,” he said. “Take advantage of the resources and the classes that are there.”
He added that the relationships formed during college can matter just as much as the skills learned.
“It is not just the skills,” Heder said. “It is the people.”