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Ian Harding is an American actor best known for his role as Ezra Fitz on the hit TV series Pretty Little Liars. With more than a decade in the entertainment industry, he has made a name for himself by playing various roles in television and film.
His latest work, Our Little Secret, is set to release on Netflix on November 27, 2024. In addition to his acting, Harding is a published author and social justice activist. In his memoir Odd Birds, he shares that he is a bird lover.
Off-screen, the 38-year-old actor is dedicated to lupus research advocacy, inspired by his mother's battle with the disease. He partners with the Lupus Foundation of America to raise awareness and funds for lupus research.
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Early years and education
Ian Harding was born on September 16, 1986, in Heidelberg, Germany. His father was a member of the US Army, and Ian grew up in Virginia. This is where he found his love for the arts.
He was a student of the all-boys Jesuit Georgetown Preparatory School, where he completed his studies before joining Carnegie Mellon University's School of Drama for acting. Harding's education honed his craft and laid the foundation for a successful acting career.
Breakthrough with Pretty Little Liars
In 2010, Harding started his career as Ezra Fitz in the television series Pretty Little Liars, which is based on a book written by Sara Shepard. Ezra is a high school teacher and is drawn to one of his students Aria Montgomery, played by Lucy Hale.
The complex relationship between Ezra and Aria was one of the main themes of the entire series across seven seasons. During his stint in Pretty Little Liars, Harding managed to win critical acclaim for several Teen Choice Awards for Best Actor in a TV drama. Playing Ezra Fitz's made him a household name and gave him significant recognition in the entertainment scene.
Transition to new projects: Our Little Secret
Since the conclusion of Pretty Little Liars in 2017, Harding explored numerous other roles. His recent notable project is the comedy romance Our Little Secret.
This Netflix film directed by Stephen Herek, stars Lindsay Lohan, Tim Meadows, Jon Rudnitsky, Judy Reyes, Chris Parnell, and others. It is about ex-partners who land up in the same house during Christmas break after their current partners turn out to be siblings. The film is set to release on November 27, 2024.
Ian Harding's work beyond acting
Ian Harding is an actor, but he is also a skilled writer. In 2017, he published his memoir Odd Birds, which explored his Hollywood experience and passion for bird watching.
Ian Harding is also an advocate for lupus research. His mother suffered from an autoimmune disease and as a result, he developed a passion for helping to find a cure for it. He partners with the Lupus Foundation of America to raise funds and awareness for lupus research.
Personal life
Ian Harding got married to photographer Sophie Hart in 2019 after dating for almost a decade. 2022, the couple welcomed their first child, a son whose name they have kept under wraps. In 2021, Harding and Hart left LA and moved to Washington DC, Harding's hometown.
In 2023, Hart's work in fashion photography was honored by the British Fashion Council at the 2023 British Fashion Awards.
Sophie and Ian Harding keep a relatively low profile, they continue focusing on their respective careers and shared interests.
