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Early life

Hutcherson was born in Union, Kentucky, the son of Michelle and Chris Hutcherson. He has a younger brother, Connor, as well as several pets, including 2 dogs, Diesel (a boxer) and Baxter, and a cat, Paws. He has wanted to be an actor since he was four years old, but had only began auditioning for roles in 2002, after a successful screen test.

Career

Hutcherson's first role was in the 2002 made-for-television film, House Blend; in the same year, he appeared in an episode of ER. In 2003, he played the lead role in the comedy Miracle Dogs (which was released directly-to-video), starred opposite Peter Falk and Timothy Daly in the made-for-television film, Wilder Days, and had a minor role in the well-reviewed independent film, American Splendor. He performed for the motion-capture imagery in 2004's The Polar Express. and in the 2008 Journey to the Center of the Earth

In 2005, Hutcherson appeared in several Hollywood films. He had a minor role in the Will Ferrell comedy Kicking & Screaming (which was released in May), voiced Markl in the animated film Howl's Moving Castle (June), and played the lead roles in Little Manhattan (September) and Zathura, which was released in November to positive reviews. The following year, Hutcherson appeared in the comedy RV, playing the son of Robin Williams's character. In his most famous movie so far he played Jesse Aarons in the drama Bridge to Terabithia, which was filmed in New Zealand and released on February 16, 2007, performing well critically and commercially. He had not read the novel that the film is based on before being cast in the role.

Hutcherson's next role was in Firehouse Dog (released on April 4, 2007), in which he played Shane Fahey, a firefighter's son who befriends a dog. Hutcherson filmed Firehouse Dog after Little Manhattan and RV and before Bridge to Terabithia. He will also appear in the "very dark"independent film drama Winged Creatures (scheduled to begin filming in April 2007), as well as play the nephew of Brendan Fraser's character in Journey 3-D, a new 3-D film version of Journey to the Center of the Earth; filming on Journey 3-D began in Montreal in June 2006 and ended in October for an July 11, 2008 release. He is also in a movie adaptation of the book Cirque Du Freak coming out in 2009.

Hutcherson has said that he would like to appear in "every type" of film genre.

Personal life

Hutcherson has cited actor Jake Gyllenhaal as an inspiration. He is homeschooled, enjoys math, especially algebra. Hutcherson lives in Union, Kentucky with his family, something that he has said helps him "stay grounded". According to Hutcherson, he still "get[s] grounded" by his parents. Hutcherson has stated that he is "not much of a reader" and enjoys cars, competing in triathlons, bowling, soccer and playing his guitar. On August 11, 2007, Hutcherson served as the Grand Marshal at the Indy Racing League IndyCar Series Meijer Indy 300 at Kentucky Speedway.\ He is currently dating Shannon Wada.

Awards

On March 30, 2008, Hutcherson won a Young Artist Award (for Leading Young Actor), as did his co-stars AnnaSophia Robb and Bailee Madison.