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Kendall Francis Schmidt (born November 2, 1990) is an American actor and singer best known for his role as Kendall Knight on the Nickelodeon show, Big Time Rush, as well as a member of the boy band of the same name. In Big Time Rush, Kendall is "the leader of the band." Before Nickelodeon, he had a guest appearance on Frasier. In 2009, he signed a record deal with Columbia Records with his group Big Time Rush, along with James Maslow, Carlos PenaVega, and Logan Henderson.

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Kendall Schmidt

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Early Life

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Little Kendall

Kendall Schmidt was born on November 2nd, 1990 in Wichita, Kansas, to Kathy and Kent Schmidt. Schmidt is one out of three boys, with older brothers Kenneth Schmidt and Kevin Schmidt, who are also actors. He is of German descent. When he was 10 years old, his family finally made the move from Kansas to California.

Acting Career

1996-2001: Early Acting Career

He began his acting career at age five, appearing in a Chex TV commercial. When he was nine years old, he was one of two young actors who were hired to be Haley Joel Osment's stand-in and body double (they shared the same agent) in the Steven Spielberg film A.I. Artificial Intelligence. He celebrated his birthday on the set, and Spielberg and the cast surprised him with a birthday cake decorated with Star Wars figures.

2001-2008: Recurring Roles

In 2001, Schmidt soon landed recurring roles on General Hospital, Titus, Raising Dad, Gilmore Girls, and CSI: Miami. He guest-starred on a variety of TV shows, including ER, MADtv, Easy A Frasier, and Phil of the Future. Kendall also guest-starred on Without a Trace and Ghost Whisperer. On the big screen, he has appeared in Minority Report and According to Spencer.

2009-2014: Big Time Rush Era

In 2007, Nickelodeon was casting and looking for people to be in a new band to be in a new sitcom called Big Time Rush. Schmidt won the role of Kendall Knight over many other people because of the difficult decision of casting him over others. James Maslow sent in his audition tape when his desire was in singing and acting. He got the role 2 years later. Carlos Pena, Jr. and Logan Henderson sent in their audition tapes and were accepted over thousands of other boys.

In 2009, Schmidt was cast as the lead of the TV show Big Time Rush. Kendall portrays a character like himself with the name of Kendall Knight, a 16-year-old hockey player from Minnesota who is the calm and relaxed member of Big Time Rush.

Kendall was chosen to appear in Big Time Rush two weeks before Big Time Audition was originally supposed to air. Kendall replaced Curt Hansen as the main character. Logan then told the producers to audition Kendall one more time. After he auditioned for a second time, the producer asked Carlos, James, and Logan to choose between Curt or Kendall. All three chose Kendall.

The show premiered to a record-breaking 6.8 million viewers, making it the highest-rated premiere for a live-action series in Nickelodeon history. The show would also last 4 seasons spanning over 74 episodes, and would also have a television movie, Big Time Movie, released on March 10, 2012, to 13.1 million viewers in the U.S. alone.

During his BTR era, Schmidt alone with his bandmates would also guest star in other Nickelodeon shows, such as How To Rock and Marvin Marvin.

2014-Present: Post BTR

From 2016-18, Schmidt appeared in School of Rock as a recurring character, Justin of Night Lizard. In 2017, he also appeared in the web series, Are You There, God? It's Me, Margot, as Ryan. The series also starred Carlie Casey, who played Mercedes Griffin in Big Time Rush.

Music Career

Personal Music

Schmidt sang the theme song, "All That Really Matters", for web show Poor Paul starring his brother, Kevin Schmidt. Several other songs by Schmidt are featured in the series but were never recorded such as Memories and Melodies, Say What You May, and Techno.

Schmidt also has a series of covers on Youtube under the username "K3ndallSchmidt" including a cover of John Mayer's Edge of Desire with cast mate Logan Henderson.

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Heffron Drive

Main Article: Heffron Drive

In 2008, Kendall Schmidt and his best friend, Dustin Belt, formed the band Heffron Drive. The name refers to the street on which they both met and lived on, Heffron Drive, in Burbank, California.

Heffron Drive is a Alternative/Pop/techno genre band. They have many songs featured on Myspace, at Myspace.com/HeffronDrive and on PureVolume.com/HeffronDrive. Some of the top rated songs are "Quiet Please" and "Love Letter".

In 2009 Schmidt joined the boyband Big Time Rush, so Heffron Drive was on a break / hiatus, until 2013.

On October 17, 2013, it was announced that Heffron Drive would be going on a winter tour, it started in Houston on November 23, and ended on December 22 in Los Angeles. On January 14, 2017, the band released a new song and music video for their single "Living Room". Their next release was on January 19, 2018 when they released a new song and music video titled "Mad At The World", and later "Separate Lives".

Big Time Rush

For main article, see Big Time Rush.

2009-2014

In 2009, Schmidt was cast as the lead of the TV show Big Time Rush, where he also became a member of boy band Big Time Rush. Nickelodeon signed Big Time Rush and the debut album, titled BTR, was released on October 11, 2010 and debuted at number 3 on the Billboard 200. Later was certified Gold for shipments of 500,000 copies in the U.S. The album included songs such as "Boyfriend", "Any Kind of Guy", "City Is Ours", "Halfway There", "Famous", and "Stuck".

In November 2010, it was announced that a Christmas special of Big Time Rush would debut later that month, and that a Christmas EP would be released to coincide with the episode. On November 30, 2010, they released the Holiday EP Holiday Bundle, with two songs: "Beautiful Christmas" and the cover of "All I Want for Christmas is You", originally performed by Mariah Carey. On February 15, 2011, "Boyfriend" was released as the band's first official single to mainstream US radio and peaked at number seventy-two on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming their most successful song to date.

Schmidt and the group announced they would be recording their second studio album, just after Nickelodeon renewed the series for a third season. Their second album, Elevate, was released on November 21, 2011 and debuted at number 12 on the Billboard 200, selling over 70,000 copies in its first week. Though for a lower peaking than their previous, the album sold more copies than the previous album. The first single, "Music Sounds Better with U", was released on November 1, 2011.

Their third album, 24/Seven, was released on June 11, 2013 and led many critics to draw comparisons between the band's third album and NSYNC's fourth album Celebrity. The band went into an indefinite hiatus in early 2014.

2020-Present

On April 20, 2020, the band reunited virtually, as they uploaded a video on the band's social media platforms, sharing some wishes to their fans about the COVID-19 pandemic. On July 19, 2021, the group released a video announcing reunion performances which occurred in December 2021. Since December, the group has released new music and went on tour in summer 2022.

Discography

Main articles: Big Time Rush discography and Heffron Drive discography

Albums appearances

Year Title Other artist(s) Album
2015 "Night Like This" Hilary Duff Breathe In. Breathe Out.

Writing credits

Year Title Artist(s) Album Notes
2004 "Boneyard (Dick Tracy Theme)" The Blasters 4-11-44 Written
2012 "Music Sounds Better with U" Big Time Rush Elevate Written
"Cover Girl"
"Love Me, Love Me"
"Superstar"
"You're Not Alone"
2013 "24/Seven" Big Time Rush 24/Seven Written
"Get Up"
"Crazy for U"
"We Are"
"Confetti Falling"
"Love Me Again"
"Just Getting Started"
"Untouchable"
2014 "Happy Mistakes" Heffron Drive Happy Mistakes Writer, producer, executive producer
"Parallel"
"One Way Ticket"
"Division of the Heart"
"Had to Be Panama"
"Nicotine"
"Art of Moving On"
"Passing Time"
"Could You Be Home"
"That's What Makes You Mine"
"Everything Has Changed"
"3 2 1" Shinee I'm Your Boy Writer

Filmography

Films

Year Title Role Notes
2001 According to Spencer Chad
2010 Easy A Himself
2012 Big Time Movie Kendall Knight Television film
2015 Janoskians: Untold and Untrue Himself

Television

Year Title Role Notes
2001 Raising Dad Noah Episode: "For Mature Audiences Only"
2001 Gilmore Girls Peter Episodes: "Nick & Nora/Sid & Nancy" and "Application Anxiety"
2002 Frasier Young Frasier Episode: "Rooms with a View"
2004 ER Damian Episode: "Shifts Happen"
2004 Phil of the Future Jake Episode: "Get Ready to Go-Go"
2004 CSI: Miami Dominic Abeyta Episodes: "Legal" and Hell Night"
2009 Ghost Whisperer Jeff Episode: "Slow Burn"
2009 Without a Trace Shay Hanson Episode: "True"
2009–2013 Big Time Rush Kendall Knight Lead role
2011 Hand aufs Herz Himself Episode: "August 11, 2011"
2012 How to Rock Himself Episode: "How to Rock: An Election"
2013 Marvin Marvin Himself Episode: "Big Time Marvin"
2014 Hell's Kitchen Himself Episode: "15 Chefs Compete"
2015 The Penguins of Madagascar Beaver Kendall (voice) Episode: "Tunnel of Love"
2016–2018 School of Rock Justin of Night Lizard Recurring role; 4 episodes

Web

Year Title Role Notes
2017 Are You There, God? It's Me, Margot Ryan Main role

Personal Life

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When Schmidt was younger, he and his mother spent about six months out of every year in California. Schmidt is represented by AKA Talent and Protege Entertainment.

Kendall's personal label is TOLBooth.

Schmidt got engaged to his girlfriend of seven years, Mica von Turkovich on June 30, 2022. They got married in the fall of 2023 and announced that their expecting their first baby on November 23rd 2023.

Biography

Kendall Schmidt stars in the new Nickelodeon live-action comedy series Big Time Rush as Kendall, the lead singer of the new “princes of pop” music group.

Born in Wichita, Kansas, Schmidt was raised in nearby Andover and grew up the youngest of three brothers who all caught the acting bug. After watching his two brothers, Kenneth and Kevin, travel back and forth to Los Angeles, Schmidt decided he also wanted to be an actor. While it began as “something fun to do,” Schmidt quickly became passionate about pursuing a career in the entertainment industry. “My first acting memory is starring in a Chex cereal commercial with my brothers. Even though we went to the audition separately, we were cast to play brothers,” he recalls.

When he was 10 years-old, his family finally made the move from Kansas to California. Schmidt soon landed recurring roles on General Hospital, Titus, Raising Dad, Gilmore Girls, and CSI: Miami. He also guest starred on series including ER, Mad TV, Frasier, Phil of the Future, and most recently, Without a Trace and Ghost Whisperer. On the big screen, he appeared in Minority Report, AI and Lions Gate’s According to Spencer.

In addition to acting, Schmidt’s other love is making music. Within the last three years, he has learned to play guitar and has honed his vocal skills from singing in the car with his mom to recording in the studio. Inspired by “Incubus,” his all-time favorite band, and “Taking Back Sunday,” Schmidt also writes his own music. Another source of inspiration is his family. “My whole family has given me the drive to succeed,” he said. “My brothers mean the world to me. They keep me grounded and offer a different perspective when I need advice.”

Schmidt was drawn to his role in Big Time Rush by the music. “Acting comes naturally to me but I think I am best at music,” said Schmidt. “If I could combine both loves, then I am successful.” Schmidt identifies with his character, who suddenly finds himself thrust into the limelight, trying to get a handle on being a part of a music group. His character Kendall’s attitude is to enjoy the ride –and Schmidt plans on following the same advice.

When he is not focusing on his music and acting, Schmidt likes hanging out with his friends or being outdoors, whether it’s to rock climb, surf, or skateboard. Schmidt lives in Los Angeles with his two dogs, cat, bird, tortoise, and python.

Kendall purchased a house in Sin City, Las Vegas after several members of Kendall’s team became concerned after some overzealous fans began camping outside of the 22-year-old’s L.A. pad and they urged him to get another place where he could hide out. Kendall still owns his place in L.A. — and will use the home when he comes to town — but the Vegas pad will be his primary residence.

Trivia

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  • Kendall is the youngest member in Big Time Rush.
  • Kendall and Logan have been friends before Big Time Rush premiered.
  • Schmidt is one out of two members of Big Time Rush that has tattoos. He has 4 tattoos, one is in the middle of his back, just below his neck, the other one is on his back, on his left shoulder, the third one is a heart on his left arm and the fourth one is a sugar skull on his right arm.
  • He loves animals [1]
  • Kendall shares a first name with celebrity Kendall Jenner. Interestingly, their birthdays are one day apart (Jenner was born on Nov. 3, Schmidt on Nov. 2).
  • It's funny because Kansas, Kent, Kathy, Kendall, Kenneth, and Kevin all start with a K, and he revealed he shares the same middle name with his grandmother. He also has four tattoos, two on his back, on his left arm, and the other on his right arm.
  • Middle name: Francis
  • Date of Birth: November 2, 1990
  • Place of Birth: Wichita, Kansas
  • Height: 5’11"
  • Weight: 170 lb
  • Favorite Colors: Green and Silver
  • Favorite TV show: Family Guy
  • Favorite Food: Cobb salad and pizza
  • Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Chocolate chip cookie dough
  • Favorite Flower: Sunflower
  • Favorite Book: Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
  • In school: Was a procrastinator
  • Favorite Animal: Python or Boa Constrictor
  • Favorite Band: Incubus & Taking Back Sunday
  • Favorite Sports: Football, Swimming, Soccer
  • Favorite Football Team: Kansas City Chiefs
  • Favorite Cereal: Lucky Charms
  • Favorite Superhero: Spider Man
  • Nicknames: Bigman, Kendizzle, Kendahlia, K-Dog
  • Favorite Number: 111
  • Favorite Food: Pizza
  • Favorite Penguin in Penguins of Madagascar: Rico
  • Kendall has 2 older brothers, Kenneth and Kevin
  • Kendall has a band with his friend, Dustin Belt (Current Guitarist for BTR) called Heffron Drive
  • Kendall has guest starred and produced songs for the web series, "Poor Paul"
  • Kendall has new pet pig named Yuma [2]
  • Kendall's First Date was when he was 13 years old and it was with Lucy Hale[3]
  • Kendall is the first BTR member to have tattoos. He has 8. Kendall said all his tattoo means that he's a nice guy.
    • Scorpion - He got it when he was 19 and it means his Zodiac Sign. It's located on his left shoulder.
    • Peace sign - It's Kendall's first tattoo and he got it when he was 18. It is in the middle of his back.
    • Heart - Is Kendall's third tattoo and is located on his left upper arm.
    • Sugar skull - It represents Mexico’s annual All Soul’s Day, which falls on November 2. Coincidentally, that also happens to be his birthday. Also includes wheat and sunflowers to represent his Kansas upbringing. Additionally, the tattoo has the number 111 inscribed in it which is his Lucky number. The tattoo also includes a guitar and guitar pick as an homage to his love for music. The rose represents Kendall's grandmother, Grandma Rose. The tattoo artist was Chris Garcia from Las Vega, Nevada.
    • Grandma Boots & Grandpa's Belt - are a pair of tattoos located on Kendall's left upper hand right above his heart tattoo. It represents his grandparents.
    • Sissy - This tattoo represents Kendall's dog, Sissy. The tattoo is located under the Scorpio tattoo.
    • Hand Band - This tattoo represents the Rushers and the amount of hand bands Kendall has received through the years. Kendall got the tattoo the same day Big Time Dreams aired.
  • In an interview with Total Girl Philippines, James Maslow said that Kendall is a shopaholic.
  • His celebrity crushes are Angelina Jolie and Zooey Deschanel.
  • His worst habit is biting his nails.
  • Before he got the part as Kendall on BTR, his character was named "Donavan".[4]
  • He started acting when he was 6 years old.
  • He enjoys songwriting, skateboarding, and surfing.
  • He has two dogs, one cat, a bird, a turtle, and a python.
  • His Favorite BTR character is James Diamond.
  • Kenneth Schmidt: Kendall is a very caring person. When he was younger, he worked at a pet shop and took care of animals after school. He is also very fun to hang out with and extremely funny. He will also be the first to tell you that he is a “pretty laid back dude”. In other words, he likes to relax and just “go with the flow.”
  • He shares the same birthday as co-star Katelyn Tarver, albeit one year younger.
  • Was the last BTR member to be cast after the original Kendall, who got recast as Dak after the producers were worried that Curt's voice sounded similar to James's voice.

External Links

Gallery

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References

Navigation

v · d · e Big Time Rush
Discography · Videography · Awards and nominations · Songs · Live performances
Members Kendall Schmidt · James Maslow · Carlos PenaVega · Logan Henderson
Studio albums BTR (2010) · Elevate (2011) · 24/seven (2013) · Another Life (2023)
Compilations The Greatest Hits (2016) · L'Intégrale (2016) · Ultimate Fan Edition (2016)
Extended plays Best of Season 1 (2010) · Holiday Bundle (2010) · Big Time Movie Soundtrack (2012) · Untitled Spanglish EP (2023)
Concert tours Big Time Rush in Concert · Better with U Tour · Big Time Summer Tour · Summer Break Tour · Live World Tour · Forever Tour · Can't Get Enough Tour
Promotional tours Big Time Rush & Walgreens · Big Time Rush Live
Virtual concerts Big Time Rush: The City Is Ours
Television 7 Secrets with Big Time Rush · Big Time Rush: Live from Times Square · Big Time Rush: Party All Night · BTR: Music Sounds Better with U · Big Time Tour
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