Before Kit Connor’s twunk era, there was tiny Kit.
These days, whenever Connor trends online, the internet tends to lose its collective mind.
Whether it’s a new red carpet appearance, another jaw dropping photoshoot, or simply another reminder that our favorite Heartstopper star has grown into one of Hollywood’s most exciting young actors, fans rarely miss an opportunity to celebrate him. The glow up from fresh faced teenager to bona fide leading man has been impossible to ignore.
But before the muscles, before the blockbuster roles, and before half the internet collectively forgot how to breathe whenever he smiled, there was an impossibly adorable child actor quietly building an impressive résumé.
And honestly? It’s time we gave tiny Kit Connor the appreciation he deserves.
The Tiny Actor With Big Talent
Although Connor is only 22-years-old, his acting career stretches back much further than many people realize.
He landed his first professional roles when he was just eight years old, and one of his earliest standout performances came in the 2014 holiday comedy Get Santa. Watching those old interviews and press appearances today is like opening a nostalgic time capsule.
@luz2edits Baby kit #HEARTSTOPPER #heartstopperforever❤️ #kitconnor #getsanta #cute
Young Kit was all bright smiles, endless enthusiasm, and the kind of wholesome charm that makes you grin without even realizing it.
It’s almost impossible to reconcile that cheerful little boy with the confident actor walking today’s red carpets. Then again, people do grow up.
Very, very well.
The Elton John Connection
Long before Heartstopper introduced him to millions of viewers, Connor also appeared in Rocketman, portraying a young Elton John. It’s one of those performances that often surprises fans during a rewatch.
@aipxaa HOLY VOCALS #kitconnor #youngkitconnor #rocketman #vocals #fyp
Not only does he capture the vulnerability of a young Elton John, but he also gets to show off another talent that many people forget he has. Connor performs A Man In Love in the film, delivering the song with emotional sincerity that hinted at the performer he would continue to become.
Looking back now, it’s easy to spot flashes of the screen presence that would later make Nick Nelson such a beloved character.
mini Kit Connor as young Elton John in ROCKETMAN
now on Netflix in Canada! pic.twitter.com/l4jdOx8Ldp
— Netflix Canada (@Netflix_CA) April 13, 2024
READ: Nick Nelson Was Supposed to Break Hearts, Not Stretch T-Shirts
Watching Him Grow Up
Part of what makes Connor’s career so enjoyable to follow is that audiences have genuinely watched him grow up.
Many actors burst onto the scene overnight. Connor’s journey has been different. Fans have seen him evolve from a charming child actor into a versatile performer capable of handling romance, drama, action, and everything in between.
Of course, the internet may be a little distracted these days by the fact that he’s undeniably handsome (and hot). Fair enough.
But revisiting those early performances is a fun reminder that behind today’s leading man was once a tiny actor with an enormous amount of talent and an even bigger future.
Sometimes the best throwbacks are the ones that make you smile and say, “Wait… that was Kit Connor?”