| Real Name: | David Raphael Moscow |
| Birthday: | November 14, 1974 |
| Net Worth | $3 million |
| Height: | 175 cm |
| Occupation: | American Actor, Writer, Director, Producer |
David Moscow is an American actor, producer, and activist, born on November 14, 1974, in New York City. He gained recognition for his roles in popular films during the late 20th century. Moscow’s acting career began with his notable portrayal of young Josh Baskin in the 1988 hit film “Big”, which also starred Tom Hanks. This role showcased his talent at a young age and helped him establish a foothold in the industry.
In addition to his work in “Big”, Moscow is also well-known for his role as David Jacobs in the 1992 musical film “Newsies.” Throughout his career, he has earned a reputation for his affability, awkward charm, and ability to captivate audiences. As Moscow continued to build his resume, he expanded his work to include producing and activism, further cementing his diverse range of talents in the entertainment industry.
Contents
Early Life and Background
New York Roots
David Moscow was born on November 14, 1974, in New York City, New York. Growing up in The Bronx, he was exposed to the diverse culture and arts scene that the city had to offer. David is the son of Patricia and Jon Moscow.
Acting Beginnings
Moscow’s acting career began at an early age. His breakout role came in 1988 when he played the young Josh Baskin in the hit film Big. In this role, he portrayed a character who was magically transformed into an adult, with Tom Hanks playing the grown-up version of Josh. This early success led Moscow to pursue acting further, eventually appearing in notable films such as Honey, Just Married, and Newsies. In addition to acting, David Moscow also explored directing, with films like Desolation and The Legend of Simon Conjurer under his belt.
Apart from his career in the entertainment industry, Moscow is also known for his activism and involvement in environmental causes. In the early 1990s, he took time off from his acting career to participate in the Round River Conservations Studies, where he tracked wolves. Later on, in 2006, David contributed to the construction of a mixed-income green housing facility in Harlem, New York.
Breakthrough as an Actor
Role in ‘Big’
David Moscow’s acting career took off in 1988 when he landed the role of young Josh Baskin in the iconic film Big. In the movie, his character magically transforms into an adult, played by the renowned actor Tom Hanks. Moscow’s performance as young Josh Baskin received critical acclaim, highlighting his talent as a child actor and opening up more opportunities in the industry.
Success with ‘Newsies’
Following his success in Big, Moscow took on another significant role in 1992 as David Jacobs in the Disney musical film Newsies. Set in New York City’s Central Park, the movie revolves around the historical events of the 1899 newsboys’ strike. Co-starring Christian Bale, the film showcases the potential of David Moscow. His collaboration with Bale further cemented the foundation of Moscow’s acting career.
In summary, David Moscow established himself as a talented actor through his performances in films such as Big and Newsies. Both roles showcased his potential as a child actor and opened up opportunities for him in the industry. Moscow’s work with esteemed actors like Tom Hanks and Christian Bale highlights his success during these formative years in his career.
Career Progression
Filmography Highlights
David Moscow began his acting career with noteworthy roles in the late 1980s. He made a significant impact in the film industry with his appearance in The Wizard of Loneliness (1988) as Jimmy Wiggen. Moscow’s most memorable performance came in the same year, as the young Josh Baskin in Penny Marshall’s Oscar-nominated film Big (1988), where he played the younger version of Tom Hanks’ character. In 1992, he starred in the musical film Newsies as David Jacobs, further establishing his presence in the movie scene. Some other notable films he has been a part of include White Wolves: A Cry in the Wild II (1993), Hurricane Streets (1997), and River Red (1997).
In the early 2000s, Moscow continued making waves in the film industry with his role in Riding in Cars with Boys (2001), directed by Penny Marshall. He has since shifted gears and has worked on a number of diverse film projects.
Transition to TV and Production
In addition to his filmography, David Moscow has also ventured into television. He appeared in the TV series Live-In (1989) as Peter Matthews and Living Dolls (1989) as Rick Carlin. These television roles were instrumental in showing Moscow’s versatility as an actor.
David Moscow eventually transitioned into producing, working on projects such as From Scratch (2020). As a producer, Moscow has showcased his ability to contribute valuable insights and bring creative projects to life.
Throughout his career, David Moscow has demonstrated a keen ability to adapt and succeed in various aspects of the entertainment industry, from his early film roles to exploring television, and finally, transitioning to production.
Notable Collaborations
Work with Renowned Directors
David Moscow’s acting career has seen him work with some of the most renowned directors in Hollywood. One of his most memorable roles came in 1988 when he starred as the young Josh Baskin in Penny Marshall’s Oscar-nominated film, Big. This collaboration with Marshall facilitated Moscow’s future endeavors as he later worked with her again in the 2001 film, Riding in Cars With Boys, starring Drew Barrymore.
His work in Big introduced Moscow to the world of acting alongside Tom Hanks, one of the most beloved and respected actors in Hollywood. This experience provided him with valuable insights into the film industry and enabled him to grow significantly as an actor.
Acting Alongside Celebrities
Over the course of his career, Moscow has shared the screen with numerous celebrities. In addition to working with Tom Hanks and Drew Barrymore, Moscow has also worked with other notable actors including:
- Tom Everett Scott in From Scratch (2020)
- Kerry Washington in She Hate Me (2004)
- Lin-Manuel Miranda in the independent film The Odd Life of Timothy Green (2012)
- Lukas Haas and Chris Young in The Wizard of Loneliness (1988)
- Michael Learned in the television movie I’ll Be Home for Christmas (1988)
- Adrien Brody and Michael Kelly in the crime thriller Heights (2005)
On top of these collaborations, Moscow also acted alongside the legendary Robert De Niro in the drama film Jacknife (1989). These experiences have allowed Moscow to develop and hone his acting skills, proving his capability to work alongside high-profile celebrities effectively.
Personal Endeavors
Entrepreneurial Ventures
David Moscow is not only known for his acting career but also his entrepreneurial ventures. One such notable endeavor is his restaurant in Harlem. Through this business, he demonstrates his passion for diverse cultures and cuisine while contributing to the economic development of the Harlem community.
Activism and Community Work
Beyond the silver screen and his business ventures, David Moscow is also a committed activist in his local Harlem community. He has dedicated time and effort to causes such as:
- Dual-Language Public Schools: As an advocate for education, Moscow has supported the establishment and development of dual-language public schools in his community. He believes in promoting multilingualism and multiculturalism in educational institutions to foster a more inclusive and developed society.
- Community Activism: David Moscow is actively involved in various community events and local initiatives. He supports establishments like the Harlem Community Center and works to empower those around him.
In summary, David Moscow’s personal endeavors extend beyond his acting career. With entrepreneurial ventures like his Harlem restaurant and his commitment to activism and community work, Moscow continues to make a positive impact in the lives of those around him.
Cultural Impact
Iconic Roles and Legacy
David Moscow is best known for his iconic role as the young Tom Hanks in the 1988 classic film, Big. This role not only put him in the spotlight at a young age but also had a lasting impact on his career and the film industry. Big has become a timeless classic, loved by generations for its heartfelt and relatable story.
In addition to his role in Big, Moscow has appeared in dozens of films, TV shows, and theater productions over his 35-year career. His experience in various types of media showcases his versatility and adaptability as an actor.
Influence in Theater and Media
David Moscow’s involvement in theater has been influential as well. As part of a theater company A Theater Co, he played an important role in the growth and development of the organization. His dedication to theater arts not only enriched his acting career but also led him to become a vital figure in the development of upcoming talents.
His producing career further expanded his influence in the media industry, working on several projects across different platforms. Moscow’s dedication to storytelling and presenting unique perspectives contributed to a diverse range of stories being shared with audiences.
Throughout his career, David Moscow has left a lasting impact on the worlds of film, television, and theater through his iconic roles, involvement in theater companies, and producing projects. His work in various platforms showcases a commitment to not only entertain but also inspire and educate audiences by bringing new stories to life.
Personal Life
David Moscow was born on November 14, 1974, in The Bronx, New York City. He is the son of Patricia (née Sterner) and Jon Moscow. His mother’s family hails from Montana, while his father is of Jewish descent. Although his parents come from diverse religious backgrounds, namely Jewish and Mormon, David was not brought up in either faith.
In his family, David has a younger brother named Lev Moscow. Interestingly, Lev appeared as an extra in the movie “Newsies” and is currently a history teacher at The Beacon School in New York City.
David Moscow married Karen Riotoc Moscow on September 6, 2014. They have been together since and continue to share their lives with each other.
