Hunter Nagai is the older brother of Jordan Nagai, who rose to prominence for voicing the character Russell in the acclaimed Pixar animated film Up. At the time of the movie's release in 2009, Jordan was only nine years old. His endearing and innocent voice captured the hearts of millions, propelling him to overnight stardom. Although Hunter initially attended the audition for the role, it was Jordan’s naturally talkative and engaging personality that caught the attention of director Pete Docter. Jordan was selected from a pool of over 400 children, becoming the chosen voice for the lovable character in what would become an Academy Award-winning film.
Despite his early fame, Jordan Nagai has since stepped away from the entertainment industry. His parents, concerned about the potential psychological impact of fame at such a young age, decided it was best for him to focus on his education. A close source revealed that the Nagai family wanted to ensure that Jordan had a grounded upbringing, and they believed continuing an acting career during his formative years might jeopardize that. Their decision was rooted in a desire to protect their children from the long-term effects of early exposure to celebrity culture.
Jordan is currently dedicated to his academic pursuits and may consider returning to acting once he completes high school and has a stronger understanding of his goals. His parents have emphasized the importance of maturity and self-awareness before embarking on a long-term professional path, especially one in the public eye.
While Jordan has taken a step back from entertainment, Hunter Nagai is currently attending the University of Southern California as a sophomore. Though less in the spotlight, Hunter still has involvement in the performing arts. He has contributed to television and commercial projects and once auditioned for the animated film Beyond Beyond. However, his primary focus remains on his university studies.
