During his high school years at Georgetown Preparatory School in North Bethesda, Maryland, Harding joined the drama club, which sparked his passion for acting. He was selected by his classmates to deliver the commencement address at graduation. Ensuing his high school achievements, he pursued a degree in acting and musical theater at Carnegie Mellon University, one of the most esteemed programs in the country.

Breakthrough Role in Pretty Little Liars

In 2010, Ian Harding was cast as Ezra Fitz, an English teacher entangled in a romantic relationship with one of his students, Aria Montgomery, in the ABC Family television series Pretty Little Liars. The show follows four girls as they try to uncover the truth behind their friend's mysterious death, while being haunted by an anonymous antagonist known as “A.”

Harding’s performance received widespread recognition. His portrayal of Ezra Fitz earned him seven Teen Choice Awards over the course of the show’s run, solidifying his status as a favorite among fans and a prominent figure in young adult television drama.

Lupus Advocacy and Philanthropy

Beyond acting, Ian Harding is a committed advocate for lupus awareness. Inspired by his mother, Mary-Beth, who has lived with lupus for over 20 years, Harding has partnered with the Lupus Foundation of America to support research and education. Through various campaigns and fan engagement, he successfully raised over $40,000 for lupus research.

To generate awareness and funding, Harding designed and sold T-shirts featuring his image, with proceeds benefiting the foundation. His fans have played a crucial role in supporting these charitable initiatives, reflecting both his popularity and dedication to meaningful causes.