In the ever-evolving landscape of Hollywood, few actors have challenged traditional norms as boldly as Nico Tortorella. As of May 2026, Nico has transitioned from a heartthrob TV star to a profound voice for the queer community and a devoted family man. Known for their transformative roles and radical honesty, Tortorella continues to be a focal point for those interested in the intersection of art, identity, and modern love.
Biography
Born on July 30, 1988, in Wilmette, Illinois, Nico Tortorella’s journey began in the suburbs of Chicago. Growing up in a family with deep Italian roots, the name “Tortorella” actually translates to “turtle dove”\. Nico was drawn to the arts from a young age. After a brief stint at Loyola Marymount University, they moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting full-time.
Over the years, Nico has become as famous for their personal philosophy as their screen work. Identifying as gender-fluid and polyamorous for much of their career, Nico recently shared in 2024 that they have shifted back to using he/him pronouns, stating they “feel like a man” more than ever while still honoring their fluid identity.
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Career
Nico’s career trajectory is marked by a blend of mainstream hits and boundary-pushing indie projects:
- The Early Years: Nico caught the public’s eye in the short-lived CW series The Beautiful Life and a recurring role in Make It or Break It.
- Breakthrough: In 2015, Nico landed the role of Josh, the tattoo-artist love interest, in the hit series Younger. Starring alongside Sutton Foster, Nico became a household name over the show’s seven-season run.
- Genre Expansion: Nico further expanded their reach by joining the Walking Dead universe as Felix Carlucci in The Walking Dead: World Beyond and starring in the 2023 Apple TV+ drama City on Fire.
- Music and Writing: Beyond acting, Nico is a published author (Space Between) and a musician, having released the album Born in 2024.
Nico Tortorella Movies
While television has been a mainstay, Nico’s filmography includes several cult favorites and intense dramas:
- “Twelve” (2010): An early role in the Joel Schumacher-directed drama.
- “Scream 4” (2011): Playing Trevor Sheldon, a key suspect in the iconic slasher franchise.
- “Odd Thomas” (2013): A supernatural thriller based on the Dean Koontz novel.
- “The Mattachine Family” (2023): A poignant film exploring queer fatherhood, a theme that mirrors Nico’s own life.
Nico Tortorella Net Worth
As of 2026, Nico Tortorella’s net worth is estimated to be approximately $2 million. This wealth has been built through a decade of consistent television work, book deals, and brand partnerships that align with his advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community.
Family & Relationships
Nico Tortorella and Bethany Meyers
The centerpiece of Nico’s life is his relationship with Bethany C. Meyers, a fitness entrepreneur and fellow advocate for fluid identities. The pair, who have been together in various capacities since 2006, married in a non-traditional “gender-bending” ceremony in 2018. They have long been open about their polyamorous “queer poly” marriage, though they have recently focused heavily on their journey as parents.
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Family
In a beautiful update to their story, Nico and Bethany welcomed their first child, a daughter named Kilmer Dove Meyers Tortorella, on March 5, 2026. The birth took place at home in a tent, surrounded by what they described as a “circle of mothers.” The name “Dove” is a direct nod to the Tortorella family name.
Sara Paxton
Early in his career (roughly 2009–2012), Nico was in a high-profile relationship with actress Sara Paxton. The two were a staple of the young Hollywood scene at the time, and Nico has since spoken about how that relationship was a significant part of his early adult life before fully embracing his fluid identity.
Lindsay Lohan
Nico and Lindsay Lohan have been close friends since at least 2011. Their “brother and sister” bond was showcased on the reality series Lindsay Lohan’s Beach Club, where Nico appeared as a guest. At one point, Nico even jokingly “proposed” to her on Instagram, though both have clarified that their bond is strictly platonic and deeply supportive.
Controversies
Nico’s radical openness has occasionally sparked debate:
- Polyamory Backlash: Nico has been vocal about his family’s initial struggle to accept his polyamorous marriage, once revealing that he and Bethany weren’t always welcome at family holiday celebrations due to their lifestyle.
- Pronoun Evolution: His 2024 decision to return to he/him pronouns after years of using they/them sparked conversations within the queer community about the nature of fluid identity, though Nico handled the discourse with his signature transparency.
Nico Tortorella Age
As of May 2026, Nico Tortorella is 37 years old.
You can follow Nico at @nicotortorella. His feed is a mix of high-fashion editorial shots, intimate glimpses into his life as a new father to Kilmer Dove, and philosophical musings on gender and spirituality.
Conclusion
Nico Tortorella remains one of the most authentic voices in Hollywood today. Whether he is portraying a character on screen or sharing the raw realities of a non-traditional marriage and new parenthood, his commitment to living loudly and truthfully makes him a perfect fit for the stories we tell here at Tushstories.com.
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