Home Viral Star Updates 1

5 Shocking Facts About Nicholas Elia, The Actor Who Played Harold Birch In The Flash And Ben Braeden In Supernatural

• minute read
Contents
As of December 20, 2025, Nicholas Elia remains a fascinating figure in the world of television, having successfully transitioned from a prominent child actor in major genre hits to a mature performer taking on complex roles in the modern streaming era. While many fans recognize him as the beloved Ben Braeden from the long-running series *Supernatural*, his later appearance in The CW’s *The Flash* as the character Harold Birch solidified his place in the expansive Arrowverse, demonstrating his versatility across major franchises. This deep dive explores the Canadian actor's full career trajectory, from his early days in blockbuster films and cult-favorite TV shows to his most recent projects, including a major film release in 2024. His single, yet pivotal, role in *The Flash* is a testament to his ability to make a lasting impression in a short amount of screen time, connecting two massive fandoms: the Arrowverse and the *Supernatural* universe.

Nicholas Elia: Full Biography and Profile

Nicholas Elia is a Canadian actor who began his professional career as a child, quickly establishing himself in both film and television. His early exposure to the industry set the stage for a career marked by appearances in high-profile projects, often alongside major Hollywood stars.

  • Full Name: Nicholas Elia
  • Date of Birth: March 29, 1997
  • Birthplace: White Rock, British Columbia, Canada
  • Age (as of 2025): 28 years old
  • Nationality: Canadian
  • Profession: Actor
  • Active Years: 2005–Present (Intermittently)
  • Notable TV Roles: Ben Braeden (*Supernatural*), Harold Birch (*The Flash*), Jet (*A Million Little Things*)
  • Notable Film Roles: Nathan (*Boot Camp*), Young Rick (*War*), Young Speed Racer (*Speed Racer*)
  • Zodiac Sign: Aries

Elia started his career at a young age, appearing in television commercials before landing his first major screen roles. His early filmography includes appearances in films like *War* (2007) and the Wachowskis’ ambitious *Speed Racer* (2008), where he played the younger version of the title character, showcasing his talent on a global stage. His transition to television saw him secure a recurring role that would define his early career and create a lasting legacy among genre fans.

The Arrowverse Connection: Nicholas Elia as Harold Birch in The Flash

In 2022, Nicholas Elia made a notable appearance in the long-running Arrowverse series, *The Flash*. His role as Harold Birch was central to the plot of the Season 8 episode, "The Fire Next Time." This single-episode appearance was a significant moment for fans who recognized the actor from his earlier, more extensive work.

Harold Birch is introduced as the son of Jaco Birch, a character known by the moniker "The Hotness," who accidentally received meta-human powers. The episode focuses heavily on the moral dilemma faced by Barry Allen (The Flash) and Team Flash regarding the handling of meta-humans who may be redeemable. Harold’s presence serves as the emotional anchor for the story, highlighting the human cost of the meta-human conflict.

Elia’s performance as Harold was crucial, portraying a son desperate to protect his father, who was struggling with his newfound, dangerous abilities. The character of Harold Birch allowed Elia to deliver a performance marked by vulnerability and fierce loyalty, resonating with the show’s themes of family and second chances. His brief time in Central City proved that even a one-off guest role can leave a powerful impression within a sprawling superhero narrative. This appearance also formally inducted Elia into the DC Comics-inspired television universe, a major milestone for any contemporary genre actor.

The Role That Defined a Generation: Ben Braeden in Supernatural

While his appearance in *The Flash* introduced him to the Arrowverse, Nicholas Elia is perhaps best known to a global audience for his recurring role as Ben Braeden in the CW's other massive hit, *Supernatural*. This role holds immense topical authority and is the primary reason many fans are curious about his later career.

Ben Braeden is the son of Lisa Braeden, a romantic interest of Dean Winchester (portrayed by Jensen Ackles). First appearing in Season 3's "The Kids Are Alright," Ben became a pivotal character, often speculated by fans and even Dean himself to be Dean’s biological son due to their shared mannerisms and interests. Elia portrayed Ben across multiple seasons, including Seasons 3, 5, and 6, appearing in a total of five episodes.

The significance of Ben Braeden's character cannot be overstated. He represented the "normal" life and family that Dean Winchester secretly yearned for. When Dean briefly retired from hunting in Season 6, he lived with Lisa and Ben, creating one of the most beloved and emotionally resonant plotlines in the series. Elia's ability to convincingly play a boy who mirrored Dean’s personality—a young, budding rocker with a rebellious streak—made the character an instant fan-favorite. The storyline involving Ben and Lisa's eventual fate, where their memories of Dean had to be erased to protect them from the dangers of the hunting life, is considered one of the most heartbreaking and unresolved plotlines in *Supernatural* history.

This long-term, emotionally charged role as Ben Braeden established Nicholas Elia's profile as a talented child actor capable of handling complex dramatic material alongside veteran performers like Jensen Ackles and Jared Padalecki (Sam Winchester).

Beyond the Arrowverse: Nicholas Elia's Latest Projects and Career Trajectory

Following his major childhood and teenage roles, Nicholas Elia has continued to take on diverse projects, demonstrating a commitment to his craft as he matured into an adult actor. His filmography shows a consistent pattern of working across different genres, from horror to drama.

One of his most recent and high-profile roles is in the 2024 film Boot Camp, an independent thriller that has garnered attention. In this film, Elia plays the character of Nathan. This project signals his continued presence in the film industry and his readiness to tackle adult roles. The film's psychological themes offer a stark contrast to his earlier work in the superhero and fantasy genres, showcasing his growth as a performer.

Furthermore, Elia has made appearances in other contemporary television series, including a guest role as Jet in the popular ensemble drama A Million Little Things. This role, along with his work in *The Flash*, demonstrates his appeal to casting directors looking for established talent for impactful guest and recurring spots. Other notable entries in his filmography include the TV movie *The Unauthorized Saved by the Bell Story* (2014) and the feature film *The Shortcut* (2009).

Nicholas Elia's career is a compelling study of a child star who successfully navigated the challenging transition to adult roles. His legacy is cemented by his connection to two of the most significant genre franchises of the 21st century: the Arrowverse through *The Flash* and the Winchester Brothers saga through *Supernatural*. Fans eagerly await his next move, whether he continues to surprise audiences with single, powerful performances like Harold Birch, or takes on a new, long-term recurring role that capitalizes on the strong foundation he built as Ben Braeden.

nicholas elia the flash
nicholas elia the flash

Detail Author:

  • Name : Loma Jakubowski
  • Username : hermann.ellis
  • Email : erna40@huel.com
  • Birthdate : 1981-09-25
  • Address : 75747 Sipes Wall Suite 280 Rossiestad, MO 13357
  • Phone : (737) 971-2382
  • Company : Johns and Sons
  • Job : Fish Hatchery Manager
  • Bio : Qui autem voluptatibus repellendus nemo aut. Quos rerum aut iusto id. Illo harum debitis qui ut. Tempore expedita quam molestiae vel.

Socials

tiktok:

  • url : https://tiktok.com/@bradly9025
  • username : bradly9025
  • bio : Eos explicabo repudiandae reiciendis fugit iste aut.
  • followers : 3552
  • following : 339

linkedin:

Random Posts