First Look: Josh Peck In What Goes Up

Nobody expected that Josh Peck, a stay-indoors kid born in the Hell's Kitchen area of New York City and raised alone by his single mother and maternal grandmother, would be so inspired by sitcoms that he would pursue stand-up comedy at age eight and engage in children's musical theater by the time he was nine. He did, and at age 14, Peck was offered a role on Nickelodeon's The Amanda Show.

In What Goes Up, Peck plays Jim, a troubled teenager who comes across as a repressed voyeur who eventually reveals himself as a deeply wounded boy looking for affection while struggling to find his place in life. In this clip, complete with two scenes, Peck talks about the frailty of people and how his character is trying to prove himself as a young man. At the end of the clip, Peck embarrasses writer Bob Lawson, who can be heard laughing on camera.

First Look: Josh Peck in What Goes Up


Peck has appeared in dozens of television shows, most notably Josh & Drake, and movies that include Drillbit Taylor with Owen Wilson, Merry Christmas, Drake & Josh, and The Wackness, which received critical attention after winning the Audience Award at the Sundance Film Festival. He also received a special distinction award as part of the ensemble in the 2004 film Mean Creek.

Peck most recently completed voice work as Eddie for the third installment of Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs. He has also been very outspoken about "Darfur Now," speaking out against abuses to human rights.