Timothée Chalamet, the young heartthrob taking Hollywood by storm, is known for his compelling performances and an undeniable charm that leaves a lasting impression on audiences worldwide. He captured hearts in “Call Me by Your Name,” showed his range in “Beautiful Boy,” and continues to captivate with each new role he undertakes. However, beyond the roles that catapulted him to fame, there are numerous intriguing aspects of his life and journey that may not be well known. This article aims to uncover these lesser-known facts about Chalamet. Here are ten things you probably didn’t know about Timothée Chalamet.

1. He is Fluent in French

Timothée Chalamet, born to a French father and an American mother, spent his summers in France growing up. As a result, he is completely bilingual, speaking both English and French fluently. Chalamet has mentioned in interviews that being able to switch between languages and cultures has significantly influenced his approach to acting.

Not only can he converse fluently in French, but Chalamet has also showcased his language skills on the big screen. In “Call Me by Your Name,” his character Elio Perlman speaks both English and French, a nuance that added authenticity to his portrayal.

2. He was a Young Student at Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts

Located in New York City, Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts is renowned for its dedicated arts program. It’s also the school where Timothée Chalamet pursued his early acting education. Notably, the school was the inspiration for the 1980 musical drama film “Fame”.

During his time at LaGuardia, Chalamet took part in various school productions, cultivating his craft before eventually making his way to Hollywood. His early immersion in such a creative environment played a crucial role in shaping his acting career.

3. He Made his Acting Debut in Short Films and Commercials

Before his breakout roles in films like “Call Me by Your Name” and “Lady Bird,” Chalamet began his acting career with short films and commercials. His early work includes an ad for the brand “Trojan” and short films like “Sweet Tooth” and “Clown”.

Although these initial roles were small, they provided Chalamet with valuable acting experience. It is in these early stages of his career where he honed his acting skills and developed the emotive and captivating performances he is now known for.

4. His Rap Name was ‘Lil Timmy Tim’

While studying at LaGuardia, Chalamet had a stint as a rapper. Going by the name of ‘Lil Timmy Tim’, he performed a rap about statistics for a school project. The video of his performance found its way onto the internet and quickly went viral, much to Chalamet’s embarrassment.

Despite his bashfulness about his rapping past, this lesser-known facet of his school days offers a glimpse into Chalamet’s early love for performance and his willingness to experiment with different forms of creative expression.

5. He was the Third Youngest Best Actor Nominee in Oscar History

Chalamet made history when he was nominated for Best Actor at the 90th Academy Awards for his performance in “Call Me by Your Name”. At 22, he was the third youngest actor ever to receive a nomination in this category.

While he did not win the award, the nomination cemented his status as a powerful young talent in Hollywood. The recognition showcased his incredible talent and hinted at a promising career trajectory, which he has continued to fulfill with every subsequent role.

6. He Played the Piano for ‘Call Me by Your Name’

In the film “Call Me by Your Name,” Chalamet’s character, Elio, is a gifted pianist. To prepare for the role, Chalamet took piano lessons for about a month and a half. His commitment paid off, as all the piano scenes in the movie are performed by him.

This dedication to authenticity is a testament to Chalamet’s method acting approach. By truly immersing himself in his roles, he is able to deliver performances that are both convincing and emotionally charged.

7. He was Almost Cast in a Superhero Film

Chalamet auditioned for the role of Spider-Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe but lost out to Tom Holland. He also tried out for the role of a young Han Solo in “Solo: A Star Wars Story,” which eventually went to Alden Ehrenreich.

While missing out on these blockbuster roles might have been disappointing at the time, it led Chalamet to the independent cinema path where he has been able to showcase his dramatic acting skills and has earned critical acclaim.

8. He is an Ambassador for a Charity Organization

Beyond his acting commitments, Chalamet is also an ambassador for the charity organization ONE, which fights extreme poverty and preventable disease, particularly in Africa. He uses his platform to raise awareness about the organization’s causes and promote their campaigns.

Chalamet’s work with ONE underscores his commitment to leveraging his fame for positive change. This off-screen role reveals a compassionate side to the actor, demonstrating that he is just as admirable off the screen as he is on it.

9. He is a Fan of Joaquin Phoenix and Philip Seymour Hoffman

Chalamet has cited Joaquin Phoenix and the late Philip Seymour Hoffman as two of his acting inspirations. He admires Phoenix for his ability to completely transform for his roles, and he has expressed a deep respect for Hoffman’s vast range and immersive performances.

These influences can be seen in Chalamet’s own acting style, which is characterized by deep emotional resonance and a commitment to fully inhabiting his characters. Like his idols, he shows a willingness to push the boundaries of his craft in order to create complex, compelling characters.

10. His Full Name is Quite a Mouthful

Born Timothée Hal Chalamet, the actor’s full name reflects his mixed heritage. His first name is the French version of Timothy, while his middle name, Hal, is a nod to his American roots. His last name, Chalamet, is also of French origin.

The actor’s full name is indicative of his international upbringing and identity. Just as his bilingualism and biculturalism have influenced his approach to acting, his name serves as a reminder of the unique background that shapes his perspective as an artist.