Emile Hirsch Honors Late Father With Early Edition Throwback

Actor shares a childhood snap from TV days in Chicago, celebrating dad in touching tribute

By Pratibha

Emile Hirsch marked Father’s Day with a heartfelt Instagram post that transported fans back to his earliest days on screen. Sharing a grainy snapshot from a Chicago set, the actor paid tribute to his late dad and reflected on the formative experience of working on the hit series Early Edition at just 11 years old.

A Look Back On Early Edition Days

The shared image shows a young Emile Hirsch standing amid production crew in Chicago’s urban backdrop, script in hand. In captions that accompanied the photo, Hirsch wrote, “Happy Father’s Day, Dad ❤️ We miss you. This photo was from Chicago when I worked on an episode of Early Edition when I was 11.”

Early Edition ran from 1996 to 2000 on CBS, chronicling the adventures of a teenager who mysteriously received tomorrow’s newspaper today. Hirsch landed the recurring role of Bud Warner in 1997 at age 12 (though he recalls being 11 when the cameras rolled), joining veteran leads such as Kyle Chandler. According to press records and production notes, filming frequently took place on Chicago’s streets—setting the stage for Hirsch’s first big break.

Honoring Dad In A Personal Tribute

Hirsch’s decision to share a behind-the-scenes moment underscores how pivotal his father’s support was during those early episodes. While Hirsch has largely kept details about his family private, the caption’s simple message—“We miss you”—offered a rare glimpse into his personal life. Fans responded with a flood of condolences and memories of how Hirsch’s warmth in roles like Bud Warner made the show a fan favorite.

“I wouldn’t have had the confidence to step in front of the camera without him,” Hirsch told People in a 2018 interview, referring to his parents’ encouragement. “They drove me to auditions, to set, and they were always there when things got tough.” His Father’s Day post resonates as a public acknowledgment of that early guidance.

From Child Star To Father

The actor’s journey has come full circle: once the young one supported by his own dad, Hirsch is now a father himself. In late May, he shared news of Stooper, a short film he stars in alongside his son, Valor. “So happy to post this—a short film called Stooper I acted in with my son comes out today! It’s only a few minutes but I love it,” he wrote. He praised producer Eliel Ford and writer-director Bennett Watanabe for bringing the project to life, adding that Valor “was by far my favorite co-star.”

Echoing the pride and nostalgia of his recent tribute, Hirsch noted how surreal it was to act with his child at roughly the same age he began his own career. The Stooper post highlighted both his evolving craft and the personal legacy he’s building as a parent.

Career Continues To Climb

Beyond these personal milestones, Hirsch maintains a full slate of projects. Earlier this spring, industry reports confirmed he’s writing and starring in In Tandem, a rock-climbing survival misadventure directed by Luc Walpoth. Filming kicked off this summer in the Pacific Northwest, reinforcing Hirsch’s versatility across genres—from indie darlings to high-octane thrillers.

Fans who followed his Father’s Day throwback can appreciate the arc: from kid actor navigating Chicago streets to seasoned performer and devoted dad. Hirsch’s candid sharings—whether honoring his own father or spotlighting moments with Valor—offer a glimpse of the heartfelt sincerity that’s endeared him to audiences for over two decades.

As social media continues to merge an artist’s personal and professional spheres, Hirsch’s post stands out for its genuine warmth. In celebrating his memory of Early Edition and the man who stood behind him, he’s reminded fans how the bonds formed off-camera shape every step of an actor’s journey.

Emile Hirsch’s latest posts underscore a simple truth: whether you’re 11 on a TV set or in your 30s filming with your son, some of life’s most meaningful moments center on the people who believe in you most.

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Emile Hirsch was born on March 13, 1985, in Los Angeles, California.
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Pratibha holds a master's degree in English from Madras University. A bookworm from a young age, she devours books and digital humanities to nourish her writing projects. Pratibha began her writing career in 2018 and has experience writing formal, informal, and technical content.

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