Deric McCabe is an American actor best known for his breakthrough role as Charles Wallace Murry in Disney's 2018 feature adaptation of A Wrinkle in Time, directed by Ava DuVernay. Born on August 28, 2008, in Whitefish, Montana, McCabe transitioned from local auditions to starring alongside Hollywood heavyweights like Oprah Winfrey, Reese Witherspoon, and Mindy Kaling before entering his teens. His journey from an early childhood appearance in short films to recurring television roles offers a clear window into how young talent navigates the professional entertainment industry.
Understanding McCabe's career requires looking past standard celebrity profile trivia to examine his specific audition history, major credits, and the realities of growing up on screen. This review breaks down his early beginnings, his grueling casting process for Disney, his transition to television, and answers common questions about his trajectory.
Early Life and Acting Beginnings
Born in Montana to a family of Filipino descent, McCabe moved with his parents and older sister Jadie to Los Angeles when he was just a toddler. Living in Southern California exposed the family to the commercial and theatrical casting circuits.
Before landing major studio recognition, McCabe built a baseline of professional experience through short films and minor parts. At age six, he appeared in the short film XXIII Boss. Small credits followed, including an uncredited appearance in the horror-thriller Stephanie (2017) and a role in the indie drama Hold On (2019). These early sets taught him technical discipline—such as hitting marks, working long hours under child labor laws, and managing school on set—long before he faced international media scrutiny.
The Breakthrough: A Wrinkle in Time
McCabe's career shifted trajectory when he secured the role of Charles Wallace Murry. In Madeleine L'Engle's classic novel, Charles Wallace is a deeply precocious, emotionally vulnerable, and fiercely intelligent young boy who serves as the emotional anchor of the story.
Casting the character proved difficult for director Ava DuVernay and the production team. McCabe survived a grueling seven-month audition process, beating out thousands of other child actors. The audition required multiple callbacks, chemistry reads, and dramatic workshops to test his ability to handle heavy emotional dialogue and surreal fantasy elements.
Working alongside seasoned stars presented unique hurdles for a nine-year-old actor. In interviews during the 2018 press tour, McCabe noted that maintaining focus during green-screen sequences required significant imagination, as he had to react to invisible entities and abstract visual effects. Despite mixed box-office returns for the film itself, critics widely praised the natural chemistry and emotional depth he brought to Charles Wallace.
Transition to Television and Later Projects
Following his Disney debut, McCabe shifted toward long-form television storytelling to expand his range beyond blockbuster fantasy.
- Home Before Dark (2020): McCabe cast a wide net of viewers by joining the Apple TV+ mystery series Home Before Dark, playing Wesley "Spoon" Witherspoon across multiple episodes. The character allowed him to play a grounded, contemporary kid rather than a fantastical hero.
- The Naughty Nine (2023): He starred in this Disney+ holiday heist comedy film as Jon Anthony, showcasing his comedic timing and ability to lead an ensemble cast of peers.
Balancing a professional acting career with normal adolescent development remains a priority for his family. Child actors in California operate under strict education mandates via studio teachers, ensuring they complete required school hours between takes.
Common Challenges Faced by Young Performers
Transitioning from a child star to a sustainable adult career is notoriously difficult in Hollywood. Actors like McCabe navigate several industry realities:
- The Gap Years: The physical and emotional changes during adolescence often create a dry spell where actors no longer look like children, yet aren't old enough to play adult roles.
- Education and Normalcy: Maintaining peer relationships outside of the industry helps prevent burnout.
- Audition Volatility: Even after starring in a Disney tentpole, actors must continue auditioning against hundreds of peers for every new television or film spot.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Deric McCabe born?
Deric McCabe was born on August 28, 2008.
How did Deric McCabe get the role in A Wrinkle in Time?
He won the role of Charles Wallace Murry after a rigorous seven-month audition process that involved thousands of child actors and multiple chemistry reads with director Ava DuVernay.
What is Deric McCabe's ethnicity?
He is of Filipino descent on his mother's side and was born in Whitefish, Montana.
What TV shows has Deric McCabe appeared in?
He played Wesley "Spoon" Witherspoon in the Apple TV+ mystery series Home Before Dark.
