Born in Newport Beach, California, Leo Howard's first love was martial arts. He began training at the age of four, and by the age of eight had won a number of world championships. At nine, Howard began touring with Sidewsipe, a martial arts performance team. His first onscreen role was a small part in an episode of "Monk" (USA, 2002-09), but that quickly led to bigger things. In 2009, he played a Young Snake-Eyes in "G.I. Joe: Rise of the Cobra" (2009) and also premiered at the title character on "Leo Little's Big Show" (Disney Channel, 2009-2010), a short show consisting of Howard talking about Disney shows and characters with a girl playing his little sister. After playing supporting roles on shows "Zeke and Luther" (Disney Channel, 2009-2012) and "Shake it Up" (Disney Channel, 2010-13), Howard took on a starring role on "Kickin' It" (Disney Channel, 2011-15). The show capitalized on his marital arts skills and acting, and finds Howard playing the new kid who helps turn around the local dojo. After the show finished its run, Howard didn't waste any time, landing a series regular role in his first non-Disney show, "Freakish" (Hulu, 2016-), about a group of high school students who need to band together to survive after a nearby chemical plant disaster.