Ross Malinger

Career overview

Ross Alan Malinger is an American former child actor who was born on July 7, 1984, in Redwood City, California. He established a notable presence in film and television throughout the late twentieth century, securing roles in several prominent feature films and television series.

Among his most recognized film appearances is his role as Jonah Baldwin in the 1993 film Sleepless in Seattle. He also played Harvey in the 1990 film Kindergarten Cop, Ben in the 1995 film Bye, Bye Love, and Tyler McCord, the son of Jean-Claude Van Damme's character, in the 1995 film Sudden Death. Additionally, he starred as Peter in the 1995 television film Peter and the Wolf and appeared alongside Alley in that production.

In television, Malinger provided the voice of TJ Detweiler on the animated series Recess, a role he later reprised as an older version of the character in the one-hour special Recess: All Growed Down in 2003. His television sitcom credits include playing Michael DeRuzza, the son of Shelley Long's character, on the CBS sitcom Good Advice in 1993. He also played Tyler Hale on the WB sitcom Nick Freno: Licensed Teacher in 1996, and Will on the CBS sitcom The Simple Life in 1998. Furthermore, he made an appearance as Adam Lippman, the Bar Mitzvah boy who appreciated Elaine's shiksa appeal, in an episode of Seinfeld titled The Serenity Now.