In 2004, Jon Heder would become the actor known to play the dorky outcast Napoleon Dynamite, and it remains his most iconic role to date. With the film’s cult status, memorable quotes, and the famous dance scene, the 2004 film is one of the 21st century’s unique movies of all time.

But when the filming for Napoleon Dynamite was complete, Jon was paid $1000. When the film became a surprise sleeper hit, grossing at $46 million, Jon eventually earned a cut of the movie’s earned profits. Eventually, after the film's success, he would become an iconic actor.

Jon Heder as Napoleon Dynamite
via: austinchronicle.com

Before Napoleon Dynamite would become a full-length feature film and his most recognizable work, Jon actually played the character before in the form of Seth in a short film called Peluca. Also directed by Jared Hess, the nine-minute film was released two years earlier for an assignment while attending Brigham Young University. The two befriended as they were both alumni at the Idaho university, which led to them working together for the short film.

After receiving positive reviews from the Slamdance Film Festival in 2003, this eventually brought them together again to work on the cult classic we know and love today. Napoleon Dynamite has a handful of scenes that would be inspired from Peluca, such as the bus scene, lunchroom scene, and clothing store scene, though the latter became a deleted scene featured in the DVD.

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Napoleon Dynamite made a huge impact on pop culture, merchandise was made to capitalize on the film’s success, including Vote for Pedro shirts, sweatbands, and chapsticks. Even after nearly 20 years since the film’s release, fans still quote the film.

The impact of the movie even helped out those going through tough times, including a girl named Mary Elizabeth Paris who watched the movie countless times while being hospitalized for a bone marrow transplant in 2014. Jon responded to her by sending her a video message as Napoleon and wishing her the best. Unfortunately, she would pass away on September 2, 2015, but being able to meet one of her heroes was an honor she got to have.

Napoleon Dynamite and Pedro Sanchez
via: inlander.com

After Napoleon Dynamite, what did Jon do afterward? He would have moderate success starring in comedy films such as The Benchwarmers, Blades of Glory, Surf’s Up, When in Rome, and even returned as Napoleon for the animated series based on the film. Sadly, it was canceled too soon after only six episodes aired on Fox in 2012. And there would never be a day gone by without someone mentioning the film whenever he is during interviews on talk shows, interviews, or even from someone walking by.

So what is in store for the new decade for Jon? He has a film still unreleased titled Killing Winston Jones, which was set to release in 2014, but no news has been revealed in regard to its confirmed release date. As for other film opportunities, he also will star in a monster film titled Tremors: Island Fury, planned for an October 2020 release. But on social media, he has been very active on Instagram, posting what he’s been up to in his life, posting and giving credit to fan-made products based on his movies, and promoting his friends’ work relating to animation and TV productions.

2020 seems to be a freakin’ sweet year for Napoleon Dynamite’s Jon Heder so far. If there are plans for a 20-year reunion of some sort for the film with the cast and crew, then we are all in for it.

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