Kendall Schmidt

                                                             Photo Credit: Just Jared Jr.

“Find your passion and run with it. Anything is possible.” -Kendall Francis Schmidt

Kendall Francis Schmidt was born on November 2, 1990 in Andover, Kansas to Kent and Kathy Schmidt. Born a Scorpio under the water element, Kendall possesses great determination, motivation, and was destined for a career in the “arts.”

Kendall started in the business at a young age as his two older brothers, Kenneth and Kevin, were both pursuing acting. He would spend 6 months out of each year in Los Angeles with his mother and brothers going on auditions trying to make their “big time break” in to the industry. Kendall’s first role was a Chex Cereal commercial at the age of 5.

Kent and Kathy have always supported their son’s dreams and to make the auditioning process easier for them, the family moved to L.A. when Kendall was 10. That was when he began to book more television roles with guest star spots on General Hospital, Gilmore Girls, ER, CSI: Miami, Ghost Whisperer, and Without A Trace, to name a few.

While working towards his breakout role, Kendall formed a musical duo with good friend Dustin Belt called Heffron Drive. Back in the days of musical acts being signed to record contracts off of the social media outlet MySpace, Heffron Drive released 5 original songs entitled, Better Get To Movin’, Quiet Please, Time Wasting, Stand Forever, and Love Letter.

In 2009, Kendall was given an opportunity of a lifetime when he booked a part as ¼ of the Nickelodeon sitcom/ boy band Big Time Rush.  Kendall had originally auditioned for the role and was turned down, however, after some persistence by fellow band mate, Logan Henderson, Kendall was brought in to fill the last role as the “front man” to the group. And with a simple text to his mother of “I got it…” and encouragement from Dustin, Kendall embarked on a musical journey of a lifetime.

In just 4 short years, Big Time Rush has accomplished more than anyone expected them too. They have completed 4 seasons of the TV show and a movie, released 3 studio albums and a soundtrack that includes covers of The Beatles songs, and toured 3 different times around the United States and select international cities.

Although the TV series is now complete, it will not be the last we see or hear of Big Time Rush. Kendall has been quoted saying “Nothing is holding (the band) back.” Currently, the guys are in talks of recording a new studio album and possibly doing a world tour. They are truly dedicated to their fans and want to make sure that all of their “Rushers” get a chance to see them perform.

Even though Kendall’s break in to the industry was with acting, he has expressed that music is his passion and wants to dive head first in to that. With this free time from filming, Kendall is also revisiting Heffron Drive and has expressed wanting to release new music and possibly tour with the US with Dustin.  

Kendall is not only a talented actor and great musician; he is also an amazing songwriter. He has been credited with writing over a dozen Big Time Rush songs from their albums, the original songs for Heffron Drive, and other bands. Along with Logan, Kendall has written a song call “Unarmed” for an Australian boy band, Titanium. He has also written other songs for an Australian female musician and Japanese boy bands.

So whether he is at the forefront or behind the scenes, this triple threat is sure to make musical headlines in the future. And Rushers, Drivers, and Schmidtsters alike are patiently waiting to see what is in store for our idol!

Written By: Heather Diane Moulton