You probably recognize the face. Maybe it was that incredibly flamboyant theater kid in Booksmart who somehow made a murder mystery party look like the Met Gala. Or maybe you remember him as "Black Justin Bieber" in Atlanta, a role so bizarre and pitch-perfect that it basically broke the internet back in 2016. Honestly, Austin Crute has a way of doing that. He doesn't just show up; he takes over the frame.
He’s an actor, sure. But he’s also a singer, songwriter, and producer who graduated from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts with a BFA in Recorded Music. That’s the secret sauce. His performances have a rhythmic, melodic energy that most actors can’t touch. If you’re looking to catch up on Austin Crute movies and tv shows, you’ve got a lot of ground to cover, ranging from post-apocalyptic samurai to 1980s-inspired synth-pop dramas.
The Roles That Put Him on the Map
Most people first took notice of Crute in Olivia Wilde’s directorial debut, Booksmart (2019). He played Alan, the drama-geek "firecracker" who, alongside Noah Galvin’s George, provided the film’s most hysterical comedic relief. Crute has mentioned in interviews that he was actually taking his college finals on a laptop in a life-size clamshell while filming those scenes. That’s dedication.
Then came Daybreak on Netflix. If you missed this one, you missed Crute playing Wesley Fists—a high school jock turned pacifist samurai in a post-apocalyptic Glendale, California. It was a weird, wild show that deserved more than one season. Wesley wasn't just a "gay character" or a "Black character"; he was a complex warrior with a code of honor, and Crute’s physicality in the role was surprisingly grounded for such a campy premise.
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Noteworthy TV Appearances
- Atlanta (2016): As the satirical "Black Justin Bieber." It’s an episode called "Nobody Beats the Biebs," and it remains one of the smartest bits of social commentary in modern TV.
- Orange Is the New Black (2018): A quick but memorable turn as Lamar.
- Trinkets (2020): He played Marquise in the final season. Fun fact: his own single "Gotta" was featured in the very first episode of his run.
- Call Your Mother (2021): He starred as Lane in this ABC sitcom, further proving he can handle traditional multi-cam comedy just as well as indie film.
Austin Crute Movies: From Horror to Musicals
In 2022, Crute took a sharp turn into horror with They/Them (pronounced "They-Slash-Them"). Set at an LGBTQ+ conversion camp, he played Toby, a camper trying to survive a literal slasher. While the movie received mixed reviews, Crute was a standout, bringing a necessary vulnerability to a cast that included Kevin Bacon.
He also showed up in Honk for Jesus. Save Your Soul. as Khalil. Working alongside heavyweights like Regina Hall and Sterling K. Brown, he held his own in a satire about a megachurch scandal. It showed his range—moving from the "theater kid" energy of his early work into something more nuanced and subtle.
His most recent significant film work is The Greatest Hits (2024). This one is special because it leans into his musical background. Playing Morris Martin, he shares the screen with Lucy Boynton and Justin H. Min in a story where certain songs can literally transport the protagonist back in time. It’s a vibey, nostalgic film that feels tailor-made for someone with Crute's specific skill set.
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What Most People Get Wrong About Him
It is easy to pigeonhole Austin Crute as just "the funny gay best friend." That's a mistake. While he’s been a champion for queer representation—playing LGBTQ+ characters in Booksmart, Daybreak, and They/Them—his work is increasingly about subverting those tropes.
He’s a producer at heart. He makes music under his own name, with tracks like "Ungodly" and "Gotta" showing a deep R&B and pop influence. He isn't just waiting for scripts to land on his desk; he’s a creator who understands the "why" behind the scenes he’s in. This makes his performances feel more intentional. He’s not just hitting marks; he’s contributing to the rhythm of the project.
Why You Should Care in 2026
As of early 2026, the industry is shifting. We’re moving away from "box-ticking" diversity toward genuine, multi-faceted storytelling. Crute is the poster child for this shift. He’s part of a generation of actors—like Maya Hawke or his Booksmart co-stars—who aren't afraid to be weird.
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If you want to see where he’s headed next, keep an eye on his music. He often uses his social media platforms to drop "open verse" challenges and covers that hint at his creative direction. His ability to blend his sonic identity with his screen presence is what will keep him relevant while other "breakout stars" fade away.
Practical Steps for Fans
If you’re new to his work and want the full "Austin Crute experience," don't just watch the hits. Do this:
- Watch "Nobody Beats the Biebs" (Atlanta S1, E5): It’s the best introduction to his ability to play a heightened version of reality.
- Stream "Gotta" and "Peace Sign" on Spotify: Get a feel for his musicality before you watch The Greatest Hits.
- Check out Daybreak on Netflix: Even though it was canceled, his performance as Wesley Fists is a masterclass in genre-bending.
- Follow his YouTube: He frequently uploads "CruteFi" streams and live performances that show the raw talent behind the Hollywood polish.
Austin Crute is one of those rare talents who feels like he’s just getting started, even though he’s been around for a decade. Whether he’s swinging a katana or singing synth-pop, he’s a reminder that the best performers are usually the ones who refuse to stay in one lane.