You probably recognize that face. Whether it was the effortless, slightly-too-cool energy of Dicky Harper or the uncanny "is-that-actually-Ashton-Kutcher’s-son" vibe of Jay Kelso, Mace Coronel has a way of owning the screen. Honestly, it’s rare to see a child actor navigate the "tween star" pipeline without getting stuck in it forever.
Most people just think of him as the kid from Nicky, Ricky, Dicky & Dawn, but his filmography is actually a wild mix of daytime soaps, indie shorts, and prestige streaming dramas. He didn't just stumble into Netflix’s basement in Point Place; he’s been grinding since he was seven years old.
The Breakthrough: Mace Coronel Movies and Shows on Nickelodeon
Let's be real—the 2014 debut of Nicky, Ricky, Dicky & Dawn changed everything for him. Mace played Dicky Harper, the "cool" quadruplet who always seemed to have a scheme or a hair flip ready. He did 79 episodes of that show. That’s a massive amount of time to spend on a single set before you're even a teenager.
While he was a Nick staple, he wasn't just doing the sitcom thing. You might remember Santa Hunters (2014), a TV movie where he played Richard. It was classic holiday fare, but it proved he could carry a feature-length narrative. Then there were the seasonal specials—Nickelodeon's Sizzling Summer Camp Special and the Ho Ho Holiday Special.
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But here’s the thing: Mace didn't actually finish the show. In 2017, he and Nickelodeon reached a mutual agreement for him to leave during the final season. He wanted to do "more mature, diverse roles." Most kids that age are just worried about their math homework, but Mace was already looking at the long game.
The Bold and the Transition
Before the slime and the laugh tracks, there was daytime drama. In 2013, Mace took over the role of R.J. Forrester on the legendary soap The Bold and the Beautiful. It was a short nine-episode stint, but if you can survive the high-stakes world of Forrester Creations, you can survive anything in Hollywood.
Indie Gems and Short Films
After walking away from the Harper quad squad, things got interesting. He didn't just jump into another sitcom. He went indie.
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- Pocket (2019): A coming-of-age short where he played Jake. This was a complete 180 from his Nick persona.
- Money Shot (2013): An early career credit where he played Little Richie.
- ABCs of Death 2.5: He appeared in the segment "M is for Mom." Yeah, a horror anthology. Definitely not Nickelodeon.
Becoming the New Kelso in That '90s Show
When Netflix announced That '90s Show, everyone was skeptical. How do you replace the original basement gang? Then Mace Coronel walked on screen as Jay Kelso. The resemblance to Ashton Kutcher is so startling that fans spent weeks googling if they were related. (Spoiler: they aren't).
Playing Jay isn't just about mimicry. Mace brings a certain vulnerability to the "pretty boy" trope that Michael Kelso didn't always have. In the 2023-2024 seasons, we saw Jay navigate the Eric/Donna style drama with Leia Forman, proving Mace could handle the multi-cam format with a much more modern, grounded edge.
Diving into the Deep End: Colin in Black & White and Wireless
If you really want to see his range, look at Colin in Black & White (2021). He played Jake in this Ava DuVernay-led series about Colin Kaepernick’s life. It was a small but pivotal role that showed he could handle heavy, socially relevant material.
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Around the same time, he starred as Lionel Braddock in Wireless (2020). This was a survival thriller shot specifically for mobile devices (remember Quibi?). It was experimental, tense, and miles away from the bright lights of a kids' show.
Why He’s Not Just "Another Teen Actor"
Mace has been vocal about his inspirations. He actually wanted to do stand-up comedy when he was seven, inspired by Dave Chappelle. When he couldn't get into comedy clubs because of his age, he pivot to acting. That comedic timing is exactly why his roles in That '90s Show and Zoe Valentine (where he played Milo Vargas) feel so effortless.
What’s Next for Mace?
By early 2026, Mace has solidified himself as a leading man in the making. He’s recently been linked to the film Good Boy Banjo, playing a character named Jake. He’s also spent time behind the camera, exploring film photography and directing.
It’s a smart move. In an industry that often chews up child stars, Mace Coronel has treated his career like a marathon. He’s selective. He’s deliberate. And honestly? He’s just getting started.
Your Next Step: If you’ve only seen him as Dicky Harper, do yourself a favor and watch him in Wireless or That '90s Show. It’s the best way to see how an actor actually evolves from a "brand" into a performer. Keep an eye on his Instagram for his photography work, too—it gives you a much better sense of his artistic vibe than any press release ever could.