Azhy Robertson has been gracing screens, big and small, for years. This young actor has wowed audiences in romantic dramas like Netflix’s Marriage Story and intense thrillers, such as Apple TV’s Invasion. In celebration of the actor’s 12th birthday, Game Rant is looking back on his best roles, thus far!

Earlier this year, we were able to chat with Robertson about his career and experiences filming Invasion. He shared his passion for playing guitar, his video games (Minecraft and Call of Duty), and his love for science-fiction movies. While chatting about his experience “growing up on the screen,” Robertson told Game Rant about the greatest lessons he’s learned since the start of his career in 2016.

“There are three main things that I always think about: Do your best as your character. Don’t try too hard, because then that will make your performance look really forced, which is not very good. And, I always try to think of myself as my character,” shared Robertson on using past experience to tap into his Invasion character Luke Malik. In addition to the two projects mentioned above, Robertson has starred in many other films and television series.

Marriage Story

Perhaps one of Robertson’s most popular roles was playing Henry Barber in Netflix’s Marriage Story, written and directed by Noah Baumbach. Starring in this movie alongside A-list actors Scarlett Johnsson and Adam Driver, the young actor had to channel intense emotions as his character witnessed his parents’ increasingly-messy custody battle.

Throughout the movie, Henry is passed between his parents as they work to one-up each other, showing that they are the best legal guardian for the eight-year-old boy. Robertson expertly plays the role of a wholesome boy who’s left confused by the changes in his life and fluctuating stability.

Come Play

Next up is the supernatural horror movie Come Play. Directed by Jacob Chase, this movie taps into the feelings of isolation and loneliness through its protagonist Oliver, played by Robertson. Oliver is a young, non-verbal outcast who seeks entertainment through the creepy smartphone game Misunderstood Monsters. The game tells the dark story of a friendless monster named Larry.

Strange coincidences began to occur whenever the game is on, including moving furniture and flickering lights. Oliver and his mother Sarah (Gillian Jacobs) begin a fight for their lives as the game, specifically Larry, poses a threat to them and those within their vicinities. While the movie received mixed responses from critics, it was praised for its exceptional performances — which many attributed to Robertson’s dedication to his character and his tics.

Invasion

Third on this list is Robertson’s latest role in Apple TV’s Invasion. This storyline shows a world tormented by an alien invasion. The 12-year-old actor has struck a solid fanbase playing the character Luke Malik. His mischievous character ends up knowing more than he lets on as he harbors a secret object that holds the capacity to defeat the evil extraterrestrials.

In a previous conversation, Robertson told Game Rant that he enjoys playing Luke. He shared, “I really like Luke as a character because he starts off as a normal kid, but then the alien invasion really messes with his life and his family.” Breaking down the character’s emotional journey, he continued, “He starts caring more about his family, especially his sister, Sarah. I feel like he’s really mature for his age and he knows something that he isn’t letting on.”

However, as effortlessly as Robertson’s performance is, the actor shared that he faces a few challenges while getting into character. He expressed that he had trouble raising his voice and screaming while feeling one of the show’s most intense moments.

Robertson said, “There’s a point in episode two where I had to scream really loud because he’s hearing some weird, alien stuff in his ears. That was pretty crazy because I had to scream super loud. I had to cry and really feel like I was in a lot of pain.”

Gossip Girl

Last on this list is Robertson’s role as Milo Sparks in the recent reboot of Gossip Girl. Anybody familiar with the original show will instantly recognize the last name Sparks, attributing it to Michelle Trachtenberg’s nightmarish character Georgina Sparks. Robertson made his way onto the HBO Max platform playing the infamous character’s son, Milo.

Differing from the aforementioned roles, Milo is the pinnacle of drama. He has adopted many of his mother’s devilish traits and uses them to sabotage his peers. He is introduced into the new season through his advanced computer skills, using them to hack into lead character and influencer Julien Calloway’s tweets. It is a refreshing role for the young actor, offering him something out of the ordinary from his previous roles.

Next: Interview: Billy Barratt On Invasion Season 2, His Challenges Playing Casper, And His Anti-Bullying Message