Who Was Hudson Meek, 'Baby Driver': Early Life, Family, Career and Passed Away

Larry Mimosa December 26, 2024 | 15:15

The 16-year-old actor Hudson Meek, who portrayed a younger version of Ansel Elgort's main character in the 2017 movie "Baby Driver," passed away close to his Alabama home.

Plans are in motion to honor his life with a memorial service set for December 28 as his loved ones, friends, and supporters deal with the tragic loss.

Hudson Meek dead: 'Baby Driver' actor, 16, fell from a moving vehicle

Hudson Meek 'Baby Driver' actor, 16, fell from a moving vehicle and die

Hudson Meek, the talented young actor who portrayed the child version of Ansel Elgort’s lead character in the 2017 hit film Baby Driver, tragically passed away at the age of 16. Meek’s promising career and vibrant life were cut short in a devastating accident near his home in Vestavia Hills, Alabama, leaving a profound impact on those who knew him and fans of his work.

Early Life and Family

Hudson Meek was born and raised in Alabama, where he grew up with a passion for the arts, particularly acting. From a young age, Hudson exhibited a natural talent for performing, captivating audiences with his charm and skill. Despite his rising fame, he maintained a close bond with his family and a strong connection to his hometown.

His family described him as a lively and curious teenager who balanced his acting career with the joys and challenges of being a high school sophomore. Outside of his professional accomplishments, Meek’s love for video games and his unique achievement of binge-watching all 36 seasons of The Simpsons were endearing facets of his personality. His family humorously admitted that many of the shows he watched were “probably not age-appropriate,” reflecting his relatable and mischievous spirit.

Career Highlights

Who Was Hudson Meek, 'Baby Driver': Early Lifer, Family, Career and Passed Away

Baby Driver actor Hudson Meek dies at 16 after falling from a moving vehicle

Hudson Meek’s breakout role came in Edgar Wright’s critically acclaimed film Baby Driver. Released in 2017, the movie told the story of a talented getaway driver, played by Ansel Elgort, who is coerced into working for a crime boss. Meek portrayed the younger version of Elgort’s character, and his performance was noted for its authenticity and emotional depth. This role placed him on the map as a young actor with immense potential.

In addition to Baby Driver, Hudson expanded his career into voice acting. He lent his voice to the lead character in Badanamu Stories, a preschool animated series that aired between 2020 and 2021. The show showcased his versatility and ability to connect with a younger audience.

Meek also made guest appearances in several popular TV shows, including NBC’s Found, CBS’s MacGyver reboot, and the CW’s supernatural drama Legacies. Each role demonstrated his adaptability and growth as an actor, earning him admiration from industry peers and fans alike.

In 2023, he featured in the film The School Duel, a comedy-drama released on September 5. Meek promoted the movie at the prestigious Deauville Film Festival in France, marking another milestone in his blossoming career.

Tragic Accident and Untimely Death

Hudson Meek’s life came to a sudden and tragic end on December 19, 2024, when he succumbed to injuries sustained in a vehicular accident. According to Chief Deputy Coroner Bill Yates, Meek fell from a moving vehicle, resulting in fatal blunt force trauma.

Following the fatal accident, he was admitted to the University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital. Two days later, on December 21, his family confirmed his passing on his Instagram page, shocking fans and the entertainment community.

His family’s obituary shared heartfelt details about Hudson’s life, emphasizing his vibrant personality and the profound impact he had on everyone he met. The obituary also highlighted that Meek was involved in upcoming projects scheduled for release in 2025, though these were not yet listed on his IMDb page.

Legacy and Memorial

Despite his young age, Hudson Meek left behind a legacy of exceptional work and a lasting impression on those who knew him. His performances in film and television, as well as his voice acting, demonstrated a talent beyond his years. He is remembered not only for his professional achievements but also for his genuine kindness and playful sense of humor.

A memorial service was announced for December 28, 2024, in Homewood, Alabama. His family expressed gratitude for the support they received, stating that while his 16 years on Earth were far too short, Hudson accomplished so much and deeply influenced everyone he encountered.

Meek’s obituary described the teenageras a “reflective and thoughtful” avid traveler and fan of the outdoors.

“He loved snow-skiing and could easily navigate the hardest trails that no one else in the family would dare attempt,” the obituary read. “One of his favorite places to be was at the lake, tubing and wakeboarding.”