Last updated on: July 28, 2025
You ever stumble on an actor in a TV show and think, Wait… where else have I seen them? That was me with Sean Kaufman.
I first saw him in The Summer I Turned Pretty—he plays Steven, the smart, sarcastic brother with just the right mix of charm and sass. The kind of character who walks into a scene and owns it without even trying. Naturally, I did what any of us would do—I Googled him.
Turns out, Sean’s not just a TV guy. He’s been quietly building a little film resume that most people haven’t talked about yet. And honestly? It’s fascinating. His choices aren’t flashy Marvel gigs or rom-com leads (yet), but instead, they’re these emotionally grounded, low-key roles that hint at something deeper. Something intentional.
So let’s walk through Sean Kaufman’s movie journey, from indie shorts to a feature film that might just be his breakout moment.
Before the Screen Time: Who Is Sean Kaufman, Anyway?
Sean Kaufman was born on June 22, 2000, right in the heart of New York. Not L.A. Not some celebrity-filled suburb. New York—the gritty, passionate, stage-loving kind of city. And that shows.
He studied acting seriously at the Purchase College Conservatory of Theatre Arts, which is like the Ivy League of young actor training. You don’t go there unless you mean business. And Sean? He meant business. Even before most of us knew his name, he was putting in the work. Short films. Voiceovers. Anything that would stretch him and help him grow.
You can tell he’s not in this just to be famous—he’s here to tell stories.
The Films: Sean Kaufman’s Low-Key, High-Impact Roles
Okay, let’s get into the good stuff: the movies.
And look—don’t expect blockbuster titles just yet. Sean’s film work is more under-the-radar. But that’s what makes it worth talking about. These are the kinds of films that actors do to explore something honest, something raw. And Sean? He leans all the way into that.
1. City World (2012)
This one’s different. Sean didn’t appear on camera—he narrated the story.
City World is this haunting, artsy drama where a kid wanders through a crumbling Florida suburb, searching for meaning. It’s quiet. Introspective. The kind of film that doesn’t spoon-feed you answers.
Sean’s narration? It carries the whole thing. You hear his young voice, and it pulls you in—curious, cautious, a little lonely. Even though he was still just a kid, there’s something grounded in how he speaks. Like he gets the melancholy in the story. That’s rare.
It’s easy to overlook voice-only roles. But they’re tougher than people think.
2. Mature Young Adults (2015 – Short Film)
Let’s be honest: Sean’s role here is tiny. He plays someone called “Spy Jogger.” Yep, that’s the name.
But still—it counts. Because Mature Young Adults is exactly the kind of short film young actors use to cut their teeth. It’s like that first open mic night for a comedian or a dive bar gig for a singer. You do it because you love it. Because you need to feel what it’s like to work with a camera, with a crew, with time limits and weird lighting and no budget.
Even if the role’s small, the experience shapes you.
3. Happy Baby (2016)
Now this one’s worth pausing on.
In Happy Baby, Sean plays Taro, a supporting role in a raw, emotional indie film adapted from Stephen Elliott’s novel. The movie’s about a man revisiting his traumatic past, trying to make sense of who he is now. Heavy stuff. No filters. No fluff.
Taro isn’t the main character, but he matters. He’s part of the emotional puzzle, one of the many pieces that form the protagonist’s complicated life. And Sean? He handles the role with a kind of maturity you don’t usually see in young actors.
It’s not the kind of role that gets a million retweets. But it does earn respect from casting directors.
4. Fire Burning (2024 – Short Film)
This short is one of Sean’s newer roles, and he plays Bobby, a character caught in the emotional fallout of… something. Details are still under wraps. But the vibe? Gritty, intimate, and character-driven.
Indie festivals have started screening Fire Burning, and early reactions have been positive. People are noticing Sean. Saying things like “authentic,” “vulnerable,” and “natural screen presence.”
This is the kind of project where actors prove they can carry a story—not just with words, but with silence. With a glance. With what they don’t say.
5. Other Mommy (2026 – Upcoming Feature Film)
Here’s where things get interesting.
Sean’s next big project, Other Mommy, is in post-production and set for release in 2026. It’s his first feature film in years—and from what little we know, it’s going to be personal. Emotional. Maybe even career-defining.
The plot’s still hush-hush, but sources say Sean has a significant role. And if the film leans into themes like identity, family, and belonging, then it’s perfect for the kind of performances Sean delivers best.
This could be the movie that finally gets people to say, “Hey, that guy from Summer I Turned Pretty? He’s actually really good.”
So Why Do These Roles Matter?
You might be thinking, “Okay, but these aren’t exactly blockbuster movies.”
True. But that’s what makes them matter.
These roles show Sean’s heart. His grit. His desire to play real people, not just characters who look good on a poster. He’s taking the scenic route. The slow burn. And that’s often how the most respected actors are built—not overnight, but over time, brick by brick.
You don’t need to star in a Marvel movie to be legit. Sometimes, it’s the indie films that reveal what someone’s really made of.
What’s Next for Sean Kaufman?
Right now, the world still sees Sean as Steven—the snarky older brother with good eyebrows and a sharp wit. But if you look closer, if you watch these films, you’ll see someone who’s quietly leveling up. Someone who’s going to surprise a lot of people in the next few years.
With Other Mommy on the way and fans hungry for more, Sean’s film career is just starting to bloom. And I wouldn’t be surprised if, five years from now, we’re watching him win something gold and shiny.
Final Thoughts
Actors like Sean Kaufman don’t come around every day.
He’s not trying to be the loudest in the room. He’s not chasing instant fame. He’s telling stories that mean something—and that’s the kind of work that lasts.
So yeah, maybe you came here just because you saw him on a TV show. But now? You’ve got a list of his films. A deeper appreciation for his journey. And maybe even a new favorite indie gem to track down.
Don’t sleep on Sean Kaufman. He’s just getting started—and trust me, the best is yet to come.
