The number one hit movie of the July 4th weekend this year was Hancock, directed by Peter Berg and starring Will Smith, Charlize Theron and Jason Bateman. But those who watched Hancock were charmed by another character in the movie – 11-year-old Jae Head, of Goldthwaite. And if they had known Jae’s story, and been able to visit with him in person, they would have been even more impressed by this remarkable Hill Country personality. (You can see Jae being interviewed at the premiere by visiting the official Hancock website at www.hancock-movie.com, and clicking on “Watch Premiere Coverage”)

Jae is the son of Jeffrey and Jo Head, of Goldthwaite, and he has been somewhat of a miracle child from the time of his birth. Born without an aorta, Jae barely survived four major surgeries before he was three years old, and while he beat the odds, the shock to his system was such that he didn’t grow at nearly the normal rate. His brother, Jansen (who introduces himself as “Jae’s little brother”), is definitely bigger, despite being a year younger.

Jae’s parents are both Goldthwaite natives, but the family has moved around quite a bit due to his dad’s coaching career. They returned to Goldthwaite just two years ago, when Jeff got a job as basketball coach for Goldthwaite High School.

Jae hasn’t let his small stature hold him back. “I’ve always had a big personality,” he says. So while he hasn’t been able to play football (yet!), he makes a big impression with his quick wit, his friendliness, and his infectious enthusiasm. And that’s why, three years ago, when his father heard a commercial asking, “Can your child act?” he decided to have Jae audition.

Jae aced the test, and soon the family was on its way to Hollywood. Jae had a small part (“Just one line,” he says) in the second episode of How I Met Your Mother, and a skit on Mad TV before he made the “big leagues� ...

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