It’s been 30 years since Free Willy premiered. Here’s what little 'Jesse' is doing now.

It’s hard to believe, but it has been 30-years since the movie Free Willy burst onto our screens and into our hearts. 

The tender family-friendly film became an instant hit in 1993, telling the tale of an unlikely friendship between a young boy and a captive Orca whale. 

The lead character of Jesse was played by actor Jason James Richter who became instantly recognisable as the film took in impressive box office numbers worldwide grossing $153.7 million.

Watch: SeaWorld ends orca breeding. Story continues after video.

Like many hit films in the 90s, Free Willy was franchised and Richter returned two more times to reprise his role of Jesse in Free Willy 2: The Adventure Home and Free Willy 3: The Rescue. 

In the years that followed Richter continued working as an actor in smaller roles in TV guest appearances and independent films. 

The actor had all but dropped off our radar until very recently and yep, as you might have guessed, he looks completely different these days.

In an appearance on Nine’s Today Extra the now 43-year-old was interviewed by hosts Sylvia Jeffries and Tim Davies via video link in celebration of the film’s 30th anniversary. 

Sporting a full beard, Richter looked a far cry from the plucky pre-teen we remembered, but don’t worry he still has that tell-tale cheeky smile.

“I can’t believe it has been 30-years but here we are,” he joked when chatting to the hosts. He was then asked how it felt when he landed the major role at the young age of 11, actor Jason James Richter said "I went crazy. I ran through the neighbourhood." 

I mean, you’d do that same too.

Even though three decades have passed since Free Willy was released, you get the feeling that Richter has never given up his passion for acting. 

A simple glance over at his Instagram page and you’ll see that he is truly dedicated to each and every character he has played no matter how big or small the role. 

And it looks like all of that hard graft continues to pay off for Richter with the announcement that he will be producing and starring in upcoming thriller feature film, Natty Knocks. 

As well as continuing his acting career, Richter is also an impressive musician. 

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Frees captive Orcas, acts and plays guitar? 

What can’t this guy do! For the past 20 years he has played in two bands called Blue Root and Fermata on guitar and bass.

So will we ever see Richter back on the big screen freeing another whale? Never say never in Hollywood.

Feature Image: Getty