Brandon Spencer Call is a former American actor who worked in the entertainment industry from 1984 to 1998, primarily appearing as a child and teenage performer. He became a familiar face on television during the late 1980s and throughout the 1990s. After appearing in several television series and a handful of feature films, he unexpectedly decided to step away from acting. Call is best known for playing John Thomas “J.T.” Lambert in the ABC sitcom Step by Step. He also appeared in the fantasy sitcom The Charmings and the action-drama television series Baywatch. In addition to his television work, Call featured in several films, including Jagged Edge, Blind Fury, The Adventures of Ford Fairlane, and For the Boys. Despite achieving considerable recognition during his acting career, he retired from the entertainment industry at just 22 years old and subsequently chose to live a private life away from the public spotlight.
Career of Brandon Call
Brandon Call spent most of his time in the entertainment industry working as a child and teenage actor. He made his acting debut in 1984 with an appearance in the detective television series Simon & Simon, in the episode “The Dillinger Print.” That same year, he appeared in an episode titled “Intimate Strangers” of the television drama Hotel.
In 1985, Call made his big-screen debut in the courtroom thriller Jagged Edge, playing David Barnes. He also appeared in two television films that year: Slickers, in which he portrayed Scooter Clinton, and I Dream of Jeannie… Fifteen Years Later, where he played Tony Jr. In addition, he secured a recurring role as Brandon Capwell in the NBC soap opera Santa Barbara. He also appeared in the popular detective series Magnum, P.I., featuring in three episodes between 1985 and 1988.
Over the next few years, Call made guest appearances in several television productions, including Life with Lucy, St. Elsewhere, Webster, and Something Is Out There. In 1987, he landed a regular role as Thomas Charming in the fantasy sitcom The Charmings, appearing in 19 episodes. He subsequently joined the action-drama series Baywatch for its 1989–1990 season, portraying Hobie Buchannon.
One of the most significant milestones in Call’s acting career came in 1991, when he was cast as John Thomas “J.T.” Lambert in the ABC sitcom Step by Step. He became a regular cast member, playing the eldest son in the Lambert family. His character was passionate about sports, much like his father, but frequently displayed a lack of discipline and attempted to avoid his responsibilities.
Call’s performance in the sitcom brought him wider recognition and earned him three nominations at the Young Artist Awards, including one in the Outstanding Young Comedian in a Television Series category. Despite his success, he eventually left the entertainment industry after completing his work on the final season of Step by Step.
Family & Personal Life
Brandon Call was born on November 17, 1976, in Torrance, California, United States, to Elyse Call and Richard Call. He has three siblings: Dee Anne Call, Dustin Call, and Tandi Call.
After leaving acting, Call began working at a gas station owned by his parents, stepping away from the entertainment industry to pursue a more private life.
During this period, he was involved in a shooting incident following a confrontation at a traffic signal while driving home from work. He sustained gunshot wounds to both arms and received treatment at UCLA Medical Center. He eventually recovered fully from his injuries.
Call is divorced and has one daughter. Since retiring from acting, he has largely stayed out of the public eye.