Timothée Chalamet’s Mom Reflects on His Stint as a ‘Rap Artist’ in High School (Exclusive)

Timothée Chalamet’s high school days are fondly remembered by his mother, Nicole Flender, who recently recounted his entertaining alter ego, “Lil Timmy Tim.” This persona emerged during his time as a student at the famous LaGuardia High School in New York City, where he showcased his talent in rap. Speaking at the American Ballet Theatre Spring Gala on 20 May, Flender reminisced about her son’s unique approach to his early artistic pursuits, highlighting how he carved out his own space in the creative world.

Flender, who was 68 at the time of her comments, reflected on a viral 2012 video that featured a young Chalamet rapping his original song before seamlessly transitioning into Nicki Minaj’s “Roman Revenge” at a school event. This performance captured the hearts of many, leading to fond memories of “Lil Timmy Tim” from those who attended his shows. “You know, he was a rap artist at high school, so he did his own thing,” she remarked, underscoring her admiration for his self-expression.

The affection for this rap persona has endured, with Flender acknowledging the widespread appreciation it garnered. In a previous conversation with Business Insider in May 2025, she expressed her pride, saying, “Everybody loved it.” Despite moving on from the “Lil Timmy Tim” phase as he pursued a career in acting, Chalamet’s musical talents have continued to surface in various forms, including sketches on “Saturday Night Live” and more recently in a collaboration on the remix of “4Raws” with artist EsDeeKid, which was released to promote his Oscar-nominated film, *Marty Supreme*.

Even though Chalamet has chosen to leave his rap days behind, Flender noted that he has always danced to his own rhythm. “Timmy didn’t take ballet classes. My daughter did … But Timmy did his own dancing,” she shared, highlighting the individuality he maintained even within the artistic circle of his family. This sentiment reflects a broader theme in Chalamet’s life of embracing his unique identity.

Flender has been a constant source of support throughout her son’s career. She celebrated Chalamet’s victory at the Critics’ Choice Awards in January for Best Actor in *Marty Supreme*, sharing her excitement on social media with a caption that conveyed her pride: “My son just won the Critics Choice Award for best actor!!”.

Nicole Flender views her role in her children’s careers more as a supportive cheerleader than a controlling “momager.” In an earlier interview, she articulated her unconditional support, noting that her primary desire is for her children to find happiness in their pursuits, regardless of their achievements. “All I want is for them to be happy,” she stated, emphasising her nurturing approach.

Having turned 30, Chalamet’s journey from a high school rap artist to an acclaimed actor is a testament to his multifaceted talent and individualism. His unique path, punctuated by a variety of artistic expressions, showcases the breadth of his capabilities and the support system behind him, especially that of his mother. Flender’s reflections depict a proud parent watching her son succeed while staying true to himself, reinforcing the notion that creativity often flourishes in environments where authenticity is encouraged.

In an era where social media can amplify both triumphs and challenges, Chalamet’s evolution from “Lil Timmy Tim” to a celebrated actor offers an inspiring narrative. It highlights how early experiences shape artistic identities, especially in an entertainment industry that values uniqueness. As he continues to make his mark, Timothée Chalamet remains a figure embodying both talent and individuality, with roots firmly planted in the creative explorations of his youth.