LaBeouf, the one-time Steven Spielberg protege who starred in the Transformers movies, got his big break acting on Disney Channel’s Even Stevens and has described pingponging between the set and 12-step programs with his father, a former clown performer and recovering heroin addict. "Honey boy" was the nickname given to him by his father.

<https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/shia-labeouf-is-recognizable-set-honey-boy-1116308