Aaron Taylor-Johnson
An English actor who transformed from a teenage heartthrob into a daring performer, unafraid of complex and physically demanding roles.
Born 1990 (age 36)·English actor·Birthday: June 13·Millennials
Biography
Born in High Wycombe, Aaron Taylor-Johnson began his career as a child actor in British television. His breakout arrived with the 2009 film 'Nowhere Boy,' where his sensitive portrayal of a young John Lennon announced a serious talent. He then embraced blockbuster scale, playing the superhero Quicksilver in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. A deliberate shift towards more challenging material followed, most notably in the 2016 thriller 'Nocturnal Animals,' where his terrifying turn as a roadside menace earned him a Golden Globe. He has consistently chosen roles that test his physical limits and psychological depth, from a vigilante in 'Kick-Ass' to a soldier in 'The Wall,' building a reputation as an actor of intense commitment and surprising range.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Aaron was born in 1990, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Aaron Was Born
The biggest hits of 1990
#1 Movie
Home Alone
Best Picture
Dances with Wolves
#1 TV Show
Roseanne
Aaron's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1990Born
Hubble Space Telescope launched; Germany reunifies
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.80/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Hold On" — Wilson PhillipsBest Picture: Dances with Wolves
1995Started school
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
2003Became a teenager
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2006Could drive
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2008Could vote
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2011Turned 21
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2020Turned 30
COVID-19 pandemic shuts down the world
Gas: $2.17/galHome: $248,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Blinding Lights" — The WeekndBest Picture: Nomadland
2026Age 36 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in 'Nocturnal Animals.'
- Portrayed the superhero Quicksilver in Marvel's 'Avengers: Age of Ultron.'
- Starred as the title character in the film adaptation 'Kick-Ass,' gaining widespread recognition.
- Received critical acclaim for his performance as a young John Lennon in 'Nowhere Boy.'
- Nominated for two BAFTA Awards for his work in 'Nowhere Boy' and 'Anna Karenina.'
Did You Know?
He married film director Sam Taylor-Johnson, who is 23 years his senior, after meeting on the set of 'Nowhere Boy.'
He learned to play the guitar and performed his own vocals for his role as John Lennon.
He was offered the role of Christian Grey in 'Fifty Shades of Grey' but turned it down.
He has a twin brother.
He performed many of his own stunts in the 'Kick-Ass' films.
“I'm not interested in playing the same character twice.”
