Colton Haynes
A model-turned-actor who navigated teen idol fame to become an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ visibility in mainstream television.
Born 1988 (age 38)·American actor and model·Birthday: July 13·Millennials
Biography
Colton Haynes's path to acting was paved in front of fashion cameras, his all-American looks landing him in campaigns for major brands while he was still a teenager. That modeling polish translated to television, where he became a fixture in the youth-oriented genre, first as the lacrosse-playing werewolf Jackson on 'Teen Wolf' and then as the brooding, skilled archer Roy Harper on 'Arrow.' These roles cemented his status as a CW heartthrob, but behind the scenes, Haynes grappled with the pressure of fame and his sexuality in an industry not always welcoming. His decision to come out publicly in 2016 was a pivotal moment, transforming him from a pin-up into a vocal advocate. Since then, he has taken on more nuanced roles and spoken candidly about mental health and identity, using his platform to challenge stereotypes and offer representation.
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.
Colton was born in 1988, 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 Colton Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Colton's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1988Born
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1993Started school
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
2001Became a teenager
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2004Could drive
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2006Could vote
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
2009Turned 21
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2018Turned 30
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2026Age 38 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Played a series regular role as Roy Harper/Arsenal on the hit CW superhero series 'Arrow.'
- Starred as Jackson Whittemore in the popular MTV supernatural drama 'Teen Wolf.'
- Appeared in a recurring role on the critically acclaimed FX series 'American Horror Story: Cult.'
Did You Know?
He was discovered as a model at age 15 while shopping at the mall in his hometown in Kansas.
He is an accomplished painter and has sold his artwork.
He left 'Arrow' during its third season to seek treatment for anxiety.
“I spent more time hating myself than loving myself, and that's something I never want to do again.”
