Dylan Minnette
An American actor who transitioned from a ubiquitous child star into a compelling leading man, anchoring the intense psychological drama of '13 Reasons Why.'
Born 1996 (age 30)·American actor and musician·Birthday: December 29·Millennials
Biography
Dylan Minnette didn't just grow up in front of the camera—he mastered it. Starting his career as a young child, he became a familiar face on television, appearing in everything from sitcoms to high-stakes dramas like 'Prison Break,' where he played a young Michael Scofield. His early film work in projects like 'Let Me In' and 'Prisoners' showcased a preternatural calm and depth beyond his years. However, it was his casting as Clay Jensen in Netflix's controversial phenomenon '13 Reasons Why' that transformed him from a reliable supporting player into a generational touchstone. He carried the show's heavy emotional weight for four seasons, portraying grief, anger, and trauma with a raw vulnerability that resonated with a global audience. Alongside acting, Minnette fronts the rock band Wallows, proving his creative drive extends beyond the screen.
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.
Dylan was born in 1996, 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 Dylan Was Born
The biggest hits of 1996
#1 Movie
Independence Day
Best Picture
The English Patient
#1 TV Show
ER
Dylan's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1996Born
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
2001Started school
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
2009Became a teenager
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
2012Could drive
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2014Could vote
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
2017Turned 21
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Turned 30
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Played the lead role of Clay Jensen for all four seasons of the globally influential Netflix series '13 Reasons Why.'
- Had notable supporting film roles in critically acclaimed thrillers like 'Prisoners' and the horror remake 'Let Me In.'
- Started his career as a child actor with a recurring role on the drama series 'Saving Grace.'
Did You Know?
He is the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist for the indie rock band Wallows.
Minnette appeared in music videos for artists like Taylor Swift ('You Belong With Me') and Miranda Cosgrove.
He shares a birthday (December 29) with his '13 Reasons Why' co-star Katherine Langford.
“I'm more interested in the characters than the size of the role.”
