Dylan O'Brien
He channeled the hyperactive charm of a beloved TV sidekick into leading-man status, anchoring a blockbuster film franchise with relatable everyman energy.
Born 1991 (age 35)·American actor·Birthday: August 26·Millennials
Biography
Dylan O'Brien's path to stardom was anything but conventional. A self-taught filmmaker posting comedic videos on YouTube, he landed an audition for MTV's 'Teen Wolf' almost on a whim, securing the role of Stiles Stilinski. With his rapid-fire delivery and perfect comic timing, he didn't just steal scenes; he became the emotional core of the show for its entire run, transforming a supporting part into a fan-favorite phenomenon. That magnetic screen presence catapulted him to the lead in the 'Maze Runner' film series, where he traded sarcasm for survivalist grit, proving he could carry a major Hollywood franchise. A serious on-set injury during the third film's production became a public testament to his resilience, with a long and determined recovery that endeared him further to his dedicated fanbase. O'Brien has since carefully curated a filmography of intriguing indie roles and sharp supporting turns, demonstrating a deliberate move toward complex characters beyond the world of YA adaptations.
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 1991, 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 1991
#1 Movie
Terminator 2: Judgment Day
Best Picture
The Silence of the Lambs
#1 TV Show
Cheers
Dylan's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1991Born
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1996Started school
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
2004Became a teenager
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
2007Could drive
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2009Could vote
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
2012Turned 21
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
2021Turned 30
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 35 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Starred as Thomas in the 'Maze Runner' film trilogy, which grossed over $900 million worldwide.
- Played the central role of Stiles Stilinski across all six seasons of the hit MTV series 'Teen Wolf.'
- Received critical praise for his dramatic performance in the film 'American Assassin,' stepping into a leading action role.
- His performance in the limited series 'Weird City' and film 'Love and Monsters' showcased his continued range in genre projects.
Did You Know?
He was originally hired on 'Teen Wolf' as a member of the production crew before auditioning and winning the role of Stiles.
O'Brien is an avid fan of the New York Mets and has narrated documentaries for the team.
He suffered a serious facial fracture and concussion during a stunt accident on the set of 'Maze Runner: The Death Cure,' delaying production for nearly a year.
Before acting, he played drums in a punk band and created YouTube comedy sketches with friends.
“I just want to tell stories that I'm passionate about and work with people that inspire me.”
