Jackson Rathbone
He channeled a vampire's brooding intensity in Twilight, then rocked out as a multi-instrumentalist frontman for a funk band.
Born 1984 (age 42)·American actor and musician·Birthday: December 14·Millennials
Biography
Born Monroe Jackson Rathbone V in Singapore, Jackson Rathbone's upbringing was a global affair, moving from Asia to Texas and beyond. This itinerant childhood perhaps primed him for the whirlwind of Hollywood, which he entered with a steady stream of television roles. His career was irrevocably shaped by landing the part of Jasper Hale, the Civil War-era vampire with a tortured past, in the blockbuster Twilight film series. While the franchise made him recognizable to millions, Rathbone simultaneously pursued a parallel passion in music. He became the frontman for the eclectic funk rock collective 100 Monkeys, a band known for its rotating instruments and energetic live shows, proving his artistic drive extended far beyond the soundstage. In the years since, he has balanced indie film projects with a continued musical output, carving a path defined by a quiet dedication to his crafts rather than blockbuster fame.
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.
Jackson was born in 1984, 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 Jackson Was Born
The biggest hits of 1984
#1 Movie
Beverly Hills Cop
Best Picture
Amadeus
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Jackson's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1984Born
Apple Macintosh introduced
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $59,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"When Doves Cry" — PrinceBest Picture: Amadeus
1989Started school
Berlin Wall falls; Tiananmen Square protests
Gas: $1.00/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Look Away" — ChicagoBest Picture: Driving Miss Daisy
1997Became a teenager
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
2000Could drive
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2002Could vote
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2005Turned 21
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2014Turned 30
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
2024Turned 40
AI reshapes industries; Paris Olympics
Gas: $3.31/galHome: $372,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Espresso" — Sabrina CarpenterBest Picture: Anora
2026Age 42 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Portrayed the vampire Jasper Hale across five films in the massively successful Twilight Saga film series.
- Served as the lead vocalist and multi-instrumentalist for the touring and recording band 100 Monkeys.
- Starred as Sokka in M. Night Shyamalan's live-action adaptation of 'The Last Airbender'.
- Built a sustained acting career with numerous film and television credits following his breakout Twilight role.
Did You Know?
His full name is Monroe Jackson Rathbone V, indicating a long family lineage.
He was born in Singapore and lived in several countries, including Indonesia and England, as a child.
He is a skilled musician who can play guitar, bass, drums, and keyboards.
He and his 100 Monkeys bandmates once performed 100 shows in 100 days.
“I'm drawn to characters who are a little bit off, a little bit broken.”
