Michael Copon
A heartthrob actor who transitioned from a spandex-clad Power Ranger to a staple of teen drama television in the 2000s.
Born 1982 (age 44)·American actor and producer·Birthday: November 13·Millennials
Biography
Michael Copon broke into entertainment with the kinetic energy required of a children's action hero, landing the role of the Blue Time Force Ranger. This platform launched him into the world of teen-centric television, where he became a familiar face to a generation of viewers. His portrayal of the charming and complicated Felix Taggaro on the hit series 'One Tree Hill' cemented his place in early-2000s pop culture. Copon leveraged his on-screen success to explore production, seeking more creative control behind the camera. While often associated with his breakout roles, he has continued to work in film and television, navigating the evolution of an actor who started as a pop icon.
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.
Michael was born in 1982, 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 Michael Was Born
The biggest hits of 1982
#1 Movie
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Best Picture
Gandhi
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Michael's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1982Born
Michael Jackson releases Thriller
Gas: $1.22/galHome: $55,200Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Physical" — Olivia Newton-JohnBest Picture: Gandhi
1987Started school
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1995Became a teenager
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
1998Could drive
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2000Could vote
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
2003Turned 21
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
2012Turned 30
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
2022Turned 40
Russia invades Ukraine; Queen Elizabeth II dies
Gas: $3.97/galHome: $348,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"As It Was" — Harry StylesBest Picture: Everything Everywhere All at Once
2026Age 44 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Played Lucas Kendall, the Blue Ranger, in the television series 'Power Rangers Time Force'.
- Portrayed Felix Taggaro across multiple seasons of the long-running CW drama 'One Tree Hill'.
- Starred as lead character Vin Keahi in the surfing drama television series 'Beyond the Break'.
Did You Know?
He was a contestant on the 25th season of the reality competition series 'The Amazing Race' with his then-fiancée.
Copon is also a singer and was part of a boy band called 'C-Note' in the early 2000s.
He initially pursued a career in modeling before transitioning to acting.
“I learned to fight on camera before I learned most other things.”
