Owen Teague
A compelling and transformative character actor who has evolved from haunting supporting roles to leading the next evolution of the Planet of the Apes saga.
Born 1998 (age 28)·American actor·Birthday: December 8·Generation Z
Biography
Owen Teague built a career on unsettling authenticity, specializing in characters who simmer with complex, often dark interior lives long before he stepped into the spotlight. His early roles were memorably chilling—from the cruel Patrick Hockstetter in the 'It' films to a troubled teen in 'Black Mirror'—showcasing a rare ability to embody discomfort without caricature. This foundation in intense, psychological drama prepared him for a staggering physical and emotional challenge: playing the empathetic ape Noa in 'Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes.' To land this first lead role, Teague underwent a radical transformation, mastering performance capture and movement to create a non-human hero. His career arc reflects a dedicated artist's journey, moving from the shadows of supporting parts to carrying a major franchise on his shoulders through sheer commitment to craft.
Generation Z
1997–2012
Born into smartphones, social media, and school shootings. The most diverse generation in history. Pragmatic about money, fluid about identity, anxious about the climate. They do not remember a world before the internet.
Owen was born in 1998, placing them squarely in the Generation Z. The events that shaped this generation — social media, climate anxiety, and a pandemic — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Owen Was Born
The biggest hits of 1998
#1 Movie
Saving Private Ryan
Best Picture
Shakespeare in Love
#1 TV Show
Seinfeld
Owen's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1998Born
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2003Started school
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
2011Became a teenager
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2014Could drive
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
2016Could vote
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2019Turned 21
First image of a black hole; Hong Kong protests
Gas: $2.60/galHome: $224,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Old Town Road" — Lil Nas XBest Picture: Parasite
2026Age 28 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Landed his first major film lead role as the chimpanzee Noa in 'Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes' (2024).
- Delivered a critically noted performance as a troubled youth in the 'Arkangel' episode of 'Black Mirror.'
- Portrayed the sinister Patrick Hockstetter in both the 2017 and 2019 film adaptations of Stephen King's 'It.'
Did You Know?
To prepare for his role in 'Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes,' he trained extensively in movement and parkour with a specialist coach.
He is a trained stage actor and performed in productions at the Tampa-based Straz Center for the Performing Arts.
He played young Joe Brinson in the 2016 film 'Bloodline,' which also starred his 'It' co-star Bill Skarsgård.
“I'm drawn to characters who are a little broken, who don't fit neatly into the world.”
