Riker Lynch
A multi-hyphenate entertainer who leapt from the Dalton Academy Warblers on 'Glee' to a runner-up finish on 'Dancing with the Stars'.
Born 1991 (age 35)·American singer and actor·Birthday: November 8·Millennials
Biography
Riker Lynch first captured attention as a member of the Lynch family band, R5, but his breakout moment came with a sharp blazer and a perfect harmony. Cast as a Warbler on the hit series 'Glee', he became part of one of television's most memorable fictional singing groups. This exposure paved the way for a surprising and impressive turn on the dance floor, where he partnered with Allison Holker on 'Dancing with the Stars'. Their dynamic performances secured a second-place finish in season 20, showcasing a physical artistry beyond his musical roots. Lynch has continued to balance acting, music with his band (now called The Driver Era), and a distinct personal style, crafting a career that defies easy categorization in the entertainment industry.
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.
Riker 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 Riker Was Born
The biggest hits of 1991
#1 Movie
Terminator 2: Judgment Day
Best Picture
The Silence of the Lambs
#1 TV Show
Cheers
Riker'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
- Finished as the runner-up on season 20 of 'Dancing with the Stars' with professional dancer Allison Holker.
- Portrayed Jeff, a member of the Dalton Academy Warblers, on the popular Fox television series 'Glee'.
- Performs as the bassist and vocalist for the pop-rock band The Driver Era, alongside his brother Ross.
Did You Know?
He is the older brother of actor and singer Ross Lynch.
His band, R5, which included his siblings, released its debut album 'Louder' in 2013.
He and his 'Dancing with the Stars' partner Allison Holker performed a jazz routine to 'Toy Story' that went viral.
He made a cameo appearance in the Disney Channel series 'Austin & Ally', which starred his brother Ross.
“The best part of performing is that connection with the crowd.”
