Taylor Lautner
He transformed from a child martial arts champion into a global teen idol as the loyal werewolf Jacob Black in the blockbuster Twilight film series.
Born 1992 (age 34)·American actor·Birthday: February 11·Millennials
Biography
Taylor Lautner's journey to fame is a unique blend of physical discipline and pop culture lightning. A decorated martial artist as a child, he brought that athleticism to early roles in family films. His life changed irrevocably when he was cast as Jacob Black in *Twilight*. Initially a supporting character, Lautner's portrayal of the warm, steadfast friend evolved into the muscular, shapeshifting rival for Bella's affection. To keep the role as the character aged, he underwent a dramatic physical transformation that became a media fixation, cementing his status as a teen heartthrob. Navigating the intense fame of the *Twilight* phenomenon defined his early career, making him one of the most recognizable faces of a generation.
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.
Taylor was born in 1992, 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 Taylor Was Born
The biggest hits of 1992
#1 Movie
Aladdin
Best Picture
Unforgiven
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Taylor's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1992Born
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
1997Started school
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
2005Became a teenager
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
2008Could drive
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2010Could vote
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2013Turned 21
Edward Snowden reveals NSA surveillance programs
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $152,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Thrift Shop" — Macklemore & Ryan LewisBest Picture: 12 Years a Slave
2022Turned 30
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 34 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Starred as Jacob Black across all five films in the massively successful Twilight Saga film series.
- Won multiple Teen Choice Awards and an MTV Movie Award for his role in the Twilight series.
- Voiced the character of Dally in the animated film The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl.
- Headlined the action-thriller film Abduction in 2011 following his Twilight fame.
Did You Know?
He is a former world champion in martial arts, having won several NASKA world titles as a junior.
Lautner was originally a competitive gymnast before focusing on martial arts and acting.
He performed almost all of his own stunts in the Twilight films.
He turned down a role in the film Blue Valentine to film The Twilight Saga: Eclipse.
“I'm just a normal kid. I just happen to have an abnormal job.”
