Taylor Lautner, American actor, model and martial artist

Taylor Daniel Lautner, born on February 11, 1992, is a distinguished American actor and model who gained global recognition for his compelling portrayal of the shapeshifter Jacob Black in the massively successful The Twilight Saga film series. His role as the charismatic werewolf, a central figure in the supernatural romance franchise, solidified his status as a prominent Hollywood talent.

Early Career and Breakthrough Roles

Lautner commenced his acting journey with smaller roles, demonstrating his versatility across various genres. He appeared in popular comedy television series such as The Bernie Mac Show in 2003 and My Wife and Kids in 2004, showcasing his early comedic timing. His voice acting talents were also utilized in animated television series, lending his voice to characters in What's New, Scooby-Doo? and Danny Phantom, both in 2005.

The year 2005 marked a significant turning point in Lautner's nascent career. He featured in the family comedy film Cheaper by the Dozen 2 and took on his first leading role as the titular character in Robert Rodriguez's imaginative children's fantasy adventure, The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl in 3-D. This early starring role allowed him to showcase his potential as a young leading man. Later, in 2011, he transitioned into more action-oriented roles, headlining the thriller film Abduction, which further expanded his cinematic repertoire.

Television Ventures Post-Twilight

Following his immense success with The Twilight Saga, Lautner diversified his career with notable roles in television. From 2014 to 2018, he joined the cast of the acclaimed BBC sitcom Cuckoo. In this British comedy series, he played Dale Ashbrick, the son of the titular character, bringing his unique comedic flair to a different audience and earning praise for his performance in the popular show. In 2016, Lautner secured a prominent role as Dr. Cassidy Cascade in the second season of the FOX black comedy-horror series Scream Queens. Created by Ryan Murphy, this series allowed Lautner to delve into a more stylized and darkly humorous narrative, further showcasing his range as an actor.

From Teen Idol to Hollywood's Highest-Paid

The late 2000s witnessed Lautner's dramatic transformation into a global teen idol and a widely recognized sex symbol. This meteoric rise was significantly fueled by his commitment to the role of Jacob Black. To convincingly portray the character's physical evolution into a powerful werewolf and maintain the role for subsequent Twilight installments, Lautner underwent an extensive and well-documented physical transformation, gaining considerable muscle mass. This dedication garnered significant media attention and generated immense interest in his physique and appearance.

His elevated public profile and impressive physique led to significant recognition from major publications. In 2010, Lautner was ranked second on Glamour magazine's highly anticipated list of "The 50 Sexiest Men of 2010." In the same year, People magazine featured him fourth on their "Most Amazing Bodies" list, highlighting his status as a fitness icon. Furthermore, 2010 was a landmark year for Lautner financially; at the peak of The Twilight Saga's global phenomenon, he was named the highest-paid teenage actor in Hollywood, a testament to his extraordinary popularity and the lucrative nature of his film contracts, reportedly earning millions for his roles in the final Twilight films.

Frequently Asked Questions About Taylor Lautner

What is Taylor Lautner best known for?
Taylor Lautner is best known for his iconic role as Jacob Black, the shapeshifting werewolf, in the highly popular The Twilight Saga film series.
What were Taylor Lautner's early acting roles?
His early acting career included bit parts in TV shows like The Bernie Mac Show and My Wife and Kids, voice roles in animated series such as What's New, Scooby-Doo?, and a starring role as Sharkboy in The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl in 3-D.
Did Taylor Lautner star in any TV series after Twilight?
Yes, he starred as Dale Ashbrick in the BBC sitcom Cuckoo from 2014 to 2018 and played Dr. Cassidy Cascade in the second season of FOX's black comedy series Scream Queens in 2016.
How did Taylor Lautner achieve his physique for the Twilight films?
To maintain his role as Jacob Black and portray the character's physical transformation into a werewolf in later Twilight installments, Lautner underwent extensive physical training and gained a significant amount of muscle mass, which garnered widespread media attention.
Was Taylor Lautner recognized for his looks and status as a teen idol?
Absolutely. In 2010, he was ranked second on Glamour's "The 50 Sexiest Men of 2010" list and fourth on People's "Most Amazing Bodies" list, solidifying his status as a global teen idol and sex symbol.