The late 2000s saw Lautner become ateen idol andsex symbol, after extensively changing his physique to keep the role of Jacob Black in furtherTwilight installments and generating media attention for his looks. In 2010, he was ranked second onGlamour's "The 50 Sexiest Men of 2010" list, and fourth onPeople's "Most Amazing Bodies" list. Also in the same year, Lautner was named the highest-paid teenage actor in Hollywood.
In 2011, Lautner starred in the action filmAbduction, in which he did almost all of hisstunts.[4] In 2013, he appeared in the comedy filmGrown Ups 2. From 2014 to 2018, Lautner starred in theBBC sitcomCuckoo as the son of the titular character. In 2015, he starred in the action filmTracers and the comedy filmThe Ridiculous 6. The following year, he portrayed Dr. Cassidy Cascade in the second season ofFOXblack comedy seriesScream Queens.
In junior high, Lautner—who was involved in karate, baseball and hip-hop dance—won the award for "Best Smile" and played in the school's Turkey Bowl American Football game.[18] He went to public school atValencia High School inSanta Clarita, California until his sophomore year.[19] Chaturantabut, who once portrayed the Blue Ranger inPower Rangers Lightspeed Rescue, suggested to Lautner that he take up acting.[8] For a few years, the Lautners flew from Michigan to Los Angeles for auditions when his talent agency called, and returned to Grand Rapids for school sometimes the same day.[8] Lautner balanced karate and acting with being on the football and baseball teams at his school, and taking upjazz andhip-hop dance.[20] After that became tiring, Lautner and his family decided to move to California for a month, to try it out, before moving toSanta Clarita, California, in 2002.[8][20]
Career
2001–2007: Career beginnings
In his first months after moving to Los Angeles, Lautner appeared in small television roles, small film roles, and ads and commercials. In 2001, Lautner first appeared in the made-for-television film,Shadow Fury. He then got a voice-over job in a commercial forRugrats Go Wild.[14] He then appeared in small television roles onThe Bernie Mac Show,My Wife and Kids, andSummerland.[8] Lautner then earned voice-over roles in animated series such asDanny Phantom,Duck Dodgers, andWhat's New, Scooby-Doo?. The same year, he earned his first breakout role, starring in the film,The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl in 3-D.[8] Lautner spent three months on location inAustin, Texas, to film the movie,[8] which was received with negative reviews from critics, and was a minor international success. However, Lautner was nominated at the2006 Young Artist Awards for Best Performance in a Feature Film by a Leading Actor.[21] For the film, Lautner choreographed all of his fight scenes after directorRobert Rodríguez learned of his extensive martial arts training.[20] Months later, he played Eliot Murtaugh inCheaper by the Dozen 2, which was panned by critics, being named one of the "Worst Films of the 2000s" byRotten Tomatoes.[22] After returning from Canada filming the latter movie, Lautner said he realized his newfound fame, fromSharkboy and Lavagirl.[8] In 2006 he appeared in the showLove Inc. and the TV specialHe's a Bully, Charlie Brown. Two years later, Lautner appeared in a lead role in the short-lived NBC dramaMy Own Worst Enemy, portrayingChristian Slater's son, Jack Spivey.[23]Rolling Stone coined his early roles as either "the popular kid, jock, or bully."[15]
2008–2009: Breakthrough andThe Twilight Series
In 2007, filmmakers began a search for actors to portrayJacob Black, aNative American friend of lead characterBella Swan inTwilight, the first film inTheTwilight Saga film series.[23] In January 2008, an open casting call was held inPortland, Oregon. Lautner had not heard of theTwilight series before, but was urged by his agent to audition.[23] At his audition, he read lines withKristen Stewart, who had already been cast as Bella, and they acted out scenes fromThe Twilight Saga: New Moon andThe Twilight Saga: Eclipse.[23] The film was a commercial success, earning $69 million its opening weekend, and has grossed $392 million worldwide. It received mixed reviews from critics, having a "Rotten" rating with aweighted average of 5.5/10.[24] In describing the critical consensus, it stated: "Having lost much of its bite transitioning to the big screen,Twilight will please its devoted fans, but do little for the uninitiated."[24] OnMetacritic, which assigns aweighted mean rating out of 100 reviews from film critics, it has an average score of 56 from the 37 reviews.[25] At the2009 MTV Movie Awards, Lautner was nominated for Male Breakthrough Performance, which was won by co-starRobert Pattinson.[26]
Initially, directorChris Weitz wanted to recast the role of Jacob Black forTwilight's sequel,The Twilight Saga: New Moon, due to the major physical changes that occur in Black between the two novels, and have an actor that would accurately portray "the new, larger Jacob Black."[27] Black's role in the novel also increases significantly, with him falling in love with Bella and becoming ashapeshifter, putting the actor in a starring role. Representatives for Weitz had stated that they would make a full effort to recast the "high-profile gig", andMTV News confirmed that Weitz was looking atMichael Copon to take on the role; however,Summit Entertainment said a decision had not been made.[27] In an attempt to keep the role, Lautner weight-trained extensively and gained approximately 30 pounds of muscle.[28] In January 2009, Weitz and Summit Entertainment announced that Lautner would continue to play the role of Jacob in the sequel.[28] In an interview, fellow cast member Kristen Stewart talked about Lautner's transformation saying, "He's an entirely different person physically."[29] Stewart later said, "He gets a lot of attention because he's buff, but I think as soon as the movie comes out, people are going to realize that's not why he got the job."[15] Co-star Robert Pattinson said after seeing Lautner's body, "I saw him and thought 'Jesus, I'm going to get fired.'"[30] In an interview withThe Wrap, Weitz said Lautner deserved a lot of credit for the movie's box office, stating, "If you look at the movie, it should have been the weakest in the franchise, because Robert Pattinson doesn't play as big a role."[31] Weitz said Lautner had to "pick up that slack, and if his character hadn't been emotionally, not just physically, appealing, the movie wouldn't have been as big a hit."[31] The commercial performance of the film outpaced the first film, setting several box office records including the biggest midnight opening in the United States and Canada and the biggest single-day opening.[32] The opening weekend ofNew Moon is thethird highest opening weekend in domestic history with $142,839,137.[33]The Twilight Saga: New Moon also has the sixth highest worldwide opening weekend with $274.9 million total.[34] Critical reception was less favorable, with the movie getting a 4.6/10 average from Rotten Tomatoes, and a 44 on Metacritic.[35][36] Lautner won Favorite Breakout Movie Actor at the35th People's Choice Awards.[37]
Although it began after the release of the first film, upon release ofNew Moon, Lautner and his co-stars Stewart and Pattinson transitioned toteen idol status, with Lautner particularly admired by teens for his new physical characteristics, becoming asex symbol. The trio appeared on many covers and televised appearances together.[38] In between the second and third films in theTwilight series, Lautner was a part of theensemble cast in the movieValentine's Day as Willy Harrington, acting alongside his rumored girlfriend at the time, American singer-songwriterTaylor Swift.[39] The duo was nominated at the2010 MTV Movie Awards for Best Kiss. Although it received generally negative reviews,[40] the film grossed $213 million and had the second biggest opening in the United States for a romantic comedy film.[41] Lautner presented at the2009 MTV Video Music Awards and the82nd Academy Awards.[42][43] Lautner hostedSaturday Night Live on December 12, 2009, making him one of theyoungest celebrity hosts in the show's history.[44]
2010–present: ContinuingTwilight and later projects
Lautner returned for the thirdTwilight film,The Twilight Saga: Eclipse, in 2010. Despite receiving mixed reviews from critics, the film surpassed its predecessor to become the highest-grossing film of thefranchise and the highest-grossing romantic fantasy, shapeshifter and vampire movie of all time atthe American and Canadian box office.[45] It ranked as the36th highest-grossing film of all-time in the U.S. and Canada. The popularity of Lautner and his cast members continued to summit, especially via the "Team Edward vs. Team Jacob" campaign that promoted the film.[46] Lautner's fanbase also began to expand to older audiences.[46] Lautner won Best Fantasy Actor at the2010 Scream Awards, and he is nominated for Favorite Movie Actor for his role inEclipse at the37th People's Choice Awards.[47] In November 2010The Hollywood Reporter named Lautner as one of the young male actors who are "pushing – or being pushed" into taking over Hollywood as the new "A-List".[48][49]
Lautner was initially supposed to be in two films,Northern Lights and a movie based onMax Steel, but pulled out of both films due to scheduling conflicts and better offers.[31] Other planned projects were the lead in a movie aboutStretch Armstrong and a hostage thriller,Cancun.[31] Lautner filmed aBourne Identity-esque spy film withLily Collins, entitledAbduction. It was released in September 2011 to universally negative reviews from critics[50] and Lautner's performance was mostly criticised.[51][52] ForAbduction, Lautner won aTeen Choice Award forChoice Action Actor in 2012.[53] He appeared in the remaining parts of theTwilight series,The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn films, which were released over a two-year period from 2011–2012.[31] Lautner then filmedGrown Ups 2 alongsideAdam Sandler andChris Rock. It was released in September 2013.[54]
In 2010, Lautner was considered to be the highest-paid teen actor in Hollywood.[55] In February 2014, it was confirmed that Lautner would be joining theBBC Three comedy seriesCuckoo, replacingAndy Samberg.[56] Lautner has continued in this role, co-starring in the BBC comedy for three series. From September to December 2016, Lautner co-starred on theRyan Murphy comedy horror seriesScream Queens.[57] On July 7, 2023, Lautner appeared onstage after singerTaylor Swift premiered a new music video for the song "I Can See You" at theEras Tour in Kansas City. The video stars Lautner,Joey King, andPresley Cash. Lautner inspired herSpeak Now album's single "Back to December".[58]
Publications such asGQ,Rolling Stone, andPeople have referred to Lautner as asex symbol, with the latter publication calling the actor a future epitome ofpop culture.[9][15][59] He has been called the new young adult star that can "both woo the girls with his intensity and impress the boys with his rugged agility."[20] According to Mickey Rapkin ofGQ, the use of Lautner's physique in films has been compared toMegan Fox in her work.[9] After his massive physical change followingTwilight, Lautner became a tabloidteen idol with his co-starsRobert Pattinson andKristen Stewart. Lautner, determined to stay in the series, worked out every day and gained over 30 pounds (14 kg) of muscle in order to bulk up for the role ofJacob Black in the remaining films inThe Twilight Saga.[60] Michelle Lanz ofMSN Wonderwall said that Lautner's change may have saved his career.[61] Several critics credit Lautner's physical characteristics for much of the success of theTwilight series, with criticSharon Waxman stating, "as a tabloid teen idol, he certainly deserves some credit forNew Moon's $700 million worldwide gross."[31] Lautner'sabs in particular have been subject to media attention, withThe Wrap stating that companies bidding for the actor in movies in 2011 would "shell out for the young actor's much-on-display though mostly untried abs."[31] Mickey Rapkin ofGQ said, "the film's marketing issues were solved when Lautner's "abdominal muscles becameNew Moon's main talking point, not to mention his calling card."[9] He was named number one onAccess Hollywood's "Top 5 Hollywood Abs" list.[62]
Before the actor turned 18, his sexualized image was often critiqued, and subject to controversy. In December 2009, Lautner appeared on the cover ofRolling Stone in a wet T-shirt. Jennifer Cady ofE! Online said to wait a few months when Lautner would "be of age, which will make this whole operation you got going on completely legal."[63] In his interview with the magazine, after declining to talk about whether he was datingTaylor Swift, the magazine pressed Lautner on rumors of him beinggay, which he brushed off.[64] Brent Hartinger, a columnist forAfterElton, blasted the magazine, calling the questioning "unimaginably irresponsible", commenting that Lautner was just "a 17-year old kid" and that while the rumors were baseless and speculation from certain blogs and fans, it was disappointing that a "legitimate media outlet" would print gossip.[64] Hartinger said the magazine reached a "new low" and did not have common decency, noting that the line between child and adult "is there for a good reason".[64]
Lautner has stated that he does not want to be just known for his looks, as some have attributed his popularity to that and not his actual acting skill. In an interview, the actor revealed that he was originally supposed to have a baring scene in the movieValentine's Day.[9] He stated, "The script said we were walking into school and Willy takes off his shirt. I said, 'Whoa, whoa, whoa. Time out. He's gonna take off his shirt in the middle of school? No, no, no. The reason I took off my shirt forNew Moon is because it's written in the book that way. And there's reasons behind it."[9] Lautner later said he would not bare his chest for any role that did not call for it.[9] In June 2010, Lautner coveredGQ magazine.[9] The actor was lampooned in conservative writerLaura Ingraham'ssatiricalThe Obama Diaries, commenting to have Lautner as a mascot for theWhite House Easter Egg Roll, to fit their health-conscious theme, and have Lautner don a furry bunny head and appear shirtless.[65] In 2010, Lautner was ranked number two onGlamour's "50 Sexiest Men of 2010 " list.[66]Men's Health ranked him at third on their list of "Top 10 Summer Bodies".[67] Additionally in 2010, he was ranked fourth onPeople's "Most Amazing Bodies" list.[68]
Personal life
Lautner has an intricate workout plan, which was covered byMen's Health, and has a specific diet after developing his body forThe Twilight Saga: New Moon.[9] In addition, he still practices and trains in martial arts regularly.[9][15] He has stated that he is drug- and alcohol-free.[15]
While filmingValentine's Day in October 2009, Lautner began a romantic relationship with co-starTaylor Swift; they broke up later that year.[70][71] After filmingAbduction withLily Collins, he began dating her in November 2010. They split in September 2011.[72] From 2013 to 2015 he was in a relationship with Canadian actress andTracers co-starMarie Avgeropoulos. Lautner began dating actress andScream Queens co-starBillie Lourd in December 2016; the two split in July 2017.[73]
In 2018, Lautner announced that he was dating Taylor "Tay" Dome, a nurse from California. The pair married on November 11, 2022, in California. Lautner previously stated Dome would take his last name upon marriage, making her name also Taylor Lautner.[74]
^Strauss, Neil (December 10, 2009). "Taylor Lautner's Wild Ride".Rolling Stone. No. 1093.His father, Dan, is an airline pilot with a master's degree in clinical psychology. His mother, Deb, was a project manager at Herman Miller, the office-equipment manufacturer. They are still married, took Lautner regularly to their Catholic church, supported him from an early age and taught him a strong work ethic and a sense of morality.
^Carroll, Larry (May 20, 2008)."Actor Taylor Lautner Is Eager To Deliver 'Naked' Line, Master Driving". MTV. Archived fromthe original on August 28, 2008. RetrievedOctober 14, 2008.I know! And actually, I am part Native American. We learned that through [preparing for] this film. I'm French, Dutch and German, and on my mother's side, she has some Potawatomi and Ottawa Indian in her.
^Murray, Rebecca (2008)."Taylor Lautner Interview – Twilight at Comic Con 2008". About.com. Archived fromthe original on August 2, 2008. RetrievedJuly 19, 2010.Q: "Some people have said things about this being an Indian character and you're not Indian, are you?" Taylor Lautner: "I have some Native American in my distant background."
^Park, Michael Y.; Barker, Andrew (July 11, 2013)."Film Review: 'Grown Ups 2'".Variety.Archived from the original on April 13, 2019. RetrievedJanuary 9, 2019.
