Today marks the 21st birthday of the Twilight Saga star Taylor Lautner. Audiences first met him when he played Jacob Black in the early Twilight films, and his brooding charm earned him a devoted following among Team Jacob that endures beyond the saga. Lautner began as a child actor and trained in martial arts, balancing action with comedy on shows like The Bernie Mac Show before stepping into a role that would make him a cultural fixture. On this milestone, fans celebrate not just a character but a young performer who has grown into a versatile talent ready for new projects.
From a young age, Lautner pursued martial arts with discipline, starting at seven and earning a series of karate titles that highlighted his precision and athleticism. His love of sports runs deep, and football has long been his favorite outlet for competition and camaraderie. Off screen, he maintains a grounded approach and despite his action movie persona, he has a distinct fear of reptiles and sharks, a reminder that even big stars have personal quirks. He looks up to acting greats such as Tom Cruise, Denzel Washington, Brad Pitt, and Matt Damon, drawing inspiration from their versatility, dedication, and ability to remain relevant across decades. Beyond acting, he has used his platform for charity, designing and sponsoring a handmade New Moon Team Jacob messenger bag for The Children’s Place and Books for Kids Foundation. The proceeds supported libraries and literacy programs, bringing books and opportunities to children and communities in need.
His public career took a leap when he hosted Saturday Night Live in December 2009, making him one of the youngest celebrities to lead the show and signaling a broader reach beyond the film series. Within his school days, his smile left a mark, earning him the Best Smile title from his grade eleven class, a lighthearted nod to the warmth he often brings to interviews and red carpet moments. Today, North American fans celebrate his 21st birthday with a mix of nostalgia for his Twilight days and anticipation for what he will do next in film, television, or streaming projects. Lautner continues to blend athleticism, acting, and a sense of curiosity about the world, a combination that has kept his career moving forward and his fans eager for the next chapter.
- Beginning at age seven, Lautner trained in various martial arts, earning multiple karate tournament titles and developing the discipline, balance, and timing that later helped him perform demanding stunts with confidence on screen.
- A devoted sports star, he is a longtime football enthusiast who appreciates the strategic pace of the game and the teamwork it requires, aspects that echo his approach to acting and planning complex scenes.
- He has a notable fear of reptiles and sharks, a personal trait that adds a human, relatable note to the star who often portrays fearless characters.
- He draws inspiration from standout performers like Tom Cruise, Denzel Washington, Brad Pitt, and Matt Damon, admiring their craft, resilience, and ability to reinvent themselves for new roles.
- He designed and sponsored a handmade New Moon Team Jacob messenger bag for The Children’s Place and Books for Kids Foundation, turning a fan project into a charity drive that raised funds for libraries and literacy programs serving children.
- His Saturday Night Live hosting stint in December 2009 marked a milestone, placing him among the youngest celebrities to helm the live sketch show and signaling his expansion into broader entertainment work.
- In school he earned the playful recognition Best Smile from his grade eleven class, a lighthearted reflection of the warmth many fans associate with him in interviews and appearances.
Happy Birthday, Taylor Lautner!