| Taylor Lautner | |
|---|---|
Lautner at the Comic-Con, July, 2012
| |
| Born | Taylor Daniel Lautner February 11, 1992 Grand Rapids, Michigan, U.S. |
| Occupation | Actor, voice actor, model |
| Years active | 2001–present |
| Signature |  |
As a child, Lautner took up martial arts[2] in Holland, Michigan and was ranked number one in his category by the American Sports Karate Association. Lautner later began his acting career, appearing in bit roles in comedy series such as The Bernie Mac Show (2003) and My Wife and Kids (2004), before having voice roles in television series like What's New, Scooby-Doo? (2005) and Danny Phantom (2005). In 2005, he appeared in the film Cheaper by the Dozen 2 and starred in The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl in 3-D. He also starred in the 2011 action film Abduction.
The late 2000s saw Lautner become a teen idol and sex symbol, after extensively changing his physique to keep the role of Jacob Black in further Twilight installments, and generating media attention for his looks. 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. Also in the same year, Lautner was named the highest-paid teenage actor in Hollywood.
Contents
[hide]Early life and career beginnings
Lautner was born on February 11, 1992, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to Deborah and Daniel Lautner.[3] His mother works for a software development company, while his father is a Midwest Airlines pilot.[3][4] He has one younger sister named Makena.[3] Raised as a Roman Catholic,[5][6] Lautner has Austrian, English, German, Swiss-German, French, Irish, and Dutch heritage,[7] and has stated that he has "distant" Native American ancestry (specifically Ottawa and Potawatomi), through his mother.[8][9] Lautner grew up in Hudsonville, Michigan, a town near Grand Rapids.[10] Lautner stated that when he was younger he was bullied in school because he was an actor. He commented, "I just had to tell myself I can't let this get to me. This is what I love to do. And I'm going to continue doing it."[11]He took his first karate class at the age of six.[3] A year later, he attended the national karate tournament in Louisville, Kentucky, where he met Michael Chaturantabut, the founder of Xtreme Martial Arts. Chaturantabut invited Lautner to a camp he held at University of California, Los Angeles.[3] Lautner trained with Chaturantabut for several years, earning his black belt by the age of eight, and winning several junior world championships.[10] He appeared in an ISKA karate event televised on ESPN in 2003 that was later lampooned on the sports-comedy show Cheap Seats that first aired in 2006.[12]
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.[13] He went to public school in Valencia until his sophomore year of high school.[14]
Chaturantabut, who once portrayed the Blue Ranger in Power Rangers Lightspeed Rescue, suggested to Lautner that he take up acting.[3] 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.[3] Lautner balanced karate and acting with being on the football and baseball teams at his school, and taking up jazz and hip-hop dance.[15] After that became tiring, Lautner and his family decided to move to California for a month, to try it out, before moving to Santa Clarita, California, permanently in 2002.[3][15]
Career
2001–07: Early career
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 for Rugrats Go Wild.[10] He then appeared in small television roles on The Bernie Mac Show, My Wife and Kids, and Summerland.[3] Lautner then earned voice-over roles in animated series such as Danny Phantom, Duck Dodgers, and What's New, Scooby-Doo?. In 2005, he had a role as Elliot Murtaugh in the comedy film Cheaper by the Dozen 2.[3] The same year, he earned his first breakout role, starring in the film, The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl in 3-D.[3] Lautner spent three months on location in Austin, Texas, to film the movie,[3] which was received with negative reviews from critics, and was a minor international success. However, Lautner was nominated at the 2006 Young Artist Awards for Best Performance in a Feature Film by a Leading Actor.[16] For the film, Lautner choreographed all of his fight scenes after director Robert Rodríguez learned of his extensive martial arts training.[15] Months later, he was cast as Eliot Murtaugh in Cheaper by the Dozen 2, which was panned by critics, being named one of the "Worst Films of the 2000s" by Rotten Tomatoes.[17] After returning from Canada filming the latter movie, Lautner said he realized his newfound fame, from Sharkboy and Lavagirl.[3] In 2008 he appeared in the show Love Inc. and the TV special He's a Bully, Charlie Brown. Two years later, Lautner appeared in a lead role in the short-lived NBC drama, My Own Worst Enemy, portraying Christian Slater's son, Jack Spivey.[18] Rolling Stone coined his early roles as either "the popular kid, jock, or bully."[11]2008–09: Breakthrough and The Twilight Series
In 2007, filmmakers began a search for actors to portray Jacob Black, a Native American friend of lead character Bella Swan in Twilight, the first film in the The Twilight Saga film series.[18] In January 2008, an open casting call was held in Portland, Oregon. Lautner had not heard of the Twilight series before, but was urged by his agent to audition.[18] At his audition, he read lines with Kristen Stewart, who had already been cast as Bella, and they acted out scenes from The Twilight Saga: New Moon and The Twilight Saga: Eclipse.[18] 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 a weighted average of 5.5/10.[19] 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."[19] On Metacritic, which assigns a weighted mean rating out of 100 reviews from film critics, it has an average score of 56 from the 37 reviews.[20] At the 2009 MTV Movie Awards, Lautner was nominated for Male Breakthrough Performance, which was won by co-star Robert Pattinson.[21]
Although it began after the release of the first film, upon release of New Moon, Lautner and his co-stars Stewart and Pattinson transitioned to teen idol status, with Lautner particularly admired by teens for his new physical characteristics, becoming a sex symbol. The trio appeared on many covers and televised appearances together.[33] In between the second and third films in the Twilight series, Lautner was a part of the ensemble cast in the movie Valentine's Day as Willy Harrington, acting alongside his rumored girlfriend at the time, American country pop singer Taylor Swift. The duo was nominated at the 2010 MTV Movie Awards for Best Kiss. Although it received generally negative reviews,[34] the film grossed $213 million and had the second biggest opening in the United States for a romantic comedy film.[35] Lautner presented at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards and the 82nd Academy Awards.[36][37] Lautner hosted Saturday Night Live on December 12, 2009, making him one of the youngest celebrity hosts in the show's history.[38]
2010–present: Continuing Twilight and other projects
Lautner returned for the third Twilight film, The Twilight Saga: Eclipse, in 2010. Receiving mixed reviews from critics, the film surpassed its predecessor to become the highest-grossing film of the franchise and the highest-grossing romantic fantasy, werewolf and vampire movie of all time at the American and Canadian box office.[39] It ranks as the 36th 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.[40] Lautner's fanbase also began to expand to older audiences.[40] Lautner won Best Fantasy Actor at the 2010 Scream Awards, and he is nominated for Favorite Movie Actor for his role in Eclipse at the 37th People's Choice Awards.[41] On November 2010 The 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".[42][43]Lautner was initially supposed to be in two films, Northern Lights and a movie based on Max Steel, but pulled out of both films due to scheduling conflicts and better offers.[26] Other planned projects were the lead in a movie about Stretch Armstrong and a hostage thriller, Cancun.[26] Lautner filmed a Bourne Identity-esque spy film with Lily Collins, entitled Abduction. It was released in September 2011 to universally negative critical reviews[44] and Lautner's performance was heavily criticised.[45][46][47] He appeared in the remaining parts of the Twilight series, the The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn films, which were released over a two-year period from 2011–2012.[26]
As of 2010, Lautner was considered to be the highest-paid teen actor in Hollywood.[48]
Style and image
Before the actor turned 18, his sexualized image was often critiqued, and subject to controversy. In December 2009, Lautner appeared on the cover of Rolling Stone in a wet t-shirt. Jennifer Cady of E! 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."[52] In his interview with the magazine, after declining to talk about whether he was dating Taylor Swift, the magazine pressed Lautner on rumors of him being homosexual, which he brushed off.[53] Brent Hartinger, a columnist for AfterElton, 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.[53] Hartinger said the magazine reached a "new low" and did not have common decency, noting that there was not a line between "child and adult" although Lautner was in adult-like roles.[53]
Lautner has stated that he doesn't 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 movie Valentine's Day.[4] 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 for New Moon is because it's written in the book that way. And there's reasons behind it."[4] Lautner later said he would not bare his chest for any role that did not call for it.[4] In June 2010, Lautner covered GQ magazine.[4] The actor was lampooned in conservative writer Laura Ingraham's satirical The Obama Diaries, commenting to have Lautner as a mascot for the White House Easter Egg Roll, to fit their health-conscious theme, and have Lautner don a furry bunny head and appear shirtless.[54] In 2010, Lautner was ranked number two on Glamour's "50 Sexiest Men of 2010 " list.[55] Men's Health ranked him at third on their list of "Top 10 Summer Bodies."[56] Additionally in 2010, he was ranked fourth on People's "Most Amazing Bodies" list.[57]
Personal life
Lautner has an intricate workout plan, which was covered by Men's Health, and has a specific diet after developing his body for The Twilight Saga: New Moon.[4] In addition, he still practices and trains in martial arts regularly.[4][11] He has stated that he is drug and alcohol free.[11]Lautner resides with his parents and younger sister in Valencia, California, which he says he prefers due to the dearth of paparazzi. Lautner has said that he has never thought of moving out on his own, stating, "The thing I love is that my home life hasn't changed. I still help out with the garbage. I still help out with the lawn." He owns a BMW 5 series, with dark-tinted windows intended to provide anonymity.[4]
The boost given to his career by the success of the Twilight films made him too busy to attend school, so he took the California High School Proficiency Exam to graduate from high school in 2008. He has stated on Late Show with David Letterman that if he does not have work, he would like to go back to school. He now takes online classes at his local community college.[14]
Filmography
Films
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | Shadow Fury | Young Kismet | |
| 2005 | Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl in 3-D, TheThe Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl in 3-D | Sharkboy | Nominated—Young Artist Award for Best Performance in a Feature Film – Young Lead Actor Nominated—Stinkers Bad Movie Award for Worst Child Ensemble[58] |
| 2005 | Cheaper by the Dozen 2 | Elliot Murtaugh | Nominated—Stinkers Bad Movie Award for Worst Child Ensemble[58] |
| 2008 | Twilight | Jacob Black | Scream Award for Male Breakout Performance Nominated—MTV Movie Award for Best Breakthrough Performance – Male |
| 2009 | Twilight Saga: New Moon, TheThe Twilight Saga: New Moon | Jacob Black | Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Award for Favorite Movie Actor Kids Choice Awards for Cutest Couple (with Kristen Stewart) People's Choice Award for Favorite Breakout Actor Nominated—Young Artist Award for Best Performance in a Feature Film – Young Lead Actor Nominated—Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Screen Couple with (Kristen Stewart) |
| 2010 | Valentine's Day | Willy Harrinton | Nominated—Teen Choice Award for Choice Movie: Liplock (with Taylor Swift) Nominated—Teen Choice Award for Choice Movie: Chemistry (with Taylor Swift) Nominated—MTV Movie Award for Best Kiss (with Taylor Swift) Nominated—Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Ensemble |
| 2010 | The Twilight Saga: Eclipse | Jacob Black | Teen Choice Award for Choice Movie Actor: Fantasy People's Choice Award for Favorite On-screen Team (with Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart) Nominated—Scream Award for Best Fantasy Actor Nominated—Nickelodeon Australia Kids' Choice Award for Fave Kiss (with Kristen Stewart) Nominated—People's Choice Award for Favorite Movie Actor Nominated—Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Actor Nominated—Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Ensemble (with the cast) |
| 2011 | Abduction | Nathan | Teen Choice Award for Choice Movie: Action Actor Nominated—Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Actor Nominated—People's Choice Award for Favourite Action Movie Star |
| 2011 | The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1 | Jacob Black | Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Award for Favorite Buttkicker Nominated—Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Actor Nominated—Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Screen Couple (with Kristen Stewart) Nominated—Teen Choice Award Choice Movie Actor Sci-Fi/Fantasy |
| 2012 | The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2 | Jacob Black | Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Supporting Actor Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Screen Couple (with Mackenzie Foy) Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Ensemble MTV Movie Award for Best Shirtless Performance |
| 2013 | Grown Ups 2 | Andy | |
| 2014 | Tracers | Cam | Filming |
Television
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | Bernie Mac Show, TheThe Bernie Mac Show | Aaron | 2 episodes |
| 2004 | My Wife and Kids | Tyrone | 1 episode |
| 2004 | Summerland | Boy on beach | |
| 2005 | Danny Phantom | Youngblood (voice) | 3 episodes |
| 2005 | Duck Dodgers | Reggie Wasserstein/Terrible Obnoxious Boy (voice) | 2 episodes |
| 2005 | What's New, Scooby-Doo? | Dennis/Ned (voice) | 2 episodes |
| 2006 | Love, Inc. | Oliver | |
| 2006 | He's a Bully, Charlie Brown | Joe Agate (voice) | TV special |
| 2008 | My Own Worst Enemy | Jack Spivey |
