Born on February 11, 1992 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Taylor Lautner is an actor and martial artist best known for his role in The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl in 3-D and the movie adaptation of the widely popular vampire-themed novel Twilight. Of French, Dutch, and German origin, he started studying karate when he was six, training at Fabiano’s Karate School in Holland, Michigan. After just one year of training, he started winning tournaments and was even invited to train with seven-time world karate champion Mike Chat. When he turned eight, he was invited to represent the states in the twelve years and under division in the World Karate Association. He ended up winning three gold medals and becoming the Junior Worlds Forms and Weapons champion.
Lautner made the jump to acting after his martial arts instructor urged him to audition for a part in a Burger King commercial in Los Angeles. He didn’t make it, but he liked the experience that he made up his mind to pursue it professionally. It wasn’t long before he and his family was traveling from Michigan and California so that he can audition for acting roles on a regular basis. When he turned 10, his family moved to Los Angeles so he can take on acting full-time. Up until 2003 when he was 11, he was ranked first worldwide for NASKA’s Black Belt Open Forms, Musical Weapons, Traditional Weapons and Traditional Forms, bagging the Junior World Championships when he was 12.
Lautner’s foray into acting began with the made-for-television film Shadow Fury in 2001. He eventually landed roles on the series Summerland, The Bernie Mac Show, and My Wife and Kids. He also landed a role on the Nickelodeon animated series Danny Phantom. However, it was his lead role as Sharkboy in The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl in 3-D, where he was able to showcase his martial arts skills. He eventually bagged the role of Jacob Black in the movie version of Twilight the novel.
Plays football and baseball. He enjoys watching college football and supports the Michigan Wolverines.
Has a younger sister named Makena.
Has a Maltese named Roxy.
Received his driver license in 2008.
Played football during freshman year in high school.
Is a keen martial artist who, from the age of seven, has won many karate tournaments on a local, national and international level.
Twilight (2008).... Jacob Black
"My Own Worst Enemy" .... Jack Spivey (13 episodes, 2008)
He's a Bully, Charlie Brown (2006) (TV)
"Love, Inc." .... Oliver (1 episode, 2006)
Cheaper by the Dozen 2 (2005) .... Eliot Murtaugh
"Danny Phantom" .... Youngblood (3 episodes, 2005)
"Duck Dodgers" .... Reggie Wasserstein (2 episodes, 2005)
The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl 3-D (2005).... Sharkboy
"What's New, Scooby-Doo?" .... Dennis (2 episodes, 2005)
Clown (2005) TV episode (voice) .... Ned
"My Wife and Kids".... Tyrone (1 episode, 2004
"Summerland" .... Boy on Beach (1 episode, 2004)
"The Bernie Mac Show" .... Aaron (1 episode, 2003)
Shadow Fury (2001).... Kismet