From his rapid rise as a teen idol in the Twilight Saga to his recent candid discussions on body image and a whimsical Chipotle stunt, Taylor Lautner‘s journey remains a compelling narrative for fans worldwide, showcasing his evolution both on and off screen.
For millions of fans, Taylor Lautner is synonymous with Jacob Black, the loyal and brooding werewolf from The Twilight Saga. Born on February 11, 1992, Lautner’s portrayal of the shapeshifter propelled him to global superstardom, transforming him into a teen idol and sex symbol in the late 2000s. Years after the final installment, his impact on pop culture and the unwavering affection of his fanbase continue to resonate, as Lautner candidly shares his personal struggles and celebrates new chapters in his life.
The Genesis of a Global Phenomenon: Taylor Lautner as Jacob Black
Before becoming a household name, Taylor Lautner honed his craft with bit parts in popular comedy series like The Bernie Mac Show (2003) and My Wife and Kids (2004). He also lent his voice to animated shows such as What’s New, Scooby-Doo? (2005) and Danny Phantom (2005). His early film career included roles in Cheaper by the Dozen 2 and starring in The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl in 3-D, both in 2005.
However, it was his casting as Jacob Black in The Twilight Saga (2008–2012) that catapulted him to international fame. The decision to retain him for the sequel, New Moon, sparked significant media attention, largely due to the character’s extensive physical transformation. Director Chris Weitz, with the enthusiastic support of Summit Entertainment and author Stephenie Meyer, announced Lautner’s return, acknowledging the character’s extraordinary changes. Meyer herself expressed her thrill, stating that Lautner “proved to the director, to Summit, and to me that he is the best possible Jacob we could have.” This pivotal choice led to a rigorous physical regimen for Lautner, who gained 35 pounds of muscle between the first and second films, transforming him into the physically imposing werewolf fans knew from the books.
Beyond the Physique: Navigating Body Image After Stardom
The intense focus on Jacob Black‘s physique left a lasting impact on Taylor Lautner. He candidly shared his struggles with body image issues stemming from the role, where his character was “known for taking his shirt off every other second.” Lautner revealed on his ‘The Squeeze’ podcast that he didn’t realize the long-term effects at the time. “In the first movie, I was 140 lbs and in ‘New Moon’ I was 175, so that wasn’t my natural body,” he explained, emphasizing the immense effort required to maintain it. He found it challenging to see images of his fluctuating body online, with comments like “wow, he’s let it all go!” after the franchise concluded. Lautner now advocates for mental health, stressing that physical appearance is “all for nothing” if mental well-being is not prioritized, a sentiment shared on his podcast with his wife, Tay Lautner, as reported by Parade.
New Horizons: Acting, Marriage, and Modern Fan Engagement
Following Twilight, Taylor Lautner continued to pursue diverse acting opportunities. He starred in the 2011 action film Abduction, a role that famously drew legions of Twilight fans to auditions for background parts, eager to catch a glimpse of their idol. From 2014 to 2018, he appeared in the BBC sitcom Cuckoo and took a leading role as Dr. Cassidy Cascade in the second season of Fox’s black comedy series Scream Queens in 2016. More recently, he is the voice for Durlock in season 7 of Totally Spies! (2024).
A Love Story: Taylor and Tay Lautner
In his personal life, Taylor Lautner found happiness with Taylor Dome. The couple, who met in 2018 through Lautner’s sister Makena, tied the knot on November 11, 2022, exactly one year after their romantic proposal. Their “romantic and intimate” nuptials took place at Epoch Estate Wines in California’s wine country, surrounded by around 90 friends and family. Lautner shared with People that he did a first look before the ceremony, knowing he “would have lost it” if the first time he saw her was walking down the aisle. Dome, wearing a Winnie Couture gown, and Lautner, in custom Dolce & Gabbana, exchanged handwritten vows. The couple, self-proclaimed “foodies and winos,” ensured the day was celebratory and low-pressure. Lautner affectionately summarized their union: “I married my best friend.”
The Squeeze Podcast and Viral Guac Moments
Today, Taylor Lautner and his wife, Tay, co-host The Squeeze podcast, where they share life stories and promote mental health through Tay’s self-care platform, LEMONS by Tay. Their engaging online presence often leads to viral moments, such as a recent “bathtub of guacamole” gift from Chipotle that captured the internet’s attention. Tay Lautner humorously confessed on TikTok how these moments remind her of her husband’s celebrity status, showing a massive tub of guac with a mini Jacob Black figurine nestled inside. This playful stunt resonated with fans, drawing comparisons to other celebrity food-related viral moments, like Selena Gomez’s nacho cheese tub, and echoing Chipotle’s own successful #GuacDance challenge that once garnered 430 million views, according to PR Newswire.
The Future: Werewolf Hunter and Beyond
Taylor Lautner continues to evolve his career with new projects. He is reportedly developing a new series for Amazon MGM Studios titled Taylor Lautner: Werewolf Hunter, where he will play a fictionalized version of himself drawn into a secret society of werewolf trackers, as reported by Variety. This project hints at a playful nod to his iconic past while embracing new creative directions.
A Legacy Continues
From his early days as a child actor to his transformative role as Jacob Black, and now as a married man openly discussing his mental health journey, Taylor Lautner‘s story is one of enduring appeal and personal growth. His candidness and continued engagement with fans, both through new projects and social media, solidify his place not just as a memorable character, but as an authentic voice in the entertainment world.
