From a young martial arts champion to the teen idol who captured hearts as a werewolf, Taylor Lautner’s career has been anything but ordinary.
Best known for his iconic role as Jacob Black in the Twilight Saga, Lautner became one of the highest-paid teen actors in Hollywood.
But what happened after the moon set on the vampire franchise?
Taylor Lautner at a Glance
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Taylor Daniel Lautner |
| Nickname | Taylor |
| Date of Birth | February 11, 1992 |
| Age | 32 |
| Birthplace | Grand Rapids, Michigan, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Actor, Martial Artist, Model |
| Career Start | 2001 |
| Net Worth | $40 million |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Taylor Dome (m. 2022) |
| Height | 5 ft 9 in (1.74 m) |
Early Life and Martial Arts Mastery
Before he was an actor, Taylor Lautner was a prodigy in the world of martial arts.
He began practicing karate at just six years old and quickly proved to be a natural talent. By the age of 10, he had earned his black belt.
His dedication and skill led him to become a four-time world champion by the time he was 14.
This intense discipline and physical prowess didn’t just earn him trophies; it also gave him a unique edge when he transitioned into acting.
His martial arts background was instrumental in landing one of his first major roles.
Rise to Fame: Sharkboy and Early Roles
Lautner’s acting career began with small parts in television shows like The Bernie Mac Show and voice work for animations like Danny Phantom.
However, his big break came in 2005 when he landed the lead role in Robert Rodriguez’s family adventure film, The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl in 3-D.
His martial arts skills helped him secure the part, showcasing his potential as a young action star.
That same year, he also appeared in Cheaper by the Dozen 2, further solidifying his presence in Hollywood.
The Twilight Saga: A Global Phenomenon
In 2008, Taylor Lautner was cast as Jacob Black in Twilight, a role that would transform him into a global teen idol.
While his initial role was relatively small, his character became central to the plot in the sequels.
To keep the role for The Twilight Saga: New Moon, Lautner underwent an intense physical transformation, gaining 30 pounds of muscle.
This dedication not only secured his place in the franchise but also cemented his status as a sex symbol.
His on-screen rivalry with Robert Pattinson’s character, Edward Cullen, created the famous “Team Edward vs. Team Jacob” debate that swept across the globe.
Earnings from the Twilight Franchise
The Twilight Saga was a massive financial success, and so was Taylor Lautner. His salary grew exponentially with each film, reflecting his increasing importance to the series.
| Twilight (2008) | $1 million |
| The Twilight Saga: New Moon (2009) | $4 million |
| The Twilight Saga: Eclipse (2010) | $7.5 million + 2.5% of profits (totaling around $15 million) |
| The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1 (2011) | $12.5 million + 7.5% of profits |
| The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2 (2012) | $12.5 million + 7.5% of profits |
In total, Lautner earned an estimated $45 million from the Twilight franchise alone, making him one of the wealthiest young actors of his time.
In 2012, Forbes reported his earnings for the year at $26.5 million.
Life and Career After Twilight
The end of the Twilight series in 2012 marked a challenging transition for Lautner.
While he had immense fame and financial security, finding his footing in a post-Jacob Black world proved difficult.
His first major leading role outside the franchise was the 2011 action film Abduction.
Despite a hefty $7.5 million paycheck for Lautner, the film was a critical and commercial disappointment, earning only $82 million at the box office.
He later found more consistent success on television.
From 2014 to 2018, he starred in the BBC sitcom Cuckoo, where he was praised for his comedic timing.
In 2016, he joined the cast of Ryan Murphy’s horror-comedy series Scream Queens for its second season.
His recent film work includes the Netflix sports comedy Home Team (2022).
He is also set to appear in the film The Token Groomsman and has a series in development at Amazon MGM Studios.
Real Estate and Smart Investments
Taylor Lautner has proven to be a savvy real estate investor, buying and selling several properties for significant profits.
Castaic, California
In 2011, he purchased a 10-acre remote property in Castaic for $2 million.
San Fernando Valley
He bought a home in 2012 for $1.86 million and sold it in 2020 to NFL player Todd Gurley for a tidy $4.2 million.
Agoura Hills
In October 2020, he paid $3.8 million for a unique mansion in Agoura Hills. He sold this property in April 2022 to actress Kaley Cuoco for $5.25 million.
Personal Life: Marrying Taylor Lautner
In November 2022, Taylor Lautner married his long-time girlfriend, Taylor Dome, a registered nurse.
In a fun twist, his wife also took his last name, meaning both are now named Taylor Lautner.
The couple hosts a podcast together called “The Squeeze,” where they discuss mental health and other personal topics, offering fans a glimpse into their lives beyond the spotlight.
Awards and Accolades
Throughout his career, Taylor Lautner has received numerous awards, primarily for his role in the Twilight series.
| Scream Awards | 1 |
| Teen Choice Awards | 7 |
| People’s Choice Awards | 2 |
| MTV Movie Awards | 1 (Best Shirtless Performance, 2013) |
| Kids’ Choice Awards | 1 (Favorite Movie Actor, 2010) |
Maya Collins is a writer at WorthAura.com with over 3 years of experience researching celebrity lifestyles and net worth facts. She enjoys sharing clear and trustworthy information about how famous athletes and sports stars earn and grow their money. Maya makes sure every article is accurate and easy to understand for readers.
