Career Timeline of Taylor Lautner: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Taylor Lautner built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Taylor Lautner is an American actor, most notably known for his role as Jacob Black, a werewolf in The Twilight Saga film series (2008-2012). Throughout his career, he has received recognition through various awards, including a Scream Award, seven Teen Choice Awards, two People's Choice Awards, and an MTV Movie Award.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2001: Early acting roles and voice-over work

In 2001, Taylor Lautner appeared in Shadow Fury, a made-for-television film. He also got a voice-over job in a commercial for Rugrats Go Wild, and had small television roles on The Bernie Mac Show, My Wife and Kids, and Summerland. He also earned voice-over roles in animated series such as Danny Phantom, Duck Dodgers, and What's New, Scooby-Doo?

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2003: Appeared in US Open ISKA World Martial Arts Championships on ESPN

In 2003, Taylor Lautner appeared in an ISKA karate event, the US Open ISKA World Martial Arts Championships, televised on ESPN.

2006: Appeared in Love Inc. and He's a Bully, Charlie Brown

In 2006, Taylor Lautner appeared in the show Love Inc. and the TV special He's a Bully, Charlie Brown.

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2006: Cheap Seats lampooned the US Open ISKA World Martial Arts Championships

In 2006, the sports-comedy show Cheap Seats lampooned the US Open ISKA World Martial Arts Championships from 2003, in which Taylor Lautner appeared.

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2007: Twilight Filming Begins

In 2007, filmmakers began searching for actors to portray Jacob Black in Twilight.

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January 2008: Open casting call for Twilight held in Portland

In January 2008, an open casting call was held in Portland, Oregon for the role of Jacob Black in Twilight. Taylor Lautner auditioned after being urged by his agent. He read lines with Kristen Stewart.

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January 2009: Lautner to continue role as Jacob Black

In January 2009, director Chris Weitz and Summit Entertainment announced that Taylor Lautner would continue to play Jacob Black in The Twilight Saga: New Moon, after concerns about recasting due to the character's physical changes. Lautner had gained approximately 30 pounds of muscle to keep the role.

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December 12, 2009: Hosts Saturday Night Live

On December 12, 2009, Taylor Lautner hosted Saturday Night Live, becoming one of the youngest celebrity hosts in the show's history.

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June 2010: GQ Magazine Cover

In June 2010, Taylor Lautner appeared on the cover of GQ magazine. This coincided with discussions about his physical appearance and his desire to be recognized for his acting skills rather than just his looks.

November 2010: Named one of Hollywood's new 'A-List' actors

In November 2010, The Hollywood Reporter named Taylor Lautner as one of the young male actors who are "pushing – or being pushed" into taking over Hollywood as the new "A-List".

2010: Highest-paid teen actor in Hollywood

In 2010, Taylor Lautner was considered to be the highest-paid teen actor in Hollywood.

September 2011: Abduction released

In September 2011, the film Abduction, starring Taylor Lautner and Lily Collins, was released to universally negative reviews.

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2011: Movie companies bid for Lautner

In 2011, it was reported that companies bidding for Taylor Lautner in movies would "shell out for the young actor's much-on-display though mostly untried abs."

September 2013: Grown Ups 2 released

In September 2013, Taylor Lautner appeared in Grown Ups 2 alongside Adam Sandler and Chris Rock. The film was released in September 2013.

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February 2014: Joins Cuckoo comedy series

In February 2014, Taylor Lautner joined the BBC Three comedy series Cuckoo, replacing Andy Samberg.

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December 2016: Co-starred on Scream Queens

From September to December 2016, Taylor Lautner co-starred on the Ryan Murphy comedy horror series Scream Queens.

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July 7, 2023: Appears in Taylor Swift's 'I Can See You' music video

On July 7, 2023, Taylor Lautner appeared onstage after singer Taylor Swift premiered a new music video for the song "I Can See You" at the Eras Tour in Kansas City. Lautner starred in the video alongside Joey King, and Presley Cash.

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