Taylor Daniel Lautner, born on February 11, 1992, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is an American actor best known for his iconic role as Jacob Black in the highly successful "Twilight" film series. His portrayal of the werewolf character in the saga, which spanned from 2008 to 2012, catapulted him to international fame and established him as a prominent figure in Hollywood.

Lautner's journey into the entertainment industry began at a young age. He started practicing martial arts when he was just six years old, quickly becoming a black belt by the age of ten and later achieving the title of a four-time world champion by the age of fourteen. This dedication to martial arts would later influence his on-screen performances, showcasing his physicality and agility. His acting career commenced with small roles in television, featuring in shows like The Bernie Mac Show in 2003 and My Wife and Kids in 2004. Lautner also lent his voice to characters in animated series such as What's New, Scooby-Doo? and Danny Phantom in 2005.

In 2005, Lautner secured a significant breakthrough when he starred as Sharkboy in the family film The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl in 3-D. This role, along with his performance in Cheaper by the Dozen 2 the same year, marked a pivotal moment in his early career, setting the stage for his later success. However, it was his casting as Jacob Black in the "Twilight" series that truly transformed his career. As he evolved physically to meet the demands of the role, Lautner became a teen idol, capturing the attention of audiences and media alike. By 2010, he had become one of the highest-paid teenage actors in Hollywood, ranking second on Glamour's "The 50 Sexiest Men of 2010" list and fourth on People's "Most Amazing Bodies" list.

Following the conclusion of the "Twilight" saga, Lautner explored various genres in film and television. In 2011, he starred in the action thriller Abduction, where he performed most of his stunts, showcasing his martial arts background. He continued to diversify his roles with appearances in the comedy Grown Ups 2 in 2013. From 2014 to 2018, Lautner took on a leading role in the BBC sitcom Cuckoo, portraying the son of the titular character. His filmography expanded further with performances in Tracers and The Ridiculous 6 in 2015, followed by a role as Dr. Cassidy Cascade in the second season of the black comedy series Scream Queens in 2016.

As of now, Lautner continues to maintain a presence in the entertainment industry, balancing his acting career while exploring new opportunities. His journey from a child martial artist to an international movie star exemplifies his dedication and versatility as an actor. With a rich body of work behind him and a growing list of accolades—including a Scream Award, seven Teen Choice Awards, two People's Choice Awards, and an MTV Movie Award—Taylor Lautner remains a significant figure in contemporary cinema.