Taylor Lautner's Parents Kept Him Grounded - Facts about Them
While joining the showbiz industry wasn't initially in the cards, Taylor Lautner's parents, Deborah, and Daniel Lautner, supported the actor's every endeavor. The couple was integral in the success of their son's career.
Deborah and Daniel Lautner have supported their son, Taylor Lautner since his career began in childhood. Though acting wasn't his first passion, Taylor put in the work that helped skyrocket him to fame.
He was an athletic kid who loved engaging in sports and martial arts. After meeting Xtreme Martial Arts instructor Michael Chat, who offered to help him join the film world, Deborah and Daniel were initially skeptical and turned the offers down.
Taylor Lautner, McKenna Lautner and Santa Claus pose at the Mann Village Theatre on an unspecified date in Westwood, California | Source: Getty Images
They softened up after some time, and after seeing Taylor's potential, they went to all the lengths necessary to ensure their son's success. The couple also helped him navigate his newfound fame, ensuring he remained grounded in his values and morality.
Taylor Lautner's Parents Moved to LA for His Career
Deborah and Daniel welcomed Taylor in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on February 11, 1992. The couple completed their family with their daughter, Makena Lautner, who introduced her brother to his wife, Taylor Dome. The lovebirds married in November 2020.
The Lautner family resided in Hudsonville before relocating to Los Angeles in 2003, so Taylor could pursue acting professionally. When he landed his role as Jacob Black in "Twilight," starring alongside Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson, he ate every two hours.
Taylor Lautner poses at the 2022 CMT Music Awards at Nashville Municipal Auditorium on April 11, 2022, in Nashville, Tennessee | Source: Getty Images
The increased intake diet helped him build the muscle he could be seen showing off throughout the film series. Deborah and Daniel ensured he had packed lunches for an entire day, all kept in a cooler in his car. It was among many other ways the couple supported their son.
Taylor's Parents Were Not Associated with Showbiz
Daniel worked as a pilot for the Midwestern Airline, but he also possessed a master's degree in Clinical Psychology. Deborah worked as a project manager at the office-equipment manufacturing company Herman Miller.
When Herman Miller shut down its Michigan plant, it opened the opportunity for the Lautner family to move to California, using Daniel's privileges as a pilot. The said privileges also allowed Taylor to travel between Michigan and California for auditions before they moved.
Taylor Lautner is pictured at Game Seven of the Stanley Cup Final between the Detroit Red Wings and The Pittsburgh Penguins on June 12, 2009, at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, Michigan | Source: Getty Images
Deborah then found employment as a manager at a software development company. Following Taylor's success in film, he and his dad launched a production company called Tailor Made Entertainment, under which the action flicks "Abduction," co-starring Sigourney Weaver and "Stretch Armstrong," were created.
Taylor's Father Taught Him a Lot
After starring in the first "Twilight" movie in 2008, following a massive surge of fans, Taylor and his family entered the "uncharted territory" of the Hollywood spotlight. He credited his parents for keeping him "grounded," as he said:
"In 'Twilight' I was the youngest – I was 16 – and so my parents were a huge part of (grounding me) and even when I was filming movies, when I was home, I still had to take out the trash. I still had to mow the lawn."
Taylor Lautner is pictured on December 5, 2017, in Los Angeles | Source: Getty Images
His dad once spoke about the significance of teaching his son "the important things in life," as it wasn't all about being a movie star. Daniel wanted Taylor to be grateful for his opportunities because, as he explained, they "may disappear one day."
He and Deborah urged him to finish school, and after graduating, Taylor enrolled in community college for online courses. Daniel also helped his son manage his money, most of which was invested in a bank.
Taylor Lautner is pictured at the opening night of "Hedwig and the Angry Inch" at the Pantages Theatre on November 2, 2016, in Hollywood, California | Source: Getty Images
The pair have a loving relationship and once shared a favorite restaurant, Olive Garden, in Hollywood. By 18 years old, Taylor had racked in millions in earnings; however, when asked if he wanted to move out of his parent's house, he thought "there was really no point."
He added that since he was so busy at the time, he hadn't really thought about it. After the last "Twilight" film, he took a step back from the acting scene, with a few appearances in movies and TV shows in recent years.