Antwon Tanner is best known for his portrayal of Anton “Skills” Taylor on the popular teen drama series One Tree Hill, a role that became the defining highlight of his acting career. Over the years, Antwon Tanner has built an impressive and diverse resume, steadily making a name for himself in both television and film since the late ‘90s. Often cast as good-natureed jocks or streetwise young men, the characters Antwon Tanner brought to life frequently mirrored aspects of his own upbringing—an athlete and musician raised in South Side Chicago.
Before stepping into the spotlight as Antwon Tanner the actor, he first made waves as a high-school basketball standout. But it was his passion for music that initially set him on a creative path. With his natural charisma and strong stage presence, Antwon Tanner’s transition into acting felt almost inevitable. His early charm and talent landed him small but memorable appearances on early 2000s sitcoms like Moesha and Sister, Sister. From there, Antwon Tanner’s career began to gain momentum.
He went on to secure recurring roles in well-known drama series such as Boston Public, The District, and CSI: Crime Scene Investigation—roles that showcased his range and helped solidify Antwon Tanner as a reliable and versatile performer. Though his screen time in films like Coach Carter (2005) and Brothers In Arms (2005) was limited, these bit parts contributed to raising Antwon Tanner’s visibility in Hollywood and introduced him to wider audiences.
Still, it’s his nearly seven-year run as Skills on One Tree Hill that remains Antwon Tanner’s most enduring and beloved performance. The character resonated with fans, and Antwon Tanner’s portrayal added depth and authenticity to the show’s ensemble cast. However, in April 2009, Antwon Tanner faced legal troubles when he was arrested in connection with a Social Security fraud scheme. Ultimately, he was sentenced to three months in prison—a setback that marked a difficult chapter in Antwon Tanner’s personal journey.
Despite the challenges, Antwon Tanner’s contributions to television and his impact as an actor continue to be remembered, especially by fans who grew up watching his performances unfold on screen.
When it comes to Antwon Tanner’s film career, one standout performance definitely shines through — his highest rated movie is Coach Carter from 2005. That role really put Antwon Tanner on the map and remains a fan favorite to this day. On the other hand, looking at the lower end of the spectrum, Antwon Tanner’s least critically acclaimed film is Sunset Park, released back in 1996. While both films mark important points in his journey, it’s clear that Antwon Tanner truly found his stride with Coach Carter. Still, every actor has their ups and downs, and for Antwon Tanner, these two movies represent the range of his early work in Hollywood.