Garrett Clayton was a rising teen actor who managed to smoothly transition from his Disney days into more mature, adult-oriented roles — a journey that showcased both his range and determination. You see, Garrett Clayton first captured hearts as a standout in the wildly popular “Teen Beach Movie” (2013) and its sequel, but he didn’t stop there. No, instead, he pushed boundaries by taking on a bold role as a gay adult-film actor in the 2016 crime drama “King Cobra.” Born Garrett Michael Clayton in Dearborn, Michigan, he grew up in small-town America with big-time dreams of making it on screen. From an early age, Garrett Clayton was drawn to drama and performance, diving headfirst into school theater productions at Crestwood High School. He wasn’t the only kid with Hollywood dreams, sure, but what set Garrett Clayton apart was how quickly things started falling into place.
Not long after graduation, he landed his first feature film role — yes, as a zombie — in the 2008 movie “The Tower.” Then came a stroke of luck: out of 1,500 hopefuls at an open casting call, Garrett Clayton snagged a part on the long-running soap “Days of Our Lives” (NBC, 1965– ). That early momentum carried him forward, and soon he earned his SAG card with a role in the dramatic indie film “Virginia” (2010), sharing the screen with heavy hitters like Jennifer Connelly and Ed Harris. Impressive, right? But as promising as those roles were, Garrett Clayton’s real breakthrough was still ahead.
Enter Disney. After the massive success of “High School Musical,” the entertainment giant decided to reboot the musical formula for a new generation. And guess who they picked as the lead? That’s right — Garrett Clayton starred in “Teen Beach Movie,” stepping into the spotlight much like Zac Efron before him. With his charm, talent, and those perfectly styled curls, Garrett Clayton became an overnight sensation. Playing the flamboyant Tanner was no small feat, but he nailed it — delivering not just strong acting, but also powerful vocals for both the film and its chart-topping soundtrack. Fans couldn’t get enough, and naturally, a sequel followed: “Teen Beach Movie 2” (2013), where Garrett Clayton reunited with his beach crew for even more musical fun in the sun.
But Garrett Clayton wasn’t about to be typecast. Eager to prove his versatility, he took on a recurring role in the heartfelt family series “The Fosters” (ABC Family/Freeform, 2014– ), playing Chase Dillon, the love interest of co-star Maia Mitchell. It was a solid step toward more nuanced storytelling. Then came the real pivot: “King Cobra” (2016), a gritty biopic based on true events involving sex, power, and murder in the adult film industry. Starring alongside James Franco and Christian Slater, Garrett Clayton played Sean Lockhart — a suburban boy turned porn star — a role that couldn’t have been further from his Disney image. His boyish looks made the transformation all the more striking, and audiences took notice. The film premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival to positive reactions, proving that Garrett Clayton had serious dramatic chops.
Still, after such an intense turn, Garrett Clayton returned to more familiar territory — this time joining Ariana Grande, Kristin Chenoweth, and Martin Short in NBC’s live broadcast of “Hairspray Live!” (2016), where he played the lovable Link Larkin. It was a reminder that while he could handle dark, complex roles, Garrett Clayton still had that classic charm and stage presence that first made him a star. Through every phase of his career, Garrett Clayton has shown a willingness to evolve — always pushing forward, never afraid to take risks, yet never losing sight of the passion that started it all.
When it comes to Garrett Clayton’s filmography, one standout performance truly shines—Garrett Clayton’s highest rated movie is The Mattachine Family (2023), a heartfelt and critically acclaimed drama that resonated with both audiences and critics alike. On the other end of the spectrum, Garrett Clayton’s lowest rated film to date is Reach (2018), which, while still a part of his evolving career, didn’t receive the same level of praise. Over the years, Garrett Clayton has shown range and dedication in his roles, and fans continue to follow Garrett Clayton’s journey through both his celebrated successes and his more modest projects.