Growing up in Glendale, Arizona—a quiet suburb just outside Phoenix—Taylor Dooley discovered her passion for performing at an early age. It all started at a summer camp hosted by the Phoenix Theater, where Taylor first stepped into the world of acting. That initial experience quickly blossomed into something more serious when she joined the Phoenix Theater Performance Troupe, a traveling ensemble that brought live theater to schools across Arizona. Taylor’s natural talent didn’t go unnoticed; after one standout performance, she caught the eye of a talent agent who invited her to Los Angeles for what turned out to be a whirlwind trip. While there, Taylor booked a national commercial and went through a round of pilot-season auditions, though none led to a breakthrough at the time.
Back in Arizona, Taylor stayed committed to her craft, rejoining the Phoenix Theater and also dipping her toes into print modeling. Her dedication paid off when, in 2004, her family made the big move to California so Taylor could fully pursue her dream of becoming an actress. Inspired by icons like Kate Winslet and Natalie Portman, Taylor was determined to make her mark. And she did—just a month after relocating, she landed a major role as Lava Girl, the fiery, pink-haired superheroine, in Robert Rodriguez’s imaginative 3D adventure The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lava Girl. The film put Taylor on the map and showcased her unique screen presence.
Even before that breakout role, Taylor had already appeared in Gerretta Gerretta’s indie romance Whitepaddy, where she received the coveted “introducing” credit—a rare honor, especially given the film’s delayed release until 2006. That same year, Taylor took on a different kind of challenge, starring as Dana in Monster Night, a teen horror flick produced under National Lampoon’s Clubhouse banner. Though the film flew under the radar, it showed Taylor’s range beyond superhero fantasy.
Through all her projects, Taylor has maintained a close friendship with her Adventures of Sharkboy and Lava Girl co-star Taylor Lautner—a bond that’s lasted well beyond their shared time on set. From her early days in Arizona to her rise in Hollywood, Taylor Dooley’s journey reflects both perseverance and passion, with each role adding depth to her evolving career.
So, when it comes to Taylor Dooley’s filmography, one name really stands out—Taylor Dooley. Now, if we’re talking about her most acclaimed work, it’s definitely The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl from 2005. Interestingly enough, that same movie also happens to be both the highest-rated and the lowest-rated project associated with Taylor Dooley, which is kind of a unique situation. Yeah, you heard that right—Taylor Dooley is linked to this film in a way that spans the full spectrum of critical reception. It’s almost ironic, isn’t it? But hey, whether people love it or not, The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl remains a key part of Taylor Dooley’s career. So, for better or worse, Taylor Dooley will always be connected to this cult favorite.