Tanner Buchanan is one of those actors who quietly built his name through real skill and dedication. Standing around 5 feet 8 inches tall and born on December 8, 1998, in Lima, Ohio, he has turned steady effort into lasting success. At just 26 years old, he’s already known for bringing heart and energy to every role he plays.
Most people recognize him as Robby Keene from Netflix’s Cobra Kai, where his acting and martial arts training come together perfectly. Before fame, he spent years dancing, learning discipline, and chasing improvement one role at a time. His journey from a small-town kid to a global streaming star shows that patience and hard work still matter in Hollywood.
Tanner Buchanan Bio/Wiki
| Quick Facts | Details |
| Full Name | Tanner Emmanuel Buchanan |
| Date of Birth | December 8, 1998 |
| Age | 26 years (as of October 2025) |
| Birthplace | Lima, Ohio, United States |
| Height | 5’8″ (claimed); disputed estimates vary |
| Weight | 145 lbs (2020 data) |
| Parents | Steve Buchanan, Marlona Buchanan |
| Heritage | Filipino maternal grandfather |
| Relationship | Engaged to Mary Mouser (2025) |
| Known For | Robby Keene in Cobra Kai (2018-2025) |
| Net Worth | Approximately $2 million (2025 estimate) |
| @tannerbuchananofficial (3.6M followers) | |
| Twitter/X | @_TannerBuchanan (44,400 followers) |
Early Life & Family Background
Tanner Emmanuel Buchanan was born December 8, 1998, in Lima, Ohio, to Steve and Marlona Buchanan, both industrial engineers. He grew up as an only child in a household that balanced structure with support for artistic pursuits. His maternal grandfather’s Filipino background connected him to eskrima, a martial art practiced with kali sticks passed down through his family, as he mentioned in a GQ video interview.
At age five, he started training at Center Stage Dance Academy in Ottawa, Ohio, winning national tap dance competitions. His mother held a black belt from the 1980s and introduced him to taekwondo early. Before age twelve, he reached advanced levels in the martial art while attending Glandorf Elementary School.
He trained in five dance styles: classical ballet, modern, contemporary, traditional, and urban forms. Skateboarding and competitive dance filled his childhood years in Ohio. These foundations in physical performance would directly influence his later work in action television.
The Move to Hollywood
At age nine, Buchanan competed in a dance competition in New York where industry professionals noticed his abilities. Agents suggested he explore acting beyond dance performance. His father’s response, shared in a Men’s Health interview, was straightforward: “He really wants to try it, why don’t you take him out for six months?”
The family relocated to Los Angeles when Buchanan was eight, planning a temporary stay. That six-month trial became permanent as opportunities emerged. His parents made the decision to support his career path while he was still in elementary school.
He enrolled at Edge Performing Arts Center and trained under acting coach David Kaufman at Huckleberry Friend Productions. Professional instruction began in 2009 at age eleven. The transition required learning camera technique, script work, and audition skills separate from stage performance.
Tanner Buchanan Career Beginnings (2010-2015)
Buchanan’s screen debut came in 2010 with a small role on Modern Family. The single-line part without a character name taught him about television production. He later described treating that one line as though it were the most important dialogue in the script.
Buchanan’s early TV credits, listed on IMDb, include guest appearances on Grey’s Anatomy, The Goldbergs, and Major Crimes between 2010 and 2015. He worked on Growing Up Fisher, Mixology, and Ghost Ghirls. Each role added experience with different directors, crew members, and production environments.
In 2015, he secured recurring positions on Disney Channel’s Girl Meets World as Charlie Gardner and Nickelodeon’s Game Shakers as Mason Kendall. These family-oriented programs provided steady employment and visibility. The roles demonstrated his ability to connect with younger audiences and maintain professional consistency.
You may like it: Kendall Toole Age, Height, Net Worth, Husband and Career
Breakthrough Role: Designated Survivor (2016-2018)
In 2016, Buchanan joined ABC’s Designated Survivor as Leo Kirkman, son of the President played by Kiefer Sutherland. The political drama series gave him substantial screen time across multiple seasons. His character navigated personal challenges while living under intense public scrutiny.
While filming in Toronto, Canada, he trained in Muay Thai for eight months. The striking-based martial art expanded his physical skill set. This training period coincided with his work on the series, requiring balance between acting duties and athletic conditioning.
The role required emotional depth beyond his previous television work. He portrayed a teenager dealing with family trauma in extraordinary circumstances. The experience prepared him for more complex character work in future projects.
Tanner Buchanan: Cobra Kai Era (2018-2025)
Buchanan joined Cobra Kai in 2018 as Robby Keene, the estranged son of Johnny Lawrence played by William Zabka. The Netflix series brought him into a cast including Ralph Macchio, Xolo Maridueña, Jacob Bertrand, and Peyton List. His character’s arc spanned seven years across six seasons.
He performed 90 to 95 percent of his own fight choreography, according to production reports. Training included earning a black belt in shotokan karate while incorporating his taekwondo and Muay Thai background. The physical demands required consistent conditioning and rehearsal with stunt coordinators.
One memorable training moment involved Ralph Macchio demonstrating the iconic wax-on, wax-off technique. When his character accidentally injured Miguel in Season 2’s climax, Buchanan spoke with writers and coordinators to clarify the action remained unintentional. The emotional complexity of playing someone whose choices have severe consequences added dramatic weight to the fight sequences.
The series concluded in February 2025 with its sixth season finale. His portrayal of a troubled teenager seeking redemption resonated with the show’s global audience. The role established him as capable of handling both action choreography and nuanced character development.
Film Career
Buchanan’s film debut came in 2013 with Jake Squared, working alongside Jennifer Jason Leigh and Elias Koteas. Early projects included The Heyday of the Insensitive Bastards (2016) and Anything (2017). He appeared in Max Winslow and the House of Secrets (2019) and thriller Sinister Seduction (2019).
In 2021, he starred opposite Addison Rae in He’s All That, a gender-swapped remake of the 1999 film. He played Cameron Kweller, the role originally portrayed by Rachael Leigh Cook. The romantic comedy reached Netflix’s top position during its release week.
His 2024 British romantic comedy How to Date Billy Walsh premiered on Amazon Prime Video. The film paired him with Sebastian Croft and Charithra Chandran. His range across thriller, science fiction, and romance demonstrates casting directors view him as adaptable beyond action roles.
Tanner Buchanan Physical Attributes
Tanner Buchanan’s height remains a topic of public discussion due to conflicting information. IMDb lists him at 5’8″ (1.73m), matching his stated measurements. Celebrity Heights, a fan-run measurement site, estimates 5’6.5″ (168.9cm).
His Cobra Kai castmates have publicly questioned his claimed height. Jacob Bertrand recounted on the Heavy.com podcast that Buchanan told Xolo Maridueña he was “five, nine — five, 10.” Maridueña’s response: “What, bro you are five, five! I’m five, 10, there’s no way, bro, you’re lying!”
His 2020 IMDb profile listed his weight at 145 pounds. In a 2021 Men’s Health feature, he noted, “I’ve never been super big about being this super buff kind of guy. First off, I’m only 5’8”. I’m not Chris Hemsworth who’s like 6’4″, weighs over 200 pounds of pure muscle.” Physical stature aside, his athletic build and green eyes suit his on-screen presence.
Related: Mariah Carey Height, Age, Family, Career and Biography
Martial Arts Expertise
Buchanan’s mother introduced him to taekwondo during childhood, where he advanced to within two belts of black. He stopped formal training around age 10-12 but retained the foundational skills. That early discipline provided body awareness and movement control.
During Cobra Kai, he earned a black belt specifically in shotokan karate. He incorporated eskrima, using kali sticks inherited from his Filipino grandfather. His eight months of Muay Thai training in Toronto added striking techniques to his repertoire.
Cobra Kai cast members perform the majority of their own combat work rather than relying on doubles. Stunt coordinators have confirmed the actors execute 90-95% of fight choreography themselves. Buchanan has stated stretching remains the most challenging aspect because maintaining flexibility prevents injury during complex sequences.
Beyond Acting: Multiple Talents
Buchanan plays piano and guitar, having served as lead guitarist for progressive death metal band Acidosis. He recorded “Fall Into My Arms” for the Max Winslow and the House of Secrets soundtrack. His musical background includes composition and instrumental arrangement.
In 2021, Blackstone Publishing released his narration of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby audiobook. The project demonstrated vocal control and interpretive reading skills. His professional dance training spans five distinct styles from classical ballet to contemporary urban forms.
Outside professional work, he practices amateur magic tricks and photography. He has participated in building homes for families of American war veterans through charitable organizations. These varied interests show an individual who develops skills across creative and technical disciplines.
Tanner Buchanan Personal Life & Relationships
Buchanan previously dated actress Lizze Broadway, a relationship that began in their teenage years. Public reports indicate they broke up in 2015, rekindled their relationship in 2017, then ended things before February 2025. Specific timelines remain private.
He met Mary Mouser, who plays Samantha LaRusso, in October 2017 during Cobra Kai Season 1 filming. While maintaining a public “best friends” narrative for seven years, they were romantically involved from shortly after meeting. The decision to keep their relationship private allowed them to separate work from personal life.
On February 12, 2025, they appeared together at the Cobra Kai series finale premiere wearing matching engagement rings. Their February 13 joint Instagram announcement confirmed both their relationship and engagement. Series creator Jon Hurwitz joked on X (formerly Twitter) that creating a real-life romance between the fictional characters’ portrayers was their primary goal.
Professional Recognition
In 2019, Buchanan received a Jury Prize Best Supporting Actor nomination at the Canadian International Faith & Family Film Festival for Max Winslow and the House of Secrets. The recognition came during his early film career. Co-stars have praised his professionalism and commitment to performing his own stunts.
Mary Mouser told GQ in 2021 that his martial arts abilities had improved significantly and he was “absolutely killing it.” Production teams note his willingness to rehearse fight choreography extensively. His dedication to authentic action sequences differentiates him from performers who avoid physically demanding work.
His Instagram account @tannerbuchananofficial has 3.7 million followers. His Twitter/X handle @_TannerBuchanan has 44,400 followers. The joint engagement announcement with Mouser received 2,237,594 likes, showing audience investment in their personal story.
Current Status (2025)
With Cobra Kai concluded in early 2025, Buchanan at age 26 has franchise experience and an established fanbase. His estimated net worth of approximately $2 million according to Celebrity Net Worth, comes primarily from television and film compensation. The figure reflects seven years as a series regular plus film roles.
His skill combination—martial arts, dance background, and dramatic training—creates opportunities in action franchises and streaming content. The engagement to Mary Mouser has strengthened fan connection among those who followed their on-screen chemistry. His transition from child performer to adult leading man appears complete.
Industry analysts note his awareness of Hollywood pressures regarding physical appearance and career expectations. His willingness to discuss body image standards while maintaining professional fitness suggests maturity. Future projects will likely capitalize on his proven action capabilities and expanding dramatic range.
Read More: Ally Love Age, Height, Husband, Net Worth, and Career Facts
Conclusion
Tanner Buchanan built a career through disciplined cross-training in dance, martial arts, and acting technique. His seven-year Cobra Kai run established credibility in action television. The path from Ohio tap dance champion to Netflix regular required consistent work across guest roles, recurring positions, and film projects.
His engagement to Mary Mouser and the series finale mark transitions in both personal and professional spheres. At 26, he has accumulated substantial experience while maintaining career growth potential. The balance between public visibility and private boundaries suggests an understanding of sustainable celebrity.
FAQ’s About Tanner Buchanan
How tall is Tanner Buchanan?
He’s listed at 5’8″ (1.73m), though some fan sources estimate 5’6.5″. His Cobra Kai co-stars have joked about the difference.
Is Tanner Buchanan married?
No, he’s engaged to his Cobra Kai co-star Mary Mouser as of February 2025.
What is Tanner Buchanan’s net worth?
According to Celebrity Net Worth, His estimated net worth is around $2 million as of 2025, mainly from Cobra Kai and film roles.
Does Tanner Buchanan do his own stunts?
Yes. He performs about 90–95% of his own fight choreography and holds a black belt in shotokan karate.
What movies has Tanner Buchanan appeared in?
His films include He’s All That (2021), How to Date Billy Walsh (2024), Max Winslow and the House of Secrets (2019), The Hyperions (2022), and Jake Squared (2013).
When did Tanner Buchanan start dating Mary Mouser?
They began dating in 2017 during Cobra Kai’s first season and announced their engagement in February 2025.
Hi there! I’m Samuel, the writer behind SportsumUp. As a sports researcher with 7+ years of experience, I’m passionate about covering athletes and sharing amazing facts with you.
Here on this blog, we dive into sports stars from NFL, NHL, MLB, NBA, WNBA, Golf, MLC, PLL, NWSL, PWHL, WWE, and more. You’ll discover their lives, ages, earnings, families, and cool stories. We show you who they are and how they live.
If you love sports and want awesome insights about your favorite players, you’re in the perfect spot. Thanks for visiting SportsumUp.com. Let’s explore sports stories together!
