Tanner Buchanan

Biography

Tanner Buchanan is an American actor best known for his role as Robby Keene in the hit Netflix series Cobra Kai. With his blend of charm, intensity, and martial arts skills, he has captivated audiences worldwide. Beyond Cobra Kai, Buchanan has appeared in various films and TV shows, showcasing his versatility as an actor. His growing popularity has made him one of Hollywood’s rising young stars.

Early Life and Background

Birth and Family

Tanner Buchanan was born on December 8, 1998, in Lima, Ohio, USA. He was raised in a supportive family that encouraged his artistic pursuits. His parents, Steve and Marlona Buchanan, recognized his interest in performing from a young age.

Early Interests and Move to Hollywood

Buchanan started his journey in entertainment by training in dance and theater. He showed a natural talent for performance, which led his family to move to Los Angeles, California, where he could pursue acting professionally.

Career

Early Acting Roles

Tanner Buchanan began his acting career in the early 2010s, landing small roles in popular TV shows. Some of his earliest work includes:

• Modern Family (2010) – Played a minor guest role.
• Grey’s Anatomy (2013) – Appeared in an episode of the famous medical drama.
• Major Crimes (2013) – Had a small role in the crime series.

These early experiences helped him gain confidence and exposure in the competitive entertainment industry.

Recurring TV Roles

Buchanan’s career began to pick up as he secured recurring roles in notable TV series:

• Girl Meets World (2015) – Played Charlie Gardner, a recurring love interest in the Disney Channel series.
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• The Fosters (2016) – Appeared as Jack Downey, a foster child in the hit drama.
• Designated Survivor (2016-2018) – Portrayed Leo Kirkman, the son of President Tom Kirkman (played by Kiefer Sutherland). This role gave him significant recognition as he was part of a major political thriller series.
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Breakthrough with Cobra Kai

In 2018, Buchanan’s career skyrocketed when he was cast as Robby Keene in Cobra Kai, the sequel series to The Karate Kid franchise.

Robby is the estranged son of Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka), who initially struggles with his father’s absence. Throughout the series, he undergoes significant character development—going from a rebellious teen to a skilled martial artist trained by Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio). His complex relationships with Johnny, Daniel, and Miguel Diaz (Xolo Maridueña) make him one of the most intriguing characters in the show.

Buchanan trained extensively for his role, learning martial arts and performing many of his stunts. Cobra Kai, which started on YouTube Red before moving to Netflix, became a global hit, cementing Buchanan’s place as a rising star.

Film Career and Other Projects

While Cobra Kai brought him widespread fame, Buchanan has also starred in movies:

• He’s All That (2021) – A gender-swapped remake of She’s All That, where he played the lead role of Cameron Kweller opposite TikTok star Addison Rae.
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• Max Winslow and the House of Secrets (2019) – A sci-fi thriller where he played Connor Lawson.
• Painted Beauty (2022) – A psychological thriller in which he took on a darker role.

Buchanan has also expressed interest in working behind the camera, hinting at future directing and producing projects.

Personal Life

Relationships

Tanner Buchanan has been in a long-term relationship with Lizze Broadway, an actress and model. The couple has been together for several years, though they keep their relationship relatively private.

Hobbies and Interests

• Martial Arts & Fitness – His training for Cobra Kai sparked a real passion for martial arts and physical fitness.
• Music – He plays the guitar and enjoys exploring different genres of music.
• Video Games & Pop Culture – He is a fan of gaming and often engages in discussions about pop culture.