Dylan Minnette is an American actor and musician who first captured audiences as a child actor on network television and later became a household name playing Clay Jensen in the Netflix series 13 Reasons Why. Beyond the screen, he is the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist for the indie-rock band Wallows. This article provides a fact-based look at his age, height, family background, filmography, and music career.
Born on December 29, 1996, in Evansville, Indiana, Minnette began acting at age nine and has since built a diverse body of work across TV and film. As of 2025, he is 28 years old and stands 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 m) tall, according to verified biographical records.
How Old is Dylan Minnette? Background and Family
Dylan Christopher Minnette
December 29, 1996
28 (turning 29 in December 2025)
5 ft 8 in (1.73 m)
Key insights:
- Minnette rose to fame as Clay Jensen in Netflix’s 13 Reasons Why, a role that defined his early adult career.
- He is also the lead vocalist and guitarist for the indie-rock band Wallows, which has released two albums with a third in progress.
- Despite a successful acting start, Minnette has recently focused on music, as indicated by his 2024 social media update about working on Wallows’ third album.
- His early acting credits include guest roles on Supernatural, Lost, and Prison Break.
- He made his first major film appearance in the 2010 horror drama Let Me In.
- Minnette has a younger half-sister named Cami from his father’s side, but no full siblings.
- He was raised in Evansville, Indiana, before moving to Los Angeles to pursue acting.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Dylan Christopher Minnette |
| Birthplace | Evansville, Indiana, USA |
| Parents | Robyn and Craig Minnette |
| Siblings | Younger half‑sister Cami; no full siblings |
| Profession | Actor, musician, singer |
| Active Years | 2003–present (acting), 2012–present (music) |
| Famous Role | Clay Jensen in 13 Reasons Why |
| Band | Wallows (lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist) |
| Notable Film | Scream (2022), The Open House (2018) |
| Height | 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m) |
What Are Dylan Minnette’s Most Famous Movies and TV Shows?
What is Dylan Minnette’s role in 13 Reasons Why?
Minnette starred as Clay Jensen across all four seasons of Netflix’s 13 Reasons Why (2017–2020). The series, based on Jay Asher’s novel, follows a group of high school students dealing with the aftermath of a classmate’s suicide. Clay serves as the moral center of the story, and the role earned Minnette widespread recognition and critical attention.
Though Minnette had been acting for years, 13 Reasons Why was his first lead role in a major streaming series. The show’s global reach turned him into a household name among young audiences.
Other notable TV appearances
Before 13 Reasons Why, Minnette built an extensive résumé as a guest and recurring actor. He appeared as a young Michael Scofield in Prison Break, as David Shephard in Lost, and as Rex Britten in the short‑lived series Awake. He also guest‑starred in Supernatural, Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal, and Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. His first credited role was playing a young Charlie Sheen in Two and a Half Men in 2005.
Major movies
Minnette’s film career includes both horror and family genres. He made his feature debut in the critically acclaimed vampire drama Let Me In (2010). Other key films include Prisoners (2013), Labor Day (2013), the family comedy Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day (2014), and Goosebumps (2015) opposite Jack Black. In 2016, he played a lead role in the horror hit Don’t Breathe. More recently, he appeared in The Open House (2018) and as Wes Hicks in Scream (2022).
Minnette has worked across horror, thriller, drama, and family comedy. His filmography shows a pattern of choosing ensemble projects and horror titles, from Don’t Breathe to Scream.
What Band is Dylan Minnette In?
Minnette is the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist for the alternative rock band Wallows. The group formed in 2017, originally under the names The Feaver and The Narwhals. Bandmates include Braeden Lemasters (lead vocalist/guitarist), Cole Preston (drums), and Zack Mendenhall (bass).
Wallows discography and recent activity
Wallows signed with Atlantic Records and released their debut EP in 2017. Their first full‑length album, Nothing Happens, arrived in 2019 and was followed by Tell Me That It’s Over in 2022. In 2024, Minnette announced via Instagram that the band is working on a third album, with the single “Kitchen Basement” already released. The band has toured internationally and built a dedicated fan base.
As of 2025, Minnette has not announced any new acting projects. His social media presence and public statements suggest that music with Wallows is his primary focus. Whether he will return to acting remains unconfirmed.
What is the Career Timeline of Dylan Minnette?
- 1996 – Born in Evansville, Indiana.
- 2003 – First acting credit: young Charlie Sheen on Two and a Half Men.
- 2005–2010 – Recurring roles on Prison Break, Saving Grace, and Lost.
- 2010 – First major film role in Let Me In.
- 2011 – Guest role on Supernatural (episode “The Girl with the Dungeons and Dragons Tattoo”).
- 2012 – Forms band The Narwhals (later Wallows).
- 2017 – Premiere of 13 Reasons Why as Clay Jensen; Wallows signs with Atlantic Records.
- 2019 – Wallows releases debut album Nothing Happens.
- 2022 – Wallows releases second album Tell Me That It’s Over; appears in Scream.
- 2024 – Announces third Wallows album and single “Kitchen Basement”.
What is Known and Uncertain About Dylan Minnette?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Date of birth (December 29, 1996), height (5 ft 8 in), and sibling count (one half‑sister named Cami) are confirmed via Wikipedia, IMDb, and other biographical sources. | Exact details about his half‑sister beyond her name are not publicly confirmed. |
| His role in 13 Reasons Why and his guest appearance on Supernatural are well‑documented in industry databases. | Future acting projects have not been announced; his current focus appears to be music. |
| Wallows band membership, album releases, and tour history are public knowledge. | Rumors about his personal life and relationships remain unconfirmed and are not covered in verified sources. |
What is the Broader Context of Dylan Minnette’s Career?
Minnette represents a modern multi‑hyphenate entertainer who transitioned from child actor to teen drama star to indie musician. His career mirrors that of other young stars like Ross Lynch or Cole Sprouse, who similarly pivoted from acting to music or other creative fields. The visibility from 13 Reasons Why brought both fame and typecasting; Wallows offers a separate creative identity. Geographically, Minnette was raised in Evansville, Indiana, before relocating to Los Angeles to pursue acting.
What Are the Primary Sources on Dylan Minnette?
“Dylan Christopher Minnette (born December 29, 1996) is an American actor and musician. He is known for his role as Clay Jensen in the Netflix drama series 13 Reasons Why.”
— Wikipedia
“Hello! I am alive! I have been living. Making music with Wallows, an album specifically…”
— Instagram (@dylanminnette), 2024
“Dylan Christopher Minnette was born December 29, 1996 in Evansville, Indiana, playing young Charlie Sheen in Two and a Half Men.”
— IMDb
What is the Takeaway on Dylan Minnette?
Dylan Minnette is a 28‑year‑old American actor and musician best known for his leading role in 13 Reasons Why and as frontman of the band Wallows. He has built a solid filmography across television and film while simultaneously developing a music career that has become his primary focus. For a deeper look at his acting breakthrough, explore our piece on 13 Reasons Why.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dylan Minnette’s height?
Dylan Minnette is 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m) tall, according to IMDb and other verified sources.
Does Dylan Minnette have siblings?
He has one younger half‑sister named Cami from his father’s side. He has no full siblings.
What was Dylan Minnette’s role in Supernatural?
He guest‑starred in the Season 6 episode “The Girl with the Dungeons and Dragons Tattoo” as a young man named Danny.
What are all of Dylan Minnette’s movies and shows?
Notable works include 13 Reasons Why, Scream (2022), The Open House, Goosebumps, Don’t Breathe, Let Me In, Prison Break, Lost, Supernatural, and Two and a Half Men.
What band is Dylan Minnette in?
He is the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist for the alternative rock band Wallows, formed in 2017.
When was Dylan Minnette born?
He was born on December 29, 1996, in Evansville, Indiana, USA.
Is Dylan Minnette still acting?
As of 2025, he has not announced any new acting projects and appears to be focused on music with Wallows.
Sophie Kendall is Standards & Fact-Checking Lead at MarketUK.uk, leading fact-checking, source verification, corrections review and editorial standards.