Tanner Buchanan is an actor who has steadily earned recognition through genuine talent and dedication. Born on December 8, 1998, in Lima, Ohio, and standing approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall, he has transformed consistent effort into enduring success. At only 26 years old, he is already celebrated for bringing passion and depth to every performance.
He is best known for portraying Robby Keene in Netflix’s Cobra Kai, a role that perfectly blends his acting skills with his martial arts background. Long before gaining fame, he spent years honing his craft through dance, discipline, and continuous self-improvement. His rise from a small-town boy to an international streaming star highlights that perseverance and hard work remain essential in Hollywood.
Tanner Buchanan Bio/Wiki
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Tanner Emmanuel Buchanan |
| Birth Date | December 8, 1998 |
| Age | 26 years (October 2025) |
| Birthplace | Lima, Ohio, USA |
| Height | 5’8″ (disputed) |
| Relationship Status | Engaged to Mary Mouser |
| Net Worth | $2 million (2025) |
| Famous Role | Robby Keene in Cobra Kai |
| @tannerbuchananofficial (3.7M) | |
| Twitter/X | @_TannerBuchanan (44.4K) |
Early Life & Family Background
December 8, 1998 marked the arrival of a future American television star in Lima, Ohio. His engineer parents created a structured yet supportive environment. Being an only child meant all attention focused on nurturing his talents.
At age five, young Tanner walked into Center Stage Dance Academy in Ottawa, Ohio. His feet barely reached the pedals but his determination towered over everyone. He won national tap dance competitions before hitting double digits in age.
His mother earned her black belt back in the 1980s. She wasted no time introducing her son to taekwondo. By age twelve, he’d advanced to within two belts of black. Martial arts discipline became second nature.
Five dance styles filled his childhood schedule:
- Classical ballet
- Modern dance
- Contemporary movement
- Traditional forms
- Urban choreography
Skateboarding provided his only downtime between competitive dance circuits. Glandorf Elementary School witnessed a kid who couldn’t sit still. His body constantly moved, always training for something bigger.
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The Move to Hollywood
Age nine changed everything at a New York dance competition. Industry professionals spotted raw talent that couldn’t be taught. Agents approached his parents with a radical suggestion; try acting.
His father’s response came straight from the heart: “He really wants to try it, why don’t you take him out for six months?” That quote from a Men’s Health interview revealed a family willing to gamble on dreams.
The Buchanan family relocated to Los Angeles when Tanner was eight. Six months stretched into forever as opportunities multiplied. His parents sacrificed stable engineering careers for their son’s shot at stardom.
Edge Performing Arts Center became his new training ground. Coach David Kaufman at Huckleberry Friend Productions refined his raw abilities starting in 2009. Camera technique, script analysis, and audition skills replaced dance routines.
The transition required learning an entirely different performance language. Stage presence didn’t automatically translate to screen work. At eleven years old, he absorbed these lessons like a sponge.
Tanner Buchanan Career Beginnings (2010-2015)
His film and TV career launched in 2010 with one line on Modern Family. The character didn’t even have a name. But Tanner treated that single sentence like Oscar-worthy dialogue.
Early television appearances built his foundation:
- Grey’s Anatomy (medical drama experience)
- The Goldbergs (comedy timing)
- Major Crimes (procedural work)
- Growing Up Fisher (family dynamics)
- Mixology (ensemble casting)
- Ghost Ghirls (web series exposure)
Each role taught different lessons. Different directors brought unique perspectives. Acting career progression happened one small part at a time.
2015 brought his breakout television role with dual recurring positions. Disney Channel actor work on Girl Meets World as Charlie Gardner provided steady income. Simultaneously, he played Mason Kendall on Nickelodeon’s Game Shakers.
These family-oriented programs proved he could connect with younger audiences. Professional consistency built his reputation across children’s programming networks. The foundation was set for bigger things.
Breakthrough Role: Designated Survivor (2016-2018)
Designated Survivor elevated him from guest star to series regular. Playing Leo Kirkman, son of President Tom Kirkman (Kiefer Sutherland), meant substantial screen time. The political drama aired on ABC before moving to Netflix.
His character navigated family trauma under intense public scrutiny. The role demanded emotional depth beyond previous work. Character development arc became his focus during Toronto filming.
Eight months of Muay Thai training coincided with production. This striking-based martial arts training expanded his physical repertoire. He balanced acting duties with athletic conditioning, preparing his body for future demands.
Working opposite Sutherland provided invaluable mentorship. The 24 star’s dramatic technique rubbed off on the teenage actor. Leo Kirkman prepared him perfectly for Robby Keene’s complexity.
Tanner Buchanan: Cobra Kai Era (2018-2025)
Cobra Kai transformed Tanner into a household name. His 2018 casting as Robby Keene, estranged son of Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka), changed everything. The Netflix original series ran seven years across six seasons.
The Cobra Kai cast became his second family:
- Ralph Macchio (Daniel LaRusso)
- William Zabka (Johnny Lawrence)
- Xolo Maridueña (Miguel Diaz)
- Jacob Bertrand (Hawk)
- Peyton List (Tory Nichols)
- Mary Mouser (Samantha LaRusso)
He performed 90-95% of his own fight choreography. Most actors rely heavily on stunt doubles. Not Tanner. His behind-the-scenes training included earning a black belt specifically in shotokan karate.
Martial arts belt ranking accumulated during production:
- Childhood taekwondo (within two belts of black)
- Eight months Muay Thai (Designated Survivor era)
- Shotokan karate black belt (Cobra Kai years)
- Eskrima weapons work (grandfather’s kali sticks)
Ralph Macchio personally demonstrated the iconic wax-on wax-off technique. That moment connected decades of Karate Kid legacy. When his character accidentally injured Miguel in Season 2, Tanner consulted writers extensively. He wanted everyone understanding the action remained unintentional.
The Cobra Kai season finale aired February 2025. Seven years of dedication culminated in a satisfying redemption arc. His portrayal resonated with millions globally.
Chemistry with Mary Mouser
Seven years hiding their relationship with Mary Mouser on set took serious discipline. They maintained a “best friends” narrative publicly while dating privately. Professional boundaries remained firm throughout production.
On-screen chemistry between Sam and Robby reflected genuine connection. Fans shipped the couple long before knowing the truth. Series creator Jon Hurwitz joked on Twitter that creating a real-life romance was their primary goal.
Film Career
His filmography and projects extend beyond television. Jake Squared (2013) marked his film debut alongside Jennifer Jason Leigh and Elias Koteas. Early work included The Heyday of the Insensitive Bastards (2016) and Anything (2017).
Max Winslow and the House of Secrets (2019) brought sci-fi elements. He also recorded “Fall Into My Arms” for the soundtrack. Sinister Seduction (2019) explored thriller territory.
He’s All That (2021) became his biggest romantic comedy film success. The gender-swapped remake paired him opposite TikTok star Addison Rae. He played Cameron Kweller, the role Rachael Leigh Cook originated. The film hit #1 on Netflix during release week.
How to Date Billy Walsh premiered on Amazon Prime Video in 2024. The British romantic comedy co-starred Sebastian Croft and Charithra Chandran. Casting directors now view him beyond action roles.
Tanner Buchanan Physical Attributes
The celebrity height controversy splits fans down the middle. IMDb officially lists him at 5’8″ (1.73m). Celebrity Heights estimates 5’6.5″ (168.9cm) instead.
Jacob Bertrand spilled tea on the Heavy.com podcast. Xolo Maridueña confronted Tanner about claiming “five nine—five ten” height. His response? “What, bro you are five, five! I’m five, 10, there’s no way, bro, you’re lying!”
His 2020 weight clocked in at 145 pounds. A 2021 Men’s Health interview revealed refreshing honesty: “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 attributes that define him:
- Green eyes
- Athletic build
- Lean muscle composition
- Functional fitness over aesthetics
Height doesn’t limit action star potential. His dedication to authentic martial arts choreography speaks louder than any measurement.
Martial Arts Expertise
His mother’s black belt inspired early taekwondo training. He stopped formal instruction around age 12 but retained foundational skills. Body awareness and movement control became ingrained.
Cobra Kai required earning a shotokan karate black belt. He incorporated eskrima using his grandfather’s traditional kali sticks. Eight months of Muay Thai training added striking techniques.
Stunt coordinators confirm 90-95% fight choreography execution by main cast members. Stretching remains his biggest challenge. Flexibility prevents injury during complex sequences.
Martial arts discipline types mastered:
- Taekwondo (childhood foundation)
- Muay Thai (striking and clinch work)
- Shotokan karate (traditional forms)
- Eskrima (Filipino weapons)
His American martial artist credentials are legitimate. This isn’t Hollywood smoke and mirrors. The training shows in every fight scene.
Beyond Acting: Multiple Talents
Piano and guitar skills surprise most fans. He served as lead guitarist for Acidosis, a progressive death metal band. Musical composition and instrumental arrangement fill his creative outlets.
Blackstone Publishing released his narration of The Great Gatsby audiobook in 2021. Voice control and interpretive reading showcased different talents. His dance and choreography skills span five distinct styles from childhood.
Hidden talents include:
- Amateur magic tricks
- Photography
- Musical composition
- Audiobook narration
He builds homes for families of American war veterans through charitable organizations. These varied interests reveal someone who constantly develops new skills.
Tanner Buchanan Personal Life & Relationships
He previously dated actress Lizze Broadway during their teenage years. They broke up in 2015, reconciled in 2017, then split before February 2025. Specific timelines remain private.
October 2017 brought his first meeting with Mary Mouser during Season 1 filming. They secretly dated from shortly after meeting. Seven years of public “friendship” concealed the truth.
February 12, 2025 changed everything at the Cobra Kai series finale premiere. Matching engagement rings sparked immediate speculation. Their February 13 joint Instagram announcement went viral with 2,237,594 likes.
The celebrity relationship timeline shocked devoted fans. Everyone wondered how they kept it secret. The answer? Professional discipline and mutual respect for boundaries.
Professional Recognition
The Canadian International Faith & Family Film Festival nominated him for Jury Prize Best Supporting Actor in 2019. Max Winslow and the House of Secrets earned that recognition during his early film phase.
Mary Mouser told GQ in 2021 that his martial arts abilities had improved dramatically. “Absolutely killing it” came from his on-screen partner and real-life fiancée. Production teams praise his willingness to rehearse extensively.
Social media popularity metrics:
- Instagram followers: 3.7 million
- Twitter/X handle: 44,400 followers
- Engagement announcement: 2.2M+ likes
His dedication to authentic action sequences built industry respect. He represents actor dedication and hard work in purest form.
Current Status (2025)
At 26 years old, Cobra Kai has concluded. The Netflix success story provided franchise experience and an established fanbase. Celebrity Net Worth estimates his fortune at $2 million.
Seven years as a series regular generated substantial compensation. Film roles supplemented television earnings. Actor net worth growth reflects smart career choices and consistent work.
Skills creating opportunities:
- Martial arts expertise
- Dance background
- Dramatic training
- Action choreography
The Mary Mouser engagement strengthened fan investment. Their actor transformation over time from co-stars to life partners captivates audiences. His transition from child performer to adult leading man appears complete.
FAQ’s
Who is Tanner Buchanan?
Tanner Buchanan is an American actor best known for portraying Robby Keene in Netflix’s Cobra Kai, recognized for his martial arts background and versatile acting skills.
How tall is Tanner Buchanan?
Tanner Buchanan stands approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall, though some sources list slightly different measurements, leading to ongoing fan curiosity about his exact height.
What is Tanner Buchanan’s net worth?
As of 2025, Tanner Buchanan’s estimated net worth is around $2 million, primarily earned from his successful television and film roles, including Cobra Kai.
Who is Tanner Buchanan engaged to?
Tanner Buchanan is engaged to actress Mary Mouser, his Cobra Kai co-star. Their relationship was publicly confirmed following the show’s series finale in 2025.
What are Tanner Buchanan’s main talents?
Tanner Buchanan is skilled in acting, dancing, and martial arts, having trained in taekwondo, shotokan karate, and various dance forms that enhance his performance versatility.
Conclusion
Tanner Buchanan developed his career through disciplined training that combined dance, martial arts, and acting techniques. His seven-year run on Cobra Kai solidified his reputation in action television. The journey from an Ohio tap dance champion to a regular face on Netflix was built on steady effort across guest appearances, recurring roles, and various film projects.
His engagement to Mary Mouser and the conclusion of the series represent significant milestones in both his personal and professional life. At 26, he has gained extensive experience while continuing to expand his career potential. His ability to balance public attention with personal privacy reflects a strong understanding of sustainable fame.
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