From his breakout as the lovable, sarcastic Stiles Stilinski to his gritty transformation in The Maze Runner, Dylan O’Brien has long been the internet’s favorite leading man. Known for his intense physicality and genuine comedic timing, O’Brien has successfully navigated the difficult jump from teen idol to respected indie actor.
As of early 2026, Dylan is in a period of creative expansion, shifting away from big-budget franchises to focus on character-driven dramas and psychological thrillers, while his personal life remains a subject of intense fascination for his global fan base.
Dylan O’Brien Biography
Born Dylan Rhodes O’Brien on August 26, 1991, in New York City, Dylan was born into a family of storytellers. His mother, Lisa, was a former actress and acting school owner, and his father, Patrick, was a camera operator. He spent his early years in Springfield Township, New Jersey, before moving to Hermosa Beach, California, at age 12.
Before the film sets, Dylan was a pioneer of early YouTube culture. At age 14, he began posting original comedy sketches to his channel, “moviekidd826.” His career trajectory shifted when he was discovered by a producer during his senior year of high school, leading him to skip his plans for a sports broadcasting degree at Syracuse University to join the cast of a new MTV series called Teen Wolf.
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Career
Dylan’s career is marked by a refusal to stay in one lane. He rose to fame as the heart of Teen Wolf (2011–2017) and quickly transitioned to film with the Maze Runner trilogy.
- The Dramatic Evolution: Following a severe on-set injury in 2016, Dylan returned with a more matured filmography, taking on roles in American Assassin and the Oscar-nominated short All Too Well: The Short Film.
- 2025–2026 Projects: Dylan has recently received critical acclaim for his dual role in the independent film Twinless (2025), which he also executive produced. In early 2026, he will star in the survival thriller Send Help and the political drama Being Heumann.
- Horror & Thrillers: His recent turns in Caddo Lake (2024) and Anniversary (2025) have solidified him as a master of the psychological thriller genre.
Dylan O’Brien Movies
- The Maze Runner Trilogy (2014–2018): His defining turn as the leader Thomas.
- Deepwater Horizon (2016): A harrowing performance based on a true story.
- Love and Monsters (2020): A post-apocalyptic adventure that became a streaming hit.
- Not Okay (2022): A satirical turn as a bleach-blonde “clout chaser.”
- Saturday Night (2024): Portraying the legendary Dan Aykroyd.
- Twinless (2025): His latest award-winning performance in a surreal indie drama.
- Send Help (2026): His upcoming role as Bradley Preston in a high-stakes survival story.
Dylan O’Brien Net Worth
As of early 2026, Dylan O’Brien’s net worth is estimated at $7 million. While he doesn’t chase every blockbuster payday, his consistent work in the Maze Runner franchise and recurring royalties from Teen Wolf have built a stable foundation. He has also ventured into producing, notably with the film Twinless, allowing him more creative control and a larger share of project profits.
Family
Family has always been a grounding force for Dylan. He is the son of Lisa Rhodes and Patrick O’Brien and has one sister, Julia. While he often spoke about his close bond with his younger sibling Julz, the relationship became a public talking point in May 2025 when Julz revealed an ongoing estrangement. Despite the personal tension, Dylan has frequently cited his parents’ background in the industry as the reason for his “workmanlike” approach to acting.
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The Dating History
Dylan O’Brien and Britt Robertson
One of the most beloved couples of the 2010s, Dylan and Britt Robertson met on the set of The First Time (2012). They were a staple of the YA film scene for six years, known for keeping their relationship low-key. They eventually split in late 2018, but they remain a cherished memory for fans of that era of cinema.
Dylan O’Brien and Gracie Abrams
In 2022, rumors swirled that Dylan was dating singer-songwriter Gracie Abrams after the two were together in New York City. While the “relationship” was never officially confirmed, it sparked a wave of fan theories and speculation. By 2024, however, Gracie was linked to actor Paul Mescal, confirming that any chapter with Dylan had closed.
Dylan O’Brien and Rachael Lange
In early 2023, Dylan made headlines when he was holding hands with model Rachael Lange at Paris Fashion Week. The relationship has been controversial among some fans due to Rachael’s past social media posts. As of early 2026, the two have maintained an incredibly private dynamic, rarely appearing on each other’s social media, though they are still believed to be together.
Controversies
While Dylan is generally one of the “kindest” guys in Hollywood, 2025 brought some challenges to his public image. In May 2025, his trans-masculine sibling, Julz O’Brien, publicly accused the actor of “ghosting” them for over a year, specifically noting that Dylan hadn’t reached out after their top surgery. This sparked a massive debate online about the authenticity of Dylan’s public allyship. Dylan has chosen not to address the family matter publicly, adhering to his long-standing rule of keeping family disputes private.
Dylan O’Brien Age
As of January 2026, Dylan O’Brien is 34 years old. He will celebrate his 35th birthday on August 26, 2026. Fans have noted that the actor has aged like fine wine, moving from the lanky “Stiles” look to a more rugged, mature presence in his recent roles.
Dylan O’Brien Now
Now, Dylan is focused on the “producer-actor” model. He splits his time between Los Angeles and New York and is rarely seen on social media, having deleted his Twitter years ago. In early 2026, he is preparing for the release of Send Help and is rumored to be in talks for a guest appearance in a major upcoming superhero franchise, though, in typical Dylan fashion, he remains tight-lipped about the details.
Conclusion
Dylan O’Brien remains a rare breed of actor: a former teen star who has maintained his soul. Despite family tensions and the pressures of fame, he continues to prioritize the craft over the clout.
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