Tanner Buchanan Bio 2026: Age, Girlfriend, Cobra Kai, Height & Net Worth

Tanner Buchanan is an accomplished American actor celebrated worldwide for bringing charisma, intense martial arts prowess, and emotional depth to television and cinema. Best known for his standout role as Robby Keene in Netflix’s hit series Cobra Kai and leading roles in major romantic comedies, the Ohio-born star has established himself as one of Hollywood’s most versatile young leading men.

Quick Facts

Fans who follow Tanner Buchanan often also follow contemporary young Hollywood stars like Xolo Maridueña, Peyton List, Jacob Bertrand, Mary Mouser, and Addison Rae.

Early Life & Education

Tanner Emmanuel Buchanan was born on December 8, 1998, in Lima, Ohio, and grew up in the small village of Ottawa, Ohio. His father, Steve Buchanan, worked as a traveling businessman, while his mother, Marlona Buchanan, dedicated herself to supporting Tanner’s diverse childhood interests. He grew up alongside an older sister named Marrae.

From an early age, Buchanan showed an exceptional natural aptitude for performance arts and physical disciplines. By the age of five, he took dance lessons in tap, ballet, and jazz. In elementary school, he also studied classical guitar and piano, displaying an intense creative focus that set him apart from his peers. After winning awards in regional dance competitions, his talent drew the attention of talent managers who suggested his family visit Los Angeles to pursue commercial work.

Recognizing his genuine passion and early audition success, the Buchanan family moved to Burbank, California, when Tanner was around ten years old. To balance long hours on television sets and audition rooms, Buchanan transitioned from traditional public school to personalized homeschooling programs, completing his secondary education while building a steady portfolio of screen credits.

Career Journey

Early Roles & Disney / Nickelodeon Success (2010–2015)

Buchanan made his television debut in 2010 with a guest appearance on the hit ABC sitcom Modern Family. Over the next several years, he steadily honed his craft through brief appearances on major television programs, including Grey’s Anatomy, Major Crimes, and Ghost Ghirls.

Between 2013 and 2016, Buchanan became a recognizable face across youth television. He played recurring roles on Disney Channel and Nickelodeon programs, such as Charlie Gardner in Girl Meets World, Chad Brad Cody in The Goldbergs, and Mason Kendall in Game Shakers. His natural comic timing, combined with relatable charm, made him a sought-after young actor for teenage and family drama roles.

Breakthrough with Designated Survivor (2016–2018)

In 2016, Buchanan took on his first major dramatic series-regular part as Leo Kirkman, the son of Kiefer Sutherland’s President Tom Kirkman on ABC’s political drama Designated Survivor. The high-profile series showcased Buchanan’s dramatic range as a conflicted First Son dealing with public scrutiny, domestic tension, and political chaos. His work across two seasons earned praise from critics and industry veterans alike.

Global Superstardom with Cobra Kai (2018–2025)

Buchanan reached international fame when he joined the main cast of Cobra Kai, the acclaimed continuation of The Karate Kid saga. Portraying Robby Keene—the estranged son of Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka) and the prodigy student of Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio)—Buchanan brought emotional depth, vulnerability, and sheer physicality to the narrative.

To portray Robby authentically, Buchanan completed rigorous training in traditional karate, Taekwondo, Muay Thai, and complex fight choreography. The worldwide explosion of Cobra Kai on Netflix turned Buchanan into a household name across multiple demographics, with critics regularly highlighting his balance of athletic intensity and nuanced acting.

Film Projects and Recent Activity in 2026

Building on his streaming popularity, Buchanan transitioned to feature films. In 2021, he starred as Cameron Kweller opposite Addison Rae in Netflix’s romantic comedy He’s All That, a gender-swapped remake of the 1999 teen classic She’s All That. He followed this with dramatic indie features, such as The Hyperions.

Heading through 2026, Buchanan has expanded his slate into action-thrillers and character-driven indie features. He continues to select roles that balance martial arts mastery with sophisticated dramatic storylines, exploring producing opportunities and high-stakes cinematic projects.

Filmography & Career Highlights

Selected Television Shows

• Modern Family (2010) – Kid #2
• Grey’s Anatomy (2013) – Lucas
• The Goldbergs (2013–2018) – Evan Turner / Chad Brad Cody
• Girl Meets World (2015) – Charlie Gardner
• Game Shakers (2015–2017) – Mason Kendall
• The Fosters (2016) – Jack Downey
• Designated Survivor (2016–2019) – Leo Kirkman
• Cobra Kai (2018–2025) – Robby Keene

Selected Feature Films

• The Heyday of the Insensitive Bastards (2015) – Bobby Bell
• Anything (2017) – Jack Sachman
• Max Winslow and the House of Secrets (2019) – Connor Lawson
• Chance (2020) – Colton
• He’s All That (2021) – Cameron Kweller
• The Hyperions (2022) – Apollo

Personal Life

Despite his worldwide recognition, Tanner Buchanan prefers to maintain a grounded and relatively private lifestyle. He resides in the Greater Los Angeles area and maintains deep ties with his family in Ohio.

Relationship with Lizze Broadway

Buchanan is in a long-term relationship with American actress Lizze Broadway, famous for her role as Emma Meyer in Amazon Prime’s superhero series Gen V. The pair first met in childhood and began dating during their teenage years. Although they experienced a brief split in their late teens, they rekindled their relationship and remain one of Hollywood’s most supportive and close-knit creative couples. They frequently support one another at major red-carpet premieres and industry showcases.

Hobbies & Personal Interests

Outside of soundstages and film sets, Buchanan is an avid musician. He enjoys playing progressive rock and heavy metal on electric guitar, citing bands like Tool and Pantera among his musical favorites. Additionally, he practices martial arts training regimens year-round to stay in peak physical condition and enjoys black-and-white analog photography.

Awards & Achievements

• Canadian International Faith & Family Film Festival (2019): Nominated for Best Supporting Actor for Max Winslow and the House of Secrets.
• Screen Actors Guild Awards: Part of the ensemble momentum for multiple award-contending ensemble casts.
• Global Streaming Recognition: Multi-season lead on Cobra Kai, which achieved #1 global streaming status in dozens of countries.
• Martial Arts Choreography Acclaim: Widely recognized by stunt coordinators and martial arts publications for executing the majority of his own hand-to-hand fight sequences.

Physical Statistics

Quotes

“I love doing my own stunts. When you train hard for weeks and finally execute a long fight sequence cleanly on camera, there is no feeling like it in the world.”

“Growing up in Ohio taught me the value of work ethic. No matter what level of success you reach in this business, you show up prepared and treat everyone on set with respect.”

Controversies & Media Clarifications

Tanner Buchanan has maintained a spotless public reputation throughout his career, avoiding tabloid drama or negative publicity. During the release of He’s All That, some internet rumors speculated about off-screen romance between Buchanan and co-star Addison Rae; however, both quickly clarified that they were purely professional colleagues and great friends, with Buchanan remaining fully committed to his longtime partner, Lizze Broadway.

Favorites

• Favorite Music Genre: Heavy Metal, Alternative Rock (Pantera, Slipknot, Tool)
• Favorite Martial Art: Taekwondo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
• Favorite Actor: Christian Bale, Kiefer Sutherland
• Favorite Food: Mexican cuisine, Homemade pasta
• Favorite Color: Forest Green and Slate Black
• Favorite Travel Destination: Japan, Vancouver

Salary & Net Worth in 2026

As of 2026, Tanner Buchanan’s net worth is estimated to be between $3.5 million and $4 million. His wealth stems from consistent work on episodic network television, major streaming royalties from Netflix’s Cobra Kai, and feature film contracts.

During the peak seasons of Cobra Kai, key young leads earned between $30,000 to over $50,000 per episode, with contract renegotiations boosting his earnings significantly. Complementing his acting compensation, Buchanan earns income from brand sponsorships, commercial appearances, and social media engagement.

Interesting Facts

• Tanner learned tap dancing at five years old, a skill that later gave him superior footwork when learning martial arts choreography for Cobra Kai.
• He can play both electric guitar and bass guitar with high proficiency.
• Before landing full-time drama gigs, he made brief appearances on popular YouTube web series and indie shorts.
• He prefers practical, grounded stunt work over CGI action scenes whenever possible.
• Buchanan loves classic cars and spends downtime working on mechanical hobbies.

Did You Know Already?

• Tanner Buchanan performed nearly 90% of his own martial arts fight scenes across the entire run of Cobra Kai.
• He and girlfriend Lizze Broadway co-created and produced content together during the early years of their respective Hollywood journeys.
• He once played a younger version of prominent characters in indie dramas before turning 16.

Social Media Links

• Instagram: @tannerbuchananofficial
• X (formerly Twitter): Official updates shared via project promotional handles
• IMDb Profile: Tanner Buchanan on IMDb

Frequently Asked Questions

How old is Tanner Buchanan?

Tanner Buchanan was born on December 8, 1998, which makes him 27 years 8 months old years old.

Who is Tanner Buchanan’s girlfriend?

Tanner Buchanan is in a long-term relationship with actress Lizze Broadway, who is well known for her role in the hit streaming series Gen V.

Did Tanner Buchanan know martial arts before Cobra Kai?

While Buchanan had extensive dance training in tap and jazz that gave him agility, he learned formal martial arts disciplines—including Taekwondo and Muay Thai—specifically through intense training for his role as Robby Keene.

What is Tanner Buchanan’s height?

Tanner Buchanan stands at 5 feet 8.5 inches (approximately 174 cm) tall.

What are Tanner Buchanan’s major upcoming projects in 2026?

In 2026, Buchanan is attached to new feature film thrillers and drama projects, transitioning from his hallmark streaming series roles to broader independent and studio cinematic releases.

Summary

From his roots in small-town Ohio to headlining major global streaming hits, Tanner Buchanan has proven himself as an athletic, dedicated, and charismatic performer. His work on Cobra Kai and diverse film projects solidifies his standing as a talented force in contemporary entertainment. If you enjoyed this profile of Tanner Buchanan, feel free to share it with fellow fans on social media!

Sources: Industry production listings, verified studio press releases, entertainment media interviews, and official public profiles.