When most people think back to their 18th birthday, they remember a time when getting to class before the bell rings and landing on the “Employee of the Month” plaque at their part-time job could be considered great achievements. But as millions of fans know, today is the day Taylor Lautner becomes legal — and he’s got more ambitious plans.
In less than two years, the star with the stunning smile has gone from “Shark Boy” to superstar. Breaking through in “Twilight” and then last year’s “New Moon,” the teenager sometimes known as Jacob Black now has “Valentine’s Day” opening this weekend, at least three major films on the horizon — and at least two of those could become major franchises before he’s even able to have his first sip of alcohol.
As we all know, Taylor is a fun-loving, charismatic, incredibly-driven young man. So, we want to wish him a happy birthday ... and then remind him that it’s time to get back to work. Below are some notable figures who similarly had the world at their feet on their 18th birthday, and where they went from there:
LINDSAY LOHAN:
Where she was at 18: Three months after the release of “Mean Girls,” Lindsay blew out her candles as the brightest young star in Hollywood. Offers were coming in by the truckload, everyone was pointing to her as an actress who could go places, and the world was her oyster.
Where she is now: Our parents taught us if you can’t say something nice about someone, don’t say anything at all.
Lesson for Taylor: Keep your head down and your nose clean, kid. And don’t agree to star in any horror movies about strippers with one leg.
ORSON WELLES
Where he was at 18: Lying his way into theater by walking around Dublin proclaiming he was a Broadway star; after his electric performances on stage, word got back to the U.S. and he became exactly that. In the next ten years, Welles would become king of the stage and radio and make the greatest movie of all-time at age 26.
Where he is now: Much more beloved in death than he ever was in life. Welles’ initial brilliance as a prodigy quickly became viewed as ego-centric foolishness, and he spent decades trying to get failed projects off the ground. Meanwhile his weight increased, his reputation decreased, and he died after shilling frozen peas.
Lesson for Taylor: If you have one-tenth of Welles’ genius, you’re bound for greatness. If you have one-tenth of his appetite for women, self-destruction or…well, food…then get ready to say goodbye to Jacob’s washboard abs.
QUEEN VICTORIA
Where she was at 18: Becoming the Queen of the United Kingdom.
Where she is now: On the downside, she’s been dead for 110 years. On the upside, Emily Blunt (pictured) recently played her in a really good movie!
Lesson for Taylor: Much like Mr. Lautner, Victoria became an international sensation at a young age, and ascended to the throne amidst much doubt and speculation. But Victoria stayed true to herself and her convictions, always kept the little people in mind, and is today remembered by history as one of England’s greatest monarchs.
JODIE FOSTER
Where she was at 18: Navigating a difficult period of her career as she tried to leave behind her childhood success of “Freaky Friday” and after-school specials, and move into the realm of being an adult actress. “Foxes” and “Carny” were certainly no instant classics, but hey, she was working.
Where she is now: Considered by many to be the greatest of all child-star-turned-grownup-actors, Foster continues to direct and star in major Hollywood hits (and “Nim’s Island,” too). Foster has won two Oscars, and shows no sign of slowing down.
Lesson for Taylor: Don’t be afraid to grow old gracefully. Let your face develop into a well-worn roadmap of life’s adversities, let your talents develop through real-world experiences, and never surround yourself with people too loyal to tell you the truth.
Happy birthday, Taylor – we hope we’ll be watching you for decades to come!
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