Matt Lanter
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Matt Lanter – Life, Career, and Memorable Insights
Matt Lanter (born April 1, 1983) is an American actor and voice artist best known for 90210, Timeless, and voicing Anakin Skywalker in Star Wars: The Clone Wars. Read his full biography, career highlights, personal challenges, and lessons from his journey.
Introduction
Matt Lanter is an American actor and model whose career spans live-action television, voice acting, and film. He gained popular acclaim as Liam Court in the 90210 series, starred as Wyatt Logan in the sci-fi drama Timeless, and is highly recognized for voicing Anakin Skywalker in Star Wars: The Clone Wars across multiple media.
His journey from modeling and small TV roles to leading parts and a sustained presence in the Star Wars franchise speaks to both his versatility and persistence. In this article, we trace his early life, breakthrough moments, personal life, challenges, his impact, and what we can learn from his path today.
Early Life and Family
Matthew Mackendree “Matt” Lanter was born on April 1, 1983 in Massillon, Ohio. His parents are Joseph Hayes Lanter and Jana Kay (Wincek / Burson). He has one sister, Kara.
When he was about eight years old, the family relocated to Atlanta, Georgia. In his youth, Lanter was active in sports—baseball, football, golf—and even worked as a batboy for the Atlanta Braves for a period.
He attended Collins Hill High School, graduating around 2001. After high school, he attended University of Georgia, majoring in sports business.
These early experiences—sports, moving, active youth—helped shape his drive, discipline, and adaptability in a competitive industry.
Career and Achievements
Modeling, Early Roles & Breakthroughs
Lanter’s public career began in 2004, when he competed on Bravo’s modeling reality show Manhunt: The Search for America’s Most Gorgeous Male Model. That same year, he landed one of his first screen roles in Bobby Jones: Stroke of Genius (as a caddie). Shortly after, he appeared in the television series Point Pleasant (2005) in a recurring capacity.
He began securing guest and supporting roles in shows such as 8 Simple Rules, Big Love, Grey’s Anatomy, and Monk.
In 2005, he landed a regular role as Horace Calloway in the political drama Commander in Chief. While the series only lasted one season, it gave him exposure in a major network show.
90210 and Teen Heartthrob Phase
In 2009, Lanter began a recurring role in 90210 (a modern continuation of Beverly Hills 90210) as Liam Court. Due to his popularity, he was promoted to main cast status from Season 2 onward.
This role greatly increased his visibility and cemented him as a recognizable figure in youth and teen television.
Star Wars: The Clone Wars & Voice Work
Perhaps his most enduring role is voicing Anakin Skywalker in Star Wars: The Clone Wars starting in 2008, and continuing across the related TV series, video games, and spin-offs. He has voiced Anakin in Star Wars Rebels, Battlefront II, Tales of the Jedi, and related media. This association with Star Wars has given him a multi-platform presence (animation, games, series) that many actors do not achieve.
Timeless and Later TV Roles
From 2016 to 2018, Lanter starred as Wyatt Logan, a time-traveling hero, in NBC’s Timeless. He also joined the cast of Jupiter’s Legacy (Netflix) in 2019 as George Hutchence. Additionally, he made a guest appearance in The Mandalorian (in the episode “Chapter 6: The Prisoner”) as Lant Davan.
Across his career, Lanter has crossed genres—teen drama, sci-fi, voice acting, superhero series—and built a reputation for reliability and versatility.
Historical Milestones & Notable Moments
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2008 marked his entry into the Star Wars universe, which continues to anchor his identity in fan communities and genre media.
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His transition from teen drama (90210) to a leading sci-fi role (Timeless) broadened his appeal beyond a single demographic.
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The expansion into voice acting and franchise work has secured him a long tail in roles less dependent on on-camera youth or looks.
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In 2022, Lanter underwent emergency surgery for a closed-loop intestinal obstruction, a serious medical event he later reflected on in interviews.
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In April 2025, he and his wife announced they are expecting their second child, exciting fans and adding a personal milestone to his timeline.
These episodes show that his life and career are dynamic, with both triumphs and obstacles shaping his path.
Legacy and Influence
Matt Lanter represents a type of modern actor who bridges “on-screen leading man” and voice-over franchise artist. His work in Star Wars has granted him longevity and recognition that many drama/romance TV actors may not sustain.
He also represents a model for actors who evolve with their career—moving from modeling, to teen drama roles, to substantial leads in genre content, and then securing voice/voiceover/performance roles.
In the world of genre fandom, his voice as Anakin gives him a presence that endures beyond the lifespan of any one show.
Personality, Beliefs & Personal Life
Lanter is public about being a Christian. He married Angela Stacy on June 14, 2013. They have children: a daughter MacKenlee Faire Lanter (born December 2017) and, announced in 2025, a second child.
In interviews, he has shared that when the abdominal surgery in 2022 occurred, it was a life-shaking experience—one that reinforced gratitude, family, and perseverance.
He has also expressed interest in gadgets, sci-fi, and pop culture beyond acting.
Overall, he appears grounded, aware of how unpredictable careers and life events can be, and appreciative of each opportunity.
Memorable Quotations & Reflections
Because Lanter is more known for his performances than for widely publicized aphorisms, there are fewer “famous quotes” in circulation. However, from interviews:
“I’m a huge sci-fi geek … I don’t really like the word ‘religion.’ To me, that’s like rules and regulations and paying money… that kind of … weirds me out.”
“I feel grateful to be here. Grateful to be with my family. Grateful to watch my daughter grow.” (reflecting on his surgery experience)
These lines reveal his humility, his internal questioning, and his appreciation for life’s fragility.
Lessons from Matt Lanter
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Diversify your craft
Lanter didn’t limit himself to on-screen acting; his voice work in Star Wars gives him resilience and ongoing relevance. -
Embrace evolution
From modeling to supporting TV roles, to lead parts in genre shows and franchise involvement, his trajectory illustrates the value of evolving rather than staying static. -
Gratitude and humility matter
His reflections during personal crises (e.g. the surgery) show the importance of recognizing what truly matters beyond stardom. -
Fan connection through iconic roles
Playing a beloved character in Star Wars means that generations of fans will continue to find his work into the future.
Conclusion
Matt Lanter is a dynamic and multifaceted actor whose career defies a single label. He’s moved across modeling, teen drama, voice acting, sci-fi leads, and more—always adapting. His personal resilience, especially through serious health obstacles, reminds us that the path of an artist is as much defined by resolve as by talent.