If you spent any time on the Disney Channel around 2013, you definitely remember the hair. Specifically, the perfectly coiffed, impossibly shiny 1960s surfer-boy pompadour that belonged to Tanner in Teen Beach Movie. That was our first real introduction to Garrett Clayton. He was the guy everyone compared to Zac Efron—partly because of the looks, but mostly because he possessed that same "triple-threat" energy that Disney executives drool over.
But here is the thing: if you only know him as the "Surf's Up" guy, you’ve basically missed the most interesting half of his career.
Honestly, the trajectory of garrett clayton movies and shows is one of the weirdest and most ballsy in Hollywood. Most Disney stars try to "edge up" their image by doing a slightly grittier indie drama or a Netflix rom-com. Garrett? He decided to jump off a cliff (professionally speaking) and take on roles that were so provocative they practically set the internet on fire.
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From Boardwalks to Biopics: The Breakthrough Years
We have to start with the Disney era because, let’s be real, that’s the foundation. In 2013, Teen Beach Movie was massive. It pulled in over 8 million viewers on its premiere night. Garrett played Tanner, a character he described as a mix between Frankie Avalon and Link Larkin from Hairspray. He was goofy, he was lovable, and he could dance. It was the perfect "safe" role.
Then came the sequel, Teen Beach 2 in 2015. It did exactly what sequels do: it was bigger, the dances were harder, and it solidified Garrett as a teen idol. He was also showing up on other Disney and ABC Family (now Freeform) staples during this time. You might’ve caught him in:
- The Fosters as Chase Dillon, the handsome but somewhat shallow theater kid who served as a brief love interest for Mariana.
- Jessie, where he played a guy named Earl in a single, memorable episode.
- Shake It Up, playing Dylan back in 2010 before he was even a household name.
It was a cozy, successful life. He was winning Teen Choice Award nominations. He was on the cover of magazines. And then, in 2016, he basically blew the whole thing up.
Why King Cobra Changed Everything
If you want to talk about a career 180, we have to talk about King Cobra. This 2016 film is probably the most controversial entry in the list of garrett clayton movies and shows.
He played Sean Lockhart, better known in certain circles as Brent Corrigan. The movie is a true-crime drama about the gay adult film industry and a murder that rocked it in the mid-2000s. Starring alongside James Franco and Christian Slater, Garrett took a role that was lightyears away from the "G-rated" beach. It wasn't just about the subject matter; it was about the vulnerability. He wasn't playing a caricature. He was playing a real person caught in a very dark, very exploitative world.
Critics were shocked. Some were impressed; others didn't know what to do with the "Disney guy" doing something so graphic. But for Garrett, it was a declaration of independence. He wasn't going to be "Tanner" forever.
The Return to the Stage: Hairspray Live!
Interestingly, right around the same time he was doing dark indie films, he circled back to his musical roots. NBC’s Hairspray Live! (2016) cast him as Link Larkin.
It was a full-circle moment. He was working with legends like Harvey Fierstein and Jennifer Hudson. He was singing "It Takes Two" and "Without Love" to millions of people. It proved that he could still do the "all-American hunk" thing, even after doing the grit of King Cobra. He has a range that most people don't give him credit for.
The Horror and Indie Phase
After the mid-2010s explosion, Garrett’s filmography got even more eclectic. He started dipping his toes into the horror genre. Don't Hang Up (2016) is a solid example. It’s a "prank call gone wrong" thriller where he stars as Brady Mannion. It’s not a masterpiece, but it’s effective, and it showed he could carry a suspense film.
Then there’s Welcome to Willits, which is... weird. It’s a sci-fi/horror mashup about aliens and drug-induced hallucinations in the woods of Northern California. It didn't win any Oscars, but it’s the kind of project you do when you’re bored of playing the lead in a rom-com.
- Peel (2019): He appeared alongside Emile Hirsch in this quiet indie drama.
- Between Worlds (2018): Yes, he actually did a movie with Nicolas Cage. It’s as chaotic as you’d expect a Nic Cage "supernatural thriller" to be.
- Reach (2018): This was a more sensitive project. He played Steven, a socially awkward pro-suicide teen who finds a reason to live through a new friendship. It was a smaller, more emotional film that dealt with heavy themes of bullying and mental health.
Garrett Clayton on the Small Screen (The Later Years)
Television has been a steady paycheck for him, even if he’s not the lead of a long-running sitcom. Lately, he’s been popping up in places you might not expect.
In 2022, he appeared in The Fairly OddParents: Fairly Odder as a character named Dustan Lumberlake. It was a fun, campy nod to his pop-star-adjacent roots. He’s also been very active in the "live-to-film" and stage world. You’ve probably seen clips of him as Pennywise in the It: A Musical Parody or as Frank-N-Furter in The Rocky Horror Show.
Honestly, his stage work is where his personality really shines now. Since coming out publicly in 2018, there’s an authenticity in his performances that wasn't there during the "Disney robot" years. He’s leaning into camp, drag, and theater with a level of joy that’s pretty infectious.
A Quick Cheat Sheet: What to Watch First
If you’re new to his work or just want to see the best of garrett clayton movies and shows, here is how I’d break it down:
- For the Vibes: Teen Beach Movie. It’s essential. It’s colorful. The songs are catchy. It’s pure nostalgia.
- For the Acting: King Cobra. It’s a tough watch, but it’s his most transformative role.
- For the Musical Fan: Hairspray Live!. You get the high-budget production and the classic Broadway energy.
- For the Indie Lover: The Mattachine Family (2023). This is one of his more recent roles where he plays Jake. It’s a beautiful, mature look at queer family-making and friendship.
Why He Still Matters in 2026
Garrett Clayton didn't become a massive A-list movie star like his predecessor Zac Efron, but in a way, he’s done something harder. He survived the Disney machine and came out the other side as a respected, multi-faceted artist who does exactly what he wants.
He’s not chasing blockbusters. He’s doing cabaret shows. He’s doing queer indie films. He’s doing voice work.
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He managed to navigate the "heartthrob" trap by being unapologetically himself. Most child stars burn out or spend decades trying to prove they aren't their 16-year-old selves. Garrett just did the work.
Next Steps for Fans:
If you want to see what he’s up to lately, skip the IMDb and go straight to his social media or look for his recent stage credits. He’s been touring with various musical shows and cabaret acts that showcase his live vocals much better than a pre-recorded Disney soundtrack ever could. Check out The Mattachine Family if you can find it on streaming—it's easily his most grounded and "grown-up" work to date.