Dallas Dupree Young: Age and the Rise of a Young Hollywood Star

Introduction

Dallas Dupree Young is a name that’s quickly becoming synonymous with talent and versatility in Hollywood. Best known for his role as Kenny Payne in Netflix’s hit series Cobra Kai, this young actor has captivated audiences with his dynamic performances. A frequent question among fans is, “How old is Dallas Dupree Young?” As of September 2025, Dallas Dupree Young is 18 years old, born on October 25, 2006. Despite his young age, he has already built an impressive career across television and film. This blog post explores Dallas Dupree Young’s age, background, and journey to becoming one of Hollywood’s most promising young stars.

Who Is Dallas Dupree Young?

Born on October 25, 2006, in Houston, Texas, Dallas Dupree Young is an American actor recognized for his roles in Cobra Kai, Cousins for Life, and Ready Player One. Raised in a family of athletes, with his father, Eric Young Sr., and half-brother, Eric Young Jr., both former Major League Baseball players, Dallas initially dreamed of a sports career. However, a chance opportunity shifted his path toward acting, where he has since shone brightly. At 18, his youthful energy and mature talent have made him a standout in the entertainment industry.

Dallas Dupree Young’s Age and Early Life

As of September 2025, Dallas Dupree Young is 18 years old. Growing up in Cypress, a suburb of Houston, Texas, Dallas was immersed in a sports-centric household. His father, Eric Young Sr., a former MLB player and current Atlanta Braves first base coach, and his half-brother, Eric Young Jr., a professional baseball player, inspired Dallas to aspire to play for the Colorado Rockies. He was active in baseball, basketball, and football and even studied karate and kickboxing between ages 5 and 6, skills that later aided his Cobra Kai role.

At around 9 years old, Dallas’s life took a turn when a neighbor encouraged him to pursue acting. This led to a phone call from talent scout Diana Horner, inviting him to an acting showcase in Los Angeles. His natural charisma and dedication quickly landed him roles, proving that his age was no barrier to success. In a 2022 interview with Vanity Teen, Dallas shared, “Acting honestly fell into my lap unintentionally,” highlighting how his passion for performance emerged unexpectedly.

Career Beginnings and Breakthrough

Dallas began acting at age 9, making his debut in the 2016 short film In No Sense and appearing in the documentary series Murder Among Friends. His early television roles included guest spots on Shameless (2017), The Mayor (2017), The Good Place (2017), and The Fosters (2018). In 2018, at just 11 years old, he landed a small role in Steven Spielberg’s Ready Player One, marking his entry into major cinema.

His first major break came in 2018 with the starring role of Stuart in Nickelodeon’s Cousins for Life, where he showcased his comedic talent. At age 15, Dallas joined Cobra Kai in 2021 as Kenny Payne, a bullied teen who evolves into a complex character. His performance earned praise, with Gamespot noting, “Kenny’s story is easily the most interesting one of the season, and Young is the perfect fit for the cast”. Now 18, Dallas continues to shine in Cobra Kai’s final season, with the series concluding in February 2025.

How His Age Shapes His Career

At 18, Dallas Dupree Young’s age brings a unique blend of youthful energy and growing maturity to his roles. His ability to portray complex emotions, as seen in Cobra Kai and the indie film 1-800-Hot-Nite (2022), where he played a troubled teen named Tommy, demonstrates a depth beyond his years. His athletic background and martial arts training have been assets in Cobra Kai, where he performs many of his own stunts, adding authenticity to his character.

Dallas’s youth also allows him to connect with younger audiences, particularly Gen Z, who relate to his relatable portrayals of teenage struggles. His Scorpio zodiac traits—intensity, determination, and resilience—are evident in his approach to challenging roles. As he transitioned into adulthood in 2024, Dallas gained more creative control, expressing a desire to explore diverse roles and even venture into directing or producing in the future.

Personal Life and Influences

Dallas comes from a tight-knit, athletic family. His father, Eric Young Sr., and mother, Beyonka Jackson, have been supportive of his career shift from sports to acting. His half-brother, Eric Young Jr., and cousin, Kaleb Jessie, also share his athletic roots. Dallas credits Denzel Washington as his biggest acting influence, aspiring to work with or be directed by him someday. He also admires LeBron James and Will Smith, reflecting his blend of sports and entertainment inspirations.

Despite his rising fame, Dallas remains grounded. He enjoys playing video games, hanging out with friends, and maintaining an active lifestyle through sports like basketball and football. His downtime activities, like bowling and shooting hoops, reflect his ability to balance fame with a “normal kid life”. As of 2025, Dallas keeps his personal life private, with no confirmed romantic relationships, focusing instead on his career and personal growth.

Dallas Dupree Young’s Net Worth and Future

As of 2025, Dallas Dupree Young’s estimated net worth is between $1 million and $2 million, earned through acting, endorsements, and appearances. For an 18-year-old, this financial success underscores his marketability and talent. His recent roles in Cobra Kai’s final season and films like The Royal (2022), where he played a young Willie Mays Aikens, have boosted his profile.

Looking ahead, Dallas’s age positions him for a long and versatile career. He has expressed interest in exploring voice acting and taking on more dramatic roles to showcase his range. With his talent, work ethic, and growing fanbase, Dallas Dupree Young is poised to become a leading figure in Hollywood, with fans eagerly awaiting his next projects.

Conclusion

At 18 years old, Dallas Dupree Young has already achieved what many actors dream of, with standout roles in Cobra Kai, Cousins for Life, and Ready Player One. His journey from a sports-loving kid in Houston to a rising Hollywood star is a testament to his talent and determination. Dallas’s age is a reminder that youth is no obstacle to success, and his future in the entertainment industry looks incredibly bright. As he continues to grow as an actor and individual, Dallas Dupree Young is a name to watch for years to come.