Robert Pattinson was born on May 13, 1986, in London, and you probably first saw him as the brooding Edward Cullen in the “Twilight” movies. Practically overnight, he went from relative obscurity to the center of a global teen frenzy. But if you’d pegged him as just another pretty face meant for YA adaptations, Pattinson quickly proved you wrong.
After “Twilight,” rather than sticking to safe blockbusters, he dove headfirst into indie cinema, working with directors like David Cronenberg, Claire Denis, and the Safdie brothers. Movies such as “Good Time,” “High Life,” and “The Lighthouse” showed just how much range he had – earning him praise from critics who had once dismissed him as a heartthrob. In 2022, he surprised fans once again by donning the cape and cowl in Matt Reeves’ “The Batman,” skillfully walking the line between big-budget spectacle and brooding, art-house sensibility.
The thing about Pattinson is, even after all these years in the limelight, there’s still something elusive about him. He’s known for being intensely private, often poking fun at the very idea of celebrity in interviews, and seeming almost allergic to Hollywood showmanship. Somehow, the less he gives, the more intrigued everyone gets.
Before all the movie roles, Pattinson tried his hand at modeling and is a musician too – he can play both piano and guitar, and has even contributed songs to some of his films. Friends and collaborators often mention his dry wit and the fact that he’s refreshingly unpretentious, which is saying something in the circles he runs in.
When it comes to his personal life, Pattinson gives away very little. He’s been with Suki Waterhouse, the model and actress, since 2018, and in early 2024 they reportedly welcomed their first child together. True to form, the couple hasn’t made a big public display out of the milestone and keeps their relationship mostly out of the media spotlight.
Pattinson’s earlier romantic history was – contrary to his preferences – a bit more public. His relationship with “Twilight” co-star Kristen Stewart was the stuff of tabloid obsession, peaking with their messy breakup after Stewart’s affair with director Rupert Sanders became public in 2012. He went on to date musician FKA twigs for several years and the two even got engaged before quietly splitting up in 2017. For a brief time, he was also linked to Dylan Penn. Occasionally, rumors would tie his name to other celebrities like Katy Perry or Emma Watson, but none of that ever really seemed to go anywhere or be substantiated.
Unlike many celebrities of his generation, Pattinson isn’t sharing glossy couple photos on Instagram – or really anything at all, since he officially doesn’t have any social media accounts. That retreat from hyper-visibility seems intentional; in interviews, he’s admitted that having a “normal relationship” in the public eye feels next to impossible. His romance with Waterhouse, though, has lasted longer and seems more low-key than anything before it – framed by the occasional paparazzi snap, but never center stage.
Past Relationships
Suki Waterhouse
Mia Wasikowska
FKA twigs
Imogen Ker
Nettie Wakefield
Dylan Penn
Riley Keough
Katy Perry
Kristen Stewart
Nikki Reed
Nina Schubert
Zoe Saldaña
Soko
Looking at Pattinson’s career and personal choices, it’s not hard to see a pattern emerge. He’s the guy who always seems a little bit uncomfortable with attention, yet somehow thrives precisely because he doesn’t seek it out. From awkward teenager thrust into overwhelming fame, he’s carved out a path as a daring actor and mysterious celebrity. Whether he’s playing a neurotic lighthouse keeper, an art-house criminal, or the Caped Crusader, Pattinson manages to remain unpredictable – and that, more than anything, keeps people watching and wanting to know more.