Robert Taylor, an Australian actor from Melbourne, has established a stunning film and television career, charming audiences with his rough-around-the-edges manner and chameleon-like performances. Best known for his starring role as Sheriff Walt Longmire in Longmire and his memorable appearance as Agent Jones in The Matrix, Taylor has seamlessly navigated Australian and international productions for over three decades. This comprehensive guide explores Robert Taylor’s most notable movies and TV shows, his journey from a mining town to Hollywood, and why his work continues to resonate with fans worldwide.
Early Life and Beginnings in Acting
Born on the 7th of July in the year 1963 in Melbourne, Australia, Robert John Taylor’s journey into acting was by no means traditional. Following his parents’ divorce when he was nine years old, he relocated to a mining town in Western Australia to live with his uncle and aunt. As a young adult, Taylor worked in physically demanding jobs, including as a miner, lifeguard, and bouncer, and even spent time on an oil rig in the Indian Ocean. A near-fatal shipwreck in his early 20s, which left him with a broken arm and ribs, became a turning point. During his recovery, he discovered an audition notice for the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA). He joined at age 24, graduating in 1988 and beginning his career in acting.
Taylor’s down-to-earth take on acting, informed by his eclectic life experience, has characterized his capacity to deliver genuine, accessible characters. His blunt demeanor—”acting is just doing it”—has equated to a prolific career throughout Australian television, Hollywood movies, and global series.
Early Australian Television Roles
Taylor’s performing career started in 1988 in a 20-episode stint as Nicholas Walsh on the Australian soap Home and Away (1988–). As a charming but conniving part, he soon found himself noticed for his on-screen presence. His first substantial lead role was in 1993 as the feature part of The Feds (1993–1996), a miniseries focusing on the Australian Federal Police, in which he portrayed Superintendent Dave Griffin. The part highlighted his ability to play authoritative characters, a trend in his acting career.
In the 1990s, Taylor was a regular guest on Australian television, featuring on Blue Heelers (1999), Stingers, and Flipper (1996). He also appeared in television movies like Brotherhood of the Rose (1989), an adaptation of David Morrell’s novel, and The Thorn Birds: The Missing Years (1996), a CBS sequel to the popular miniseries. These early appearances made Taylor a go-to talent in Australia’s entertainment industry, setting the stage for his international success.
Hollywood Success: The Matrix and Action Films
In 1999, Taylor took on a breakout role as Agent Jones in the Wachowskis’ seminal sci-fi film The Matrix. One of the evil Agents alongside him, Hugo Weaving’s Agent Smith, was Taylor’s character. His work here impressed, notably during intense sequences such as Morpheus’s interrogation and the helicopter sequence. The Matrix worldwide success exposed Taylor to an international public and welcomed him into Hollywood.
After The Matrix, Taylor took a leading role as Skip Taylor in the action thriller Vertical Limit (2000) under Martin Campbell. As a mountain climber with Chris O’Donnell and Bill Paxton, Taylor established himself as capable in major-budget films. There were also The Hard Word (2002), a crime comedy with Guy Pearce, and Ned Kelly (2003), with Heath Ledger and Orlando Bloom. These parts highlighted Taylor’s versatility in taking on varied genres, from sci-fi to action to Australian crime dramas.
International Television: Ballykissangel and Beyond
In 2000, Taylor broadened his reach with a lead role as Father Vincent Sheehan in the last season of the British drama Ballykissangel, in an Irish village fictional setting. His interpretation of the tortured priest brought emotional complexity to the series, demonstrating his range beyond action parts. Taylor went back and forth between film and television, with roles in Australian shows such as MDA (2002), Satisfaction (2010), Cops L.A.C. (2010), and Killing Time (2011). His versatility in moving from drama to crime and even comedy proved his range as an actor.
Career-Defining Role: Longmire (2012–2017)
Taylor’s most memorable role arrived in 2011 when he was hired as Sheriff Walt Longmire in Longmire, a contemporary Western crime series based on Craig Johnson’s novel series. First airing on A&E in 2012 and subsequently picked up by Netflix, the series lasted for six seasons through 2017. Taylor’s work as the taciturn, upright Wyoming sheriff, struggling with loss on a personal level and disturbing cases, was widely acclaimed. Starring alongside Katee Sackhoff and Lou Diamond Phillips, Taylor solidified the show with his performance of steely masculinity tempered by quiet fragility. Longmire continues to be a fan favorite and a staple of Taylor’s career, demonstrating his skill at shouldering a long-running show.
Post-Longmire Projects: Films and Television
Following the conclusion of Longmire, Taylor continued to undertake varied roles. In 2018, he appeared as Dr. Heller in The Meg, a sci-fi action film featuring Jason Statham. As a scientific skeptic, Taylor provided authenticity to the movie, which earned more than $500 million worldwide. In 2019, he featured in Into the Ashes, a gritty revenge drama in which he played a mourning sheriff, and Blood Vessel, a WWII-themed vampire horror movie, indicating that he was open to doing niche genres.
Taylor came back to Netflix in 2019 with a guest spot on Dolly Parton’s Heartstrings, where he played Reverend Covern in the episode “Down from Dover.” His performance as a harsh, judgmental dad was a departure from his heroic work, showcasing his range. In 2024, Taylor played Colin Lawson in the Netflix drama series Territory, a six-episode series set on a vast Australian cattle ranch. Premiering on October 24, 2024, the show casts Taylor as a patriarch embroiled in family and land conflicts, praised for his raw, emotionally complex performance.
Other Film and TV Notables
Taylor has a prolific filmography, with other standout projects. He played the lead in the horror movie Storm Warning (2007), the creature feature Rogue (2007) by Greg McLean, and the thriller Coffin Rock (2009), co-produced by his wife, Ayisha Davies. Some of his other movies are Focus (2015) starring Will Smith, Kong: Skull Island (2017), and Don’t Tell (2017) with Rachel Griffiths. For television, he has worked on Mr & Mrs Murder (2013), Twentysomething (2011–2013), and Underbelly Files: Tell Them Lucifer Was Here (2011), again displaying his diversity.
Personal Life and Impact
Taylor wed Australian producer Ayisha Davies in 2010, and they have a daughter, Scarlett, who was born prior to the marriage. Davies produced various of Taylor’s works, such as Coffin Rock and What Lola Wants (2015). In addition to acting, Taylor co-founded the Veg Out community gardens and farmer’s market in St Kilda, Victoria, indicative of his concern for community and sustainability.
With more than 30 years of career under his belt, Robert Taylor has emerged as Australia’s most acclaimed actor. His success in playing Hollywood blockbusters, Australian dramas, and international television series is a testament to his ability and versatility. From the sci-fi dystopia of The Matrix to the deserts of Longmire and Territory, Taylor’s performances portray authenticity and depth.
Why Robert Taylor’s Work Stands Out
Robert Taylor’s filmography offers something for every viewer, whether you’re drawn to action-packed blockbusters like The Matrix and The Meg, character-driven dramas like Longmire and Territory, or niche horror like Blood Vessel. His ability to portray complex, grounded characters—often with a touch of stoic heroism—makes him a standout talent. Fans of Westerns, sci-fi, or Australian cinema will find plenty to explore in his work, available on platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Apple TV.
Conclusion
Robert Taylor’s path from a Western Australian mining town to global superstardom is a true reflection of his talent, tenacity, and adaptability. With classic performances in Longmire, The Matrix, and Territory, he has made an unforgettable contribution to