Yung taco biography
Travis Bennett on mastering his craft and his pivot to acting
Back in 2007, Travis Bennett (formally known as Yung Taco) began his career as a core member of Odd Future alongside the likes of Tyler, The Creator, Earl Sweatshirt and Frank Ocean. After years of touring as a DJ and pursuing different creative endeavours, in 2020 Bennett welcomed a new phase in his life, pivoting to a career in acting.
Despite the comedy skits he was involved in during his years in Odd Future, his official debut role saw Bennett feature in Dave Burd’s 2020 comedy series Dave. Starring as Elz, a producer from Philadelphia, the role solidified a new beginning for him. “You have to really go for it because so many times people don’t and then they end up trying something half-assed and then they get a half-assed response from it,” Bennett explained, discussing finding the confidence to pursue something new. “If you lean into it and really go for it, even if you fail at least you gave it your all”.
Recently, Bennett added another title under his wing after being announced as an ambassador for Jameson and Dickies’ brand new collaboration. Launched this summer, the collaboration celebrates community and creative craftsmanship, the two things Bennett has continuously championed throughout his career.
Below we spoke to the actor about his sudden career shift, growing up in Los Angeles, finding his creative community and working with Jameson.
Hi Travis! Is acting something you were always interested in pursuing or was there someone or something in particular that inspired that career pivot?
Travis Bennett: A combination of the two. I was always into it but I was scared to do it. I think that’s the biggest thing to take away. I was always just in fear of doing this because it’s hard to do first and foremost, but also it takes a lot of giving in to something. Dave really gave me the opportunity to try it, and between him, Lionel [Boyce], and Tyler, they really gave me the conf
Loiter Squad
American live-action sketch comedy television series
Loiter Squad is an American live-action sketch comedy television series for Adult Swim starring Tyler, the Creator, Earl Sweatshirt, Jasper Dolphin, Travis "Taco" Bennett, and Lionel "L-Boy" Boyce from the Los Angeleship hop group Odd Future. The show regularly featured other members of the group as well.
The show was produced by Dickhouse Productions for Cartoon Network's Adult Swim programming block during its first and second seasons. The show ran from March 25, 2012 to July 17, 2014.
On July 14, 2015, Tyler, the Creator confirmed that the show was "no more," stating, “It opened the doors up for other things that my boys want to do. That was a great thing, but we’re off that.”
History
The pilot for the show was initially announced on March 11, 2011, after Los Angeles hip hop collective Odd Future began to receive mainstream recognition, with the premise originally being described as a combination of Jackass and Chappelle's Show. Later, the series was rumored to be named Blackass, a portmanteau of the TV series Jackass, due to an on-air bump from Adult Swim claiming that was the temporary title, "at least until S&P calls" them out on it. However, on April 22, 2011, Tyler, the Creator debunked the title on his official Twitter account, potentially not even knowing its origin. Then, it was not until September 8, 2011 that the show, by then officially titled Loiter Squad, was finally confirmed as a 15-minute live action show composed of various sketches, man on the street segments, pranks, and music made by Odd Future.
Loiter Squad premiered on Sunday, March 25, 2012 on Cartoon Network's Adult Swim programming block. Episode 2 featured an appearance from Jackass alumnus Johnny Knoxville while fellow Jackass cast members Bam Margera, Ch Travis Bennett Taco Actor, DJ, hype man, rapper and fashion designer 2007 - present Travis "Taco" Bennett (born May 16, 1994) is an American actor, rapper and DJ. He gained recognition as a member of Odd Future in the late 2000s to the early 2010s, before he ventured into acting. Travis met Tyler, The Creator, real name Tyler Okonma, when he was just 12 years old, and Okonma would start recording music at Bennett's house a few years later. His sister is Syd Bennett. Travis "Taco" Bennett
Birth name
Also known as
Yung Taco
Taco BennettOccupation(s)
Years active
Collaborations[]
Tyler, The Creator[]
Odd Future[]
Video Collaborations[]
Music Videos[]
Films[]
Television[]
Travis Bennett
American actor, rapper, and DJ (born 1994)
Travis Bennett | |
|---|---|
Travis “Taco” Bennett performing in 2012. | |
| Born | (1994-05-16) May 16, 1994 (age 30) |
| Other names | |
| Occupations | |
| Family | Syd (sister) |
| Musical career | |
| Origin | California, U.S. |
| Formerly of | Odd Future |
Musical artist | |
Travis "Taco" Bennett (born May 16, 1994) is an American actor, rapper, DJ, and member of the music collective Odd Future. He gained recognition under the alias Taco during his tenure with Odd Future and later transitioned into acting, known for his role as Elz in the FXX comedy series Dave.
Early life
Travis Bennett was born on May 16, 1994, in California. He is the younger brother of Syd. Growing up, Bennett was into basketball, riding bikes, and video games. He met Tyler, the Creator, real name Tyler Okonma, when Travis was just 12 years old, and Okonma would start recording music at Bennett's house a few years later. In 2007, Bennett joined the music collective Odd Future.
Career
Bennett embarked on his career as a DJ and hype man for the Odd Future collective, contributing to live performances and projects like the Adult Swim series Loiter Squad.
Transition to acting
Transitioning from his career with Odd Future, Bennett ventured into acting. He gained recognition for his part as Elz in the FX comedy series Dave, portraying the childhood friend and music producer of the main character, Dave Burd, also known as Lil Dicky. This marked his initial steps into the world of acting. Subsequently, Bennett made an appearance as the son of Eddie Murphy's character in the movie You People.
Filmography
Television
Films
Music videos
Discography
Featured songs
Other appearances
References
- ^June, Sophia (April 12, 2023). "Travis Bennett Is Unbothered". Nylon. Retrieved August 18, 2023.
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- Travis bennett net worth