Dallas Dupree Young is a rising American actor who has captured the hearts of millions through his emotionally powerful portrayal of Kenny Payne in Netflix’s globally acclaimed series Cobra Kai.
Born into an athletic dynasty, his father is MLB legend Eric Young Sr. and his older brother is former MLB player Eric Young Jr., Dallas defied family expectations by swapping cleats for a camera, becoming one of the most exciting young talents in Hollywood today.
His journey from Houston to Netflix fame is a story of unexpected passion, natural talent, and relentless dedication.
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Dallas Dupree Young: History · Bio · Photo
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| Wiki Facts & About Data | |
| Full Name: | Dallas Dupree Young |
| Born: | October 25, 2006 |
| Age: | 19 years old |
| Birthplace: | Houston, Texas, USA |
| Nationality: | American |
| Occupation: | Actor |
| Parents: | Eric Young Sr. (father), Beyonka Jackson (mother) |
| Siblings: | Eric Young Jr. (older brother) |
| Net Worth: | Approximately $1 million |
Early Life
Dallas Dupree Young was born on October 25, 2006, in Houston, Texas. He was born into a family where athletic excellence was not just a tradition, it was a dynasty. His father, Eric Young Sr., had an illustrious 15-year career in Major League Baseball, playing for teams including the Colorado Rockies, Los Angeles Dodgers, and New York Mets. His older brother, Eric Young Jr., also played professional MLB baseball. Both men have served as first base coaches in the major leagues, with Eric Young Sr. joining the Atlanta Braves coaching staff in 2018.
Growing up surrounded by professional athletes, Dallas naturally dreamed of following the same path. He idolized his father and brother and aspired to play for the Colorado Rockies just as they had. He played baseball and also loved basketball and football. Between the ages of 5 and 6, he studied karate, which would later prove unexpectedly useful in his acting career. He also took kickboxing lessons.
The turning point in Dallas’s life came when a neighbor noticed his personality and expressiveness and encouraged his family to consider acting for him. Initially reluctant, he was certain baseball was his destiny, Dallas’s curiosity eventually won out. He grew up watching shows like Family Matters, Hannah Montana, and Jessie, and began to see himself in those characters. He credits Denzel Washington as his biggest influence and inspiration in the acting world.
Education
Dallas Dupree Young has balanced his education with an active acting career since childhood.
He has remained committed to his studies throughout his rise to fame, with his parents ensuring that academics were prioritized alongside his professional commitments. Specific details about the schools he has attended have not been publicly disclosed, consistent with his family’s desire to protect his personal life.
Career
Early Career (2015–2020)
Dallas began his acting career at age 9, appearing in a short film. He soon met talent scout Diana Horner, who recognized his potential and invited him to an acting showcase in Los Angeles. There, he met a manager who immediately introduced him to an agent, and Dallas began booking jobs rapidly. He filmed his audition for Murder Among Friends (Investigation Discovery) on his manager’s front lawn and landed the role the very next day.
He went on to appear in episodes of popular series including Shameless, The Mayor, The Good Place (as Young Uzo), and the Freeform family drama The Fosters as a recurring character named Corey. His first leading television role came in 2018 when he was cast as Stuart in the Nickelodeon sitcom Cousins for Life, a role that established him as a reliable, charming lead performer. He also had a small but noteworthy appearance in Steven Spielberg’s blockbuster Ready Player One (2018), and a recurring role in Netflix’s The Big Show Show in 2020.
Cobra Kai (2021–2025)
Dallas’s most significant career breakthrough came in 2021 when he was cast as Kenny Payne in Netflix’s critically acclaimed martial arts series Cobra Kai, the sequel series to the iconic Karate Kid film franchise. At just 15 years old, he was the youngest member of the main cast. Kenny Payne is a middle-school student who faces relentless bullying before finding empowerment through karate, joining the Cobra Kai dojo under the influence of Robby Keene. Over seasons 4 through 6 (2021–2025), Kenny’s arc evolved from a vulnerable newcomer to a more aggressive, morally complex fighter grappling with themes of identity, redemption, and loyalty.
To prepare for the role, Dallas trained extensively in martial arts and studied legendary martial artists including Bruce Lee and Wesley Snipes to develop his fighting technique for the show’s intense choreography. His performance was widely praised for its authenticity, emotional depth, and physical commitment. Critics called his work in the role “surprisingly mature” for such a young performer, and his character Kenny quickly became a fan favorite among Cobra Kai‘s global audience.
Film Work
Outside of television, Dallas starred as the lead character Tommy in the coming-of-age drama 1-800-Hot-Nite (2022, directed by Nick Richey), a film about a 13-year-old boy who runs away after his father goes to jail. The film received positive critical notices and showcased a deeper, more serious side of Dallas’s acting capabilities. He also played Young Willie Mays Aikens in the 2022 biopic The Royal.
Personal Life
Dallas Dupree Young keeps his personal life private, consistent with his age and his family’s protective approach to his upbringing. He remains committed to balancing education and career, often speaking in interviews about the importance of staying grounded.
He is a self-confessed fan of superhero films and the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and has cited Chadwick Boseman and Michael B. Jordan as personal acting inspirations. He has expressed interest in eventually directing and producing as well as acting.
Net Worth
Dallas Dupree Young’s estimated net worth is approximately $1 million as of 2025.
His income is derived from his roles on major productions including Cousins for Life, Cobra Kai, and his film appearances. Given his trajectory and the global reach of Cobra Kai, his net worth is expected to grow significantly in the coming years.
Filmography
| Murder Among Friends | 2016 | TV Documentary |
| The Good Place | 2017–2019 | TV – Young Uzo (recurring) |
| Ready Player One | 2018 | Film – Elementary Kid |
| Cousins for Life | 2018–2019 | TV – Stuart (lead) |
| The Fosters | 2018 | TV – Corey (recurring) |
| 9-1-1 | 2020 | TV – Bryce |
| The Big Show Show | 2020 | TV – Recurring |
| Cobra Kai | 2021–2025 | TV – Kenny Payne (main cast) |
| 1-800-Hot-Nite | 2022 | Film – Tommy (lead) |
| The Royal | 2022 | Film – Young Willie Mays Aikens |
FAQs
Who is Dallas Dupree Young?
Dallas Dupree Young is an American actor born October 25, 2006, in Houston, Texas. He is best known for playing Kenny Payne in Netflix’s Cobra Kai.
Who is Dallas Dupree Young’s father?
His father is Eric Young Sr., a former Major League Baseball player and current first base coach with the Atlanta Braves.
How old is Dallas Dupree Young?
He was born on October 25, 2006, making him 18 years old as of 2025.
What is Kenny Payne’s story in Cobra Kai?
Kenny Payne is a middle-school student who initially suffers from bullying and joins the Cobra Kai dojo for protection, gradually becoming a more aggressive fighter whose moral journey forms a central arc across multiple seasons.
Conclusion
Dallas Dupree Young is one of Hollywood’s most exciting young talents, a teenager who chose artistry over athletic legacy and has already built an impressive body of work that belies his years.
His role in Cobra Kai gave him a global platform, and his film work in 1-800-Hot-Nite demonstrated real dramatic depth.
Born into a family of champions, Dallas is charting his own championship path, just on a very different kind of field. The best of his career is undeniably still ahead.
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