Channing Tatum

Early life and education

Channing Matthew Tatum was born on April 26, 1980, in Cullman, Alabama, to Kay Tatum (née Faust), an airline worker, and Glenn Tatum, a construction worker. He has a sister named Paige. He is of Irish, French, and German ancestry. His family moved to Gautier, Mississippi, in the Pascagoula area, when he was six. Until he was ten years old, he lived in a rural setting near the bayous along the Pascagoula River.

Tatum has discussed having dealt with attention deficit disorder (ADD) and dyslexia while growing up, which affected his ability to do well in school. In his youth, Tatum participated in football, soccer, track, baseball, and wuzuquan kung fu.

Tatum spent most of his teenage years in the Tampa area, where he initially attended Gaither High School. His parents wanted more effort and gave him the option of selecting a private high school or attending a military school; he chose Tampa Catholic High School, where he graduated in 1998 and was voted most athletic. He later attended Glenville State College in Glenville, West Virginia on a football scholarship, but dropped out.

Us Weekly reported that around this time Tatum left his job as a roofer and began working as a stripper at a local nightclub under the name "Chan Crawford". In 2010, he told an Australian newspaper that he wanted to make a film about his experiences as a stripper. That idea led to the film Magic Mike.

Career

2000s

In 2000, Tatum was first cast as a dancer in Ricky Martin's "She Bangs" music video, after an audition in Orlando, Florida; he was paid $400 for the job. His experience in the fashion industry began as a model working for noted clients such as Armani and Abercrombie & Fitch. He soon moved into television commercials, landing national spots for Mountain Dew and Pepsi in 2002. He subsequently signed with Page 305 (Page Parkes Modeling Agency), a modeling agency in Miami. He was cast by Al David for Vogue magazine and soon after appeared in campaigns for Abercrombie & Fitch, Nautica, Dolce & Gabbana, American Eagle Outfitters, and Emporio Armani. He was picked as one of Tear Sheet magazine's "50 Most Beautiful Faces" of October 2001. Tatum signed with Ford Models in New York City.[[File:Channing-Tatum-Unwrapped-Fighting-Press-Junket-04-2009.jpg|thumb|upright|left|Tatum in 2009]] In 2006, Tatum starred in She's The Man opposite Amanda Bynes, which was named "the greatest Shakespeare adaptation since '10 Things I Hate About You'" by Business Insider. Later that year, Tatum starred opposite his future wife Jenna Dewan in Step Up, which was his breakout role. Although it was widely panned, it has earned $115 million worldwide.

In 2008, Tatum co-starred in director Kimberly Peirce's film Stop-Loss, about soldiers returning home from the Iraq War, and in director Stuart Townsend's film Battle in Seattle, about the 1999 protest of the World Trade Organization meeting in Seattle. Tatum played in the short film The Trap, directed by Rita Wilson.

Tatum and Dito Montiel, who worked together on A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints, reteamed on the action drama Fighting for Rogue Pictures. He starred as Shawn MacArthur, a young man who starts out selling counterfeit goods in New York City. He next appeared in writer/director/producer Michael Mann's 2009 crime drama Public Enemies, playing the 1930s American gangster Pretty Boy Floyd. The same year, Tatum starred as Duke in G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra, Paramount Pictures' live-action film based on the popular Hasbro action figures. He was initially reluctant to take the role as he feared the film would glorify war, but overcame his reluctance after reading the script. He played a soldier in Dear John, a film based on the popular Nicholas Sparks bestseller. He later said that he accepted the role to learn from director Lasse Hallström because he never studied at an acting school.

2010s

In 2012, Tatum hosted Saturday Night Live and appeared in four films. He co-starred in Steven Soderbergh's action-thriller Haywire, The Vow with Rachel McAdams, and 21 Jump Street (film adaptation of TV series of the same name) with Jonah Hill.

Tatum also starred in Magic Mike, a film based on his eight-month experience as a stripper in Florida. The film was directed by Soderbergh, was co-produced by Tatum and Soderbergh, and starred Tatum as Mike. He is a featured performer at a Tampa, Florida, male strip club who takes a younger dancer (Alex Pettyfer) under his wing to show him how to hustle "on and off stage". The film's cast also included Matt Bomer, Joe Manganiello, and Matthew McConaughey.[[File:Channing Tatum (19276524319).jpg|thumb|upright=0.85|Tatum at the 2015 [[Warner Bros.]] & [[Hoyts]] red carpet Arena Premiere of [[Magic Mike XXL]]]] Tatum appeared in Steven Soderbergh's Side Effects, with Rooney Mara and Jude Law. He reprised his role as Conrad S. Hauser / Duke in G.I. Joe: Retaliation, the sequel to 2009's G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra, in an ensemble cast that included Dwayne Johnson and Bruce Willis. Originally scheduled for release on June 29, 2012, the film was pushed back to March 2013 to convert it to 3D and to add more scenes for his character, who was killed at the beginning of the film. Tatum later said he had not wanted to appear in the sequel and was happy his character had been killed off. Also in 2013, he appeared in another action film, White House Down.

Tatum reprised his role from 21 Jump Street in its sequel, 22 Jump Street, which was released on June 13, 2014. Also in 2014, he co-starred with Steve Carell in Foxcatcher, the story of John du Pont, who had schizophrenia and killed Olympic wrestler Dave Schultz, the brother of the character played by Tatum, who also had won Olympic gold. In 2015, Tatum starred in Magic Mike XXL, reprising his 2012 role.

2020s

Tatum was set to star as X-Men character Remy LeBeau / Gambit in a solo film, set within the X-Men film universe, which he would have produced, but the film was cancelled in May 2019 after languishing in development hell since 2014. Tatum eventually appeared as Gambit in the Marvel Cinematic Universe film Deadpool & Wolverine (2024). He is set to reprise this role in Avengers: Doomsday (2026). In 2022, Tatum made his directing debut on Dog, a road-trip comedy tracking a former Army Ranger and his dog that he starred in and co-helmed with regular collaborator Reid Carolin. The same year, he starred opposite Sandra Bullock in the Paramount Pictures romantic action adventure film The Lost City.

In 2023, Tatum returned as Mike Lane in Magic Mike's Last Dance with Steven Soderbergh as director. The film was set for an exclusive premiere on HBO Max, but it was instead released in theaters on February 10, 2023.

Tatum starred in Zoë Kravitz's directorial debut film Blink Twice (2024), portraying a tech billionaire.

Tatum's performance as a conman with a heart-of-gold in the 2025 film Roofman has garnered him the "best reviews of his career."

Other ventures

Business

In October 2012, Tatum and a friend opened the Saints and Sinners burlesque-themed restaurant and bar in New Orleans, which remained open until 2024.

Production companies

In an interview with Details magazine, published in early 2012, Tatum said he wants to produce all the films he stars in, "I really don't want to be in any more movies that I don't produce. Unless it's with one of the 10 directors that I really want to work with, I don't have any interest in not being on the ground floor of creating it." He, his then-wife Jenna Dewan, and their production partner Reid Carolin signed a two-year production deal in 2010 with Relativity Media for any films they may develop during that time.

Tatum started two production companies, 33andOut Productions and Iron Horse Entertainment. Their first production was the 2010 documentary Earth Made of Glass. In 2021, another one of his production companies, Free Association, signed a first look deal with MGM.

Writing

Tatum has written two picture books inspired by his daughter. The first, The One and Only Sparkella (2021), was a #1 New York Times bestseller for children's picture books the week it published. The One and Only Sparkella Makes a Plan was published in 2022.

Influence

Tatum was named People's "Sexiest Man Alive" in 2012 and one of Time's 100 most influential people in the world in 2022.

Political views

In October 2023, Tatum signed the Artists4Ceasefire open letter to President Joe Biden calling for a ceasefire during the Gaza war.

Personal life

In 2006, Tatum met actress Jenna Dewan on the set of their film Step Up, and they married on July 11, 2009, in Malibu, California. They have one daughter, born in 2013. On April 2, 2018, the couple announced they were separating. Six months later, Dewan filed for divorce from Tatum. The divorce was finalized in November 2019. In a 2023 interview with Vanity Fair, Tatum questioned whether he would ever remarry, though said his divorce prompted self-improvement, including a strong relationship with his daughter.

Tatum dated English singer Jessie J from 2018 to 2020. In 2021, Tatum started dating Zoë Kravitz and, by 2023, the couple were engaged. The engagement was called off in October 2024.

In April 2025, it was confirmed that Tatum is in a relationship with model Inka Williams.

Filmography

Film

Television

Producer

Music videos

Awards and nominations

Main article: List of awards and nominations received by Channing Tatum

References

References

1. (2013). "Monitor".
2. ggarrison@al.com, Greg Garrison {{!}}. (2018-04-23). "Channing Tatum: 'anywhere they say y'all, that's where I call home'".
3. (September 7, 2008). "Channing Tatum Is Engaged". [[People (magazine).
4. (July 16, 2009). "Channing Tatum: The G.I. Joe star is ready for action". Elle.
5. "Channing Tatum & Jamie Bell fun interview for The Eagle".
6. "Channing Tatum Video of the Week: Chan's New 'Fighting' Interview on CW's New York Morning News".
7. Perez, Mary. (August 23, 2024). "Channing Tatum talks on 'Tonight Show' about growing up on MS Coast. Here's what he said". [[Sun Herald]].
8. (January 12, 2010). "In the press: Channing Tatum Covers February 2010 Details".
9. Salamone, Gina. (April 19, 2009). "Channing Tatum: New star puts up his dukes in 'Fighting' and his Duke in 'G.I. Joe'". [[Daily News (New York).
10. "Channing Tatum biography". movies.yahoo.com.
11. DePaulo, Lisa. (July 2009). "Channing Tatum Won the Lottery".
12. (August 11, 2009). "Video: Channing Tatum's Sizzling Stripper Past". [[PerezHilton.com]].
13. Ethan Sacks. (June 18, 2012). "Channing Tatum's former stripper buds slam 'Magic Mike' star". New York Daily News.
14. Waterhouse, Kate. (January 18, 2010). "Channing Tatum's stripper past". The Sydney Morning Herald.
15. Albertson, Cammila. "Channing Tatum — Overview". [[Allmovie]].
16. "Channing Tatum". models.com.
17. Renfro, Kim. "'She's the Man' is the greatest modern Shakespearean remake". Business Insider.
18. Kroll, Katy. (June 28, 2013). "Channing Tatum's 10 Best Roles".
19. "Rita Wilson". womensconference.org.
20. Frosty. (March 16, 2008). "Channing Tatum talks G.I. JOE and PUBLIC ENEMIES". Collider.com.
21. Ebert, Roger. (February 3, 2010). "War as a plot device so we can feel good about feeling bad".
22. Nudd, Tim. (January 12, 2012). "Channing Tatum: 'I Know I'm Not the Best Actor'". [[People (magazine).
23. (February 5, 2012). "Saturday Night Live Recap". Channing Tatum Unwrapped.
24. (November 10, 2010). "Tatum 21 Jump Street". Channing Tatum Unwrapped.
25. Fleming, Mike Jr.. (April 29, 2011). "Hold Off on the Retirement Party! Steven Soderbergh Takes on New Pic Inspired by Channing Tatum's Stripper Days".
26. Arbeiter, Michael. (January 30, 2012). "Rooney Mara Joins Channing Tatum, Jude Law in Steven Soderbergh's 'Side Effects'".
27. Finke, Nikki. (May 29, 2012). "Big Problems Behind 'G.I. Joe 2's Big Delay".
28. Vilanova, John. (June 13, 2014). "'22 Jump Street': We bro out with Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum".
29. Kit, Borys. (May 14, 2012). "Channing Tatum in Talks to Star in 'White House Down'". [[The Hollywood Reporter]].
30. (March 16, 2012). "Sony books '21 Jump Street' sequel". [[Reed Business Information]].
31. Zeitchik, Steven. (October 18, 2011). "Channing Tatum, Steve Carell costar and ...Oscar contender?".
32. (May 13, 2014). "Channing Tatum to Play Gambit in X-Men Spinoff".
33. Fleming, Mike Jr.. (October 31, 2014). "Channing Tatum's 'X-Men' Character 'Gambit' Spinoff Moving Forward".
34. Lawrence, Derek. (October 12, 2017). "Channing Tatum's X-Men spin-off Gambit lands director, release date".
35. Goldberg, Matt. (May 7, 2019). "'Gambit' Is Dead; Disney Drops the X-Men Spinoff from the Schedule".
36. D'Alessandro, Anthony. (2025-03-26). "'Avengers: Doomsday' Cast Includes 'X-Men' OGs Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, James Marsden, Alan Cumming Rebecca Romijn, Kelsey Grammer & Gambit Channing Tatum, More – Update".
37. (November 5, 2019). "Channing Tatum To Star As Army Ranger In Road-Trip Comedy 'Dog' & Co-Direct With Reid Carolin – AFM".
38. (December 28, 2020). "Channing Tatum in Final Talks to Join Sandra Bullock in 'The Lost City of D' (EXCLUSIVE)".
39. Kroll, Justin. (November 29, 2021). "Channing Tatum And Steven Soderbergh Return For 'Magic Mike's Last Dance' At Warner Bros.". Deadline Hollywood.
40. Vlessing, Etan. (September 16, 2022). "'Magic Mike's Last Dance' Pivots from HBO Max to February 2023 Theatrical Release".
41. Fleming, Mike Jr.. (June 15, 2021). "Zoë Kravitz To Make Directing Debut On 'Pussy Island'; Channing Tatum Playing Tech Billionaire With Mysterious Tropical Island: Hot Cannes Package". Deadline Hollywood.
42. McNeal, Bria. (August 1, 2024). "Blink Twice: Everything We Know".
43. Feinberg, Scott. (2025-10-07). "'Awards Chatter' Podcast: Channing Tatum on 'Roofman,' Stripping and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome".
44. (June 4, 2024). "Channing Tatum's Bourbon Street Bar Closes After 12 Years".
45. (January 11, 2012}}{{dead link). "Channing Tatum's production plan". The Press Association.
46. McClintock, Pamela. (December 3, 2010). "Relativity inks deal with Channing Tatum". [[Variety (magazine).
47. "33andout Productions, Inc.". Channingtatumunwrapped.com.
48. "Iron Horse Entertainment, LLC". Channingtatumunwrapped.com.
49. Galuppo, Mia. (March 3, 2021). "Channing Tatum Shingle Free Association Signs First Look Deal With MGM".
50. "Children's Picture Books - Best Sellers - Books - May 23, 2021 - The New York Times". The New York Times.
51. "The One and Only Sparkella Makes a Plan".
52. Last, Colleen. (November 13, 2012). "Channing Tatum is People's Sexiest Man Alive". [[MSN]].
53. McConaughey, Matthew. (May 23, 2022). "The 100 Most Influential People of 2022: Channing Tatum".
54. "Artists Call for Ceasefire Now".
55. "CONGRATS to the New Mr. and Mrs. Tatum!!!". Channing Tatum official website.
56. Galla, Brittany. (June 2, 2013). "Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan-Tatum's Baby: It's a Girl!". Us Weekly.
57. "Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan Split After Nearly 9 Years of Marriage". People.
58. Vulpo, Mike. (October 26, 2018). "Jenna Dewan Files for Divorce From Channing Tatum".
59. (November 20, 2019). "Channing Tatum, Jenna Dewan Are Legally Single, Divorce Final". [[TMZ]].
60. Juneau, Jen. (January 17, 2023). "Channing Tatum Says His Divorce from Jenna Dewan Was 'Super Scary and Terrifying' at First".
61. Hautman, Nicholas. (December 19, 2019). "Channing Tatum and Jessie J Split After More Than 1 Year Together". [[American Media, Inc.]].
62. Heller, Corinne. (January 25, 2020). "Jessie J Professes Love for Channing Tatum and Shares PDA Video After Instagram Drama".
63. Booth, Jessica. "Channing Tatum and Jessie J split after dating on and off for almost 2 years. Here's a timeline of their relationship.".
64. Hearon, Sarah. (September 14, 2021). "Channing Tatum and Zoe Kravitz's Relationship Timeline".
65. (November 1, 2023). "Channing Tatum and Zoe Kravitz engaged - US media".
66. Smart, Jack. (October 29, 2024). "Channing Tatum and Zoë Kravitz Split After 3 Years Together, Call Off Engagement".
67. Juneau, Jen. (April 28, 2025). "Channing Tatum and Girlfriend Inka Williams Go Instagram Official as She Shares PDA-Filled Birthday Tribute".
68. "Channing Tatum (visual voices guide)". Behind The Voice Actors.
69. (May 15, 2016). "Channing Tatum Spotted Filming Kingsman: The Golden Circle!".
70. Darney, Caroline. (July 24, 2024). "The 6 most mind-blowing cameos in Deadpool & Wolverine". [[USA Today]].
71. P, Maddie. (24 April 2024). "What's Going on With Channing Tatum in Zoë Kravitz's Directorial Debut, 'Blink Twice'?".
72. Donnelly, Matt. (January 25, 2025). "Channing Tatum Surprises Sundance With Secret Role in 'Atropia'".
73. Tangcay, Jazz. (August 11, 2025). "Channing Tatum and Rebecca Wang Join 'Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle' English Dub Cast (EXCLUSIVE)".