When \"13 Reasons Why\" concluded in 2020 after four intense seasons, Dylan Minnette’s portrayal of Clay Jensen left a lasting impression on audiences worldwide. The role catapulted him into mainstream recognition, but rather than chasing more high-profile TV roles, Minnette made deliberate choices that reflect his multifaceted passions. Since the show’s finale, he has focused on music, selective acting projects, and maintaining a grounded personal life away from Hollywood’s spotlight. His post-\"13 Reasons Why\" journey reveals an artist committed to authenticity over fame.
Music Takes Center Stage: Wallows’ Rise
Long before \"13 Reasons Why,\" Minnette was immersed in music. He co-founded the indie rock band Wallows in 2011 with childhood friends Braeden Lemasters and Cole Preston. What began as a creative outlet during downtime on film sets evolved into a full-fledged musical career. After the conclusion of the Netflix series, Minnette shifted focus toward Wallows, releasing two critically acclaimed studio albums: Tell Me That It’s Over (2022) and Nothing Happens (2019).
The band blends nostalgic guitar tones with modern synth-pop sensibilities, earning praise for tracks like “Are You Bored Yet?” featuring Clairo and “OK.” Wallows have performed at major festivals such as Coachella, Lollapalooza, and Governor’s Ball, showcasing their growing influence in the alternative music scene.
Wallows’ Key Releases Post-2020
| Year | Album/EP | Notable Tracks |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Remote (EP) | \"Talk Like That\", \"Especially You\" |
| 2022 | Tell Me That It’s Over | \"I’m Full\", \"Marvelous\", \"Hold On\" |
| 2023 | Various Singles | \"At the End of the Day\", \"Pulling Leaves Off Trees\" |
Minnette serves as lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist, contributing significantly to songwriting. In interviews, he emphasizes that music allows him a level of emotional expression not always possible through acting.
“Music feels more personal. With acting, you’re interpreting someone else’s words. With songs, it’s your truth — even if it’s disguised in metaphor.” — Dylan Minnette, NME Interview (2022)
Acting: Selective Roles with Depth
While Minnette stepped back from leading man roles on television, he hasn’t abandoned acting. Instead, he’s chosen projects that challenge him creatively and avoid typecasting as the brooding teen hero.
In 2022, he starred in the horror-thriller Don’t Move, directed by Adam Schindler. The film follows a paralyzed woman (played by Katee Sackhoff) being stalked by a killer while stranded on a remote hillside. Minnette plays a troubled young man who becomes entangled in her desperate fight for survival. The role demanded physical intensity and psychological nuance, marking a departure from Clay Jensen’s introspective demeanor.
He also appeared in the 2023 independent drama Side Effects, which explores the impact of prescription medication on youth mental health — a theme resonant with his work on \"13 Reasons Why.\" Though the film received limited theatrical release, critics noted Minnette’s restrained performance as a teenager navigating identity and dependency.
Why He Chooses Smaller Projects
- Creative control: Indie films often allow actors more input in character development.
- Avoiding burnout: After five years on a demanding series, Minnette values balance.
- Staying challenged: He seeks roles that push him beyond emotional trauma tropes.
Life Beyond the Screen: Privacy and Personal Growth
Unlike many young stars who leverage fame into social media empires, Minnette maintains a notably low profile. He avoids sharing personal details online and rarely posts on Instagram or Twitter. This intentional privacy reflects a desire to separate art from persona.
In a rare 2023 interview with Rolling Stone, he explained: “I don’t want people to know too much about me. The mystery keeps the work interesting. When you see me act or hear a song, I want you to project your own feelings onto it — not think about my breakfast or my vacation.”
Friends and collaborators describe him as introspective and disciplined. He reportedly spends time hiking in Southern California, reading philosophy, and practicing guitar daily. These habits suggest a young man prioritizing inner stability over external validation.
Timeline of Dylan Minnette’s Career After 2020
- 2020: \"13 Reasons Why\" concludes; Wallows release singles amid pandemic delays.
- 2021: Wallows drop EP Remote; Minnette begins filming Don’t Move.
- 2022: Release of Tell Me That It’s Over; Don’t Move premieres at Screamfest.
- 2023: Star in indie film Side Effects; Wallows tour North America and Europe.
- 2024: Rumors surface of a potential third Wallows album; Minnette remains noncommittal about future acting roles.
Expert Insight: Balancing Dual Careers
Navigating both music and acting is rare in Hollywood, where specialization often leads to greater visibility. Yet Minnette’s path aligns with a growing trend among Gen Z artists who reject rigid labels.
“Young creatives today don’t want to be boxed in. Dylan represents a new model — one where music and acting aren’t competing paths, but complementary expressions of self.” — Lena Torres, Entertainment Industry Analyst at Vulture Insights
This dual focus requires discipline. Touring conflicts with filming schedules, and vocal strain from concerts can affect on-set performances. But Minnette’s team reportedly coordinates tightly between Wallows’ label and talent agents to ensure sustainable pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dylan Minnette still acting?
Yes, but selectively. He continues to take on film roles, particularly in independent or genre-driven projects like thrillers and dramas. However, he has not pursued another long-term TV series since \"13 Reasons Why.\"
What is Dylan Minnette’s band called?
He is the lead singer of Wallows, an indie rock band formed in Los Angeles with childhood friends Braeden Lemasters and Cole Preston. They’ve released multiple EPs and two full-length albums since 2018.
Will Wallows release a new album soon?
As of mid-2024, there is no official release date, but the band has teased new material during live shows and posted studio snippets online. Fans anticipate an announcement later this year.
Action Plan: How Dylan Minnette Manages Multiple Passions
For aspiring artists juggling different creative outlets, Minnette’s approach offers a practical blueprint:
- 1. Set clear priorities per season
- Alternate focus between music and acting annually to avoid burnout.
- 2. Protect personal time
- Limits social media use and public appearances to preserve mental space.
- 3. Collaborate with trusted peers
- Works consistently with the same bandmates and production teams for continuity.
- 4. Choose meaningful projects
- Selects roles and songs that resonate personally, not just commercially.
- 5. Embrace evolution
- Allows his sound and image to mature naturally without forced reinvention.
Conclusion: A Quiet Evolution
Dylan Minnette’s path after \"13 Reasons Why\" defies conventional celebrity trajectories. Rather than capitalizing on fame with reality shows or blockbuster franchises, he’s chosen depth over visibility. Through Wallows, he channels raw emotion into music that connects with listeners on a visceral level. In film, he picks stories that confront difficult truths about youth, mental health, and identity. And in private life, he guards his peace with quiet determination.
His journey reminds us that success isn’t always measured in headlines or follower counts. Sometimes, it’s found in the consistency of creation, the courage to say no, and the willingness to grow slowly, authentically, and on one’s own terms.








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