Dylan Minnette, the former *13 Reasons Why* star, has been the subject of intense fan curiosity, not just for his dramatic acting roles, but also for his on-screen appearances—or lack thereof—of a shirt. This article, updated for December 2025, dives deep into the viral moments that sparked the internet's interest, from his defining role as Clay Jensen to his deliberate shift away from acting to focus entirely on his music career with the band Wallows.
The conversation around Minnette’s physique and clothing choices continues to evolve, especially as he trades the Hollywood red carpet for the indie rock stage. We explore the one major shirtless scene that defined his early career, his current fitness routine, and the recent public controversy over his casual attire at a high-profile movie event, all while tracking his exciting 2025 touring schedule with Wallows.
Dylan Minnette: Full Biography and Profile
Dylan Christopher Minnette is an American musician and former actor who has successfully transitioned his public life from a teen drama star to the co-frontman of a successful alternative rock band.
- Full Name: Dylan Christopher Minnette
- Date of Birth: December 29, 1996
- Age (as of December 2025): 28
- Birthplace: Evansville, Indiana, U.S.
- Primary Occupation: Musician (Co-lead singer, rhythm guitarist for Wallows)
- Best Known For (Acting): Clay Jensen in the Netflix series *13 Reasons Why* (2017–2020)
- Other Major Roles: Alex in *Prisoners* (2013), Zach Cooper in *Goosebumps* (2015), Wes Hicks in *Scream 5* (2022) [cite: 4, 6 from step 2, 12 from step 2]
- Band: Wallows (with Braeden Lemasters and Cole Preston) [cite: 1 from step 2, 9 from step 2]
- Current Focus (2025): Wallows' "Model & More Tour" [cite: 1 from step 1, 3 from step 1]
The Viral 'No Shirt' Moments: From Clay Jensen to the Red Carpet Controversy
While Dylan Minnette is not known for regularly posting gym selfies or flaunting his body, two distinct moments have driven the public's search for "Dylan Minnette no shirt" content: a key scene in his most famous TV show and a recent controversy over his red-carpet style.
The Defining Scene in *13 Reasons Why*
The most prominent instance of Minnette shirtless comes from his time as Clay Jensen on the hit Netflix series *13 Reasons Why*. [cite: 6 from step 1] Throughout the show, Minnette's character, Clay, is generally portrayed as an anxious, introverted student, making the few scenes that show him without a shirt particularly noteworthy to fans. [cite: 7 from step 1]
The scene, often circulated online, provided a glimpse of the actor's lean, natural physique, which contrasted with the highly muscular builds often seen in other teen dramas. [cite: 2 from step 2] This appearance sparked discussions about the actor's fitness routine, which, according to various reports, included daily kickboxing sessions at a fighting gym to help him maintain a lean body and stay super-fit. [cite: 2 from step 2, 17 from step 2]
The 'Sweater Shirt' Red Carpet Defense
In a bizarre twist, the "no shirt" conversation was recently amplified by a moment where Minnette *was* wearing a shirt—but it wasn't formal enough for some critics. Following a photo call for the movie *Scream 5*, Minnette received backlash for his casual attire, which included a blue shirt and black jeans, while his co-stars wore suits. [cite: 12 from step 1]
Minnette publicly defended his choice, clarifying that the item was a "sweater shirt, not a t-shirt," and that he simply preferred to dress comfortably, a sentiment that aligns with his shift away from the rigid formalities of Hollywood. [cite: 11 from step 1, 15 from step 1] This incident highlighted the intense scrutiny Minnette faces regarding his appearance, whether he is wearing a shirt or not.
The Musical Focus: Wallows and the 2025 Tour
The most compelling and current news surrounding Dylan Minnette is his dedication to his band, Wallows. This transition is not a temporary break; Minnette has been very open about why he stepped away from acting. [cite: 3 from step 2, 10 from step 2]
The Shift from Acting to Music
In a recent interview on the Zach Sang Show, Minnette explained that his acting career, despite its success, began to feel like a "traditional job" and was creatively restrictive. [cite: 13 from step 2, 15 from step 2] He stated that he finds "more joy" and a greater sense of creative fulfillment in making music with Wallows. [cite: 13 from step 2] While he insists he hasn't "quit" acting entirely and feels he still has "something to give," his primary focus has unequivocally shifted to the alternative rock scene. [cite: 7 from step 2, 10 from step 2]
Wallows’ Latest Projects and the 2025 Tour
The band, composed of Minnette (co-lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Braeden Lemasters (co-lead vocals, guitar), and Cole Preston (drums), is highly active in late 2024 and throughout 2025. [cite: 1 from step 2, 5 from step 2, 9 from step 2]
Key Wallows milestones and entities include:
- Debut Album: *Nothing Happens* (2019) [cite: 5 from step 2]
- New Music: Wallows kicked off 2025 with a new single, "Your New Favorite Song," demonstrating their growth in music production. [cite: 10 from step 1]
- 2025 Tour: The band is scheduled for the "Model & More Tour," with concert dates extending into 2025 and 2026, including a show at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre in February 2025. [cite: 1 from step 1, 3 from step 1]
This tour schedule confirms that Minnette is fully immersed in his life as a musician, with the focus shifting from his on-screen appearance to his vocal delivery and stage presence. [cite: 10 from step 1]
Dylan Minnette's Future: Will He Return to the Screen?
Despite the strong commitment to Wallows, the door to acting remains open. Minnette has acknowledged his fortunate position and has not completely ruled out a return to film or television. [cite: 10 from step 2, 15 from step 2] His last major film appearance was as Wes Hicks in the successful 2022 reboot of the *Scream* franchise. [cite: 7 from step 2]
For now, fans of Minnette's acting, who were drawn to his nuanced performances in projects like *Prisoners* and *Lost*, will have to follow his musical journey. The current narrative is clear: Dylan Minnette is prioritizing creative satisfaction and the indie rock scene over the demands of Hollywood, making his 2025 tour the best place to catch a glimpse of the star, shirt or not.
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