Photo:Christopher Polk/ACMA2014/Getty
Christopher Polk/ACMA2014/Getty
Taylor Swift’s brother Austin is one of the singer’s “best pals.”
Born toparents Andrea and Scott Swifton March 11, 1992, Austin grew up alongside the Grammy winner on their family’s Christmas tree farm in rural Pennsylvania. When he was around 9 years old, they relocated to Nashville in order to support Taylor’s budding music career.
“She found singing, and I knew from very early on that that was her direction,” he toldVanity Fairin 2017. “She was never going to quit; that was her thing, that was her life.”
As he searched for his own passion, he found himself frequently engrossed in movies. He went on to study film at the University of Notre Dame, where he tried his hand at acting for the first time.
“I’m pretty reserved in most circumstances, so [acting] never seemed like it would be a good fit,” Austin told PEOPLE in April 2018. “But Ikind of got thrust into itand realized that it could be an opportunity to be creative.”
With a handful of acting and producing credits now under his belt, Austin is making a name for himself in Hollywood and beyond.
So, who is Taylor Swift’s brother? From his acting debut to the sweet ways he and his sister have supported each other over the years, here’s everything to know about Austin Swift.
He’s a major film buff
Paul Archuleta/Getty
Much like his older sister, Austin felt like a bit of an outcast growing up. Early on in high school, he weighed 250 lbs. and had very few friends, as he toldVanity Fair. Ultimately, he found companionship at the movie theater.
“I would go to the movies, andDaniel Craigwas my friend, andChristian Balewas my friend, and Clive Owen was my friend, andViggo Mortensenwas my friend,” he told the outlet.
His love of film led him to theUniversity of Notre Dame, where he first began to explore acting. In 2015, he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in film studies.
Austin’s film preference skews towards sci-fi, he told PEOPLE in 2018. Some of his all-time favorite films includeTop Gun,GoldenEyeandThe Empire Strikes Back.
He’s an actor and producer
Tommaso Boddi/FilmMagic
Over the next two years, Austin landed a handful of other notable roles in films, includingCover VersionsandWe Summon the Darkness,the latter of whichhe also co-produced. In 2019, he starred oppositeTom Feltonin the comedyBraking for Whales.
In addition to his acting roles, Austin has racked up a handful of production credits for his sister over the past few years. He’s listed as an executive producer on her Disney+ documentaryFolklore: The Long Pond Sessions, as well as on her “I Bet You Think About Me (Taylor’s Version)” music video.
He shares his sister’s famous work ethic
Taylor Swift and Austin Swift.Taylor Swift Instagram
Taylor Swift Instagram
Ultimately, his dedication paid off: “By opening day, it was a different play and I felt like I was a different person.”
He was nominated for an ACM Award
Taylor Swift and Austin Swift.Charley Gallay/Getty
This was the first nomination for both Austin and Lively; Austin worked on the video as a producer, while Lively produced and directed, perDeadline.
OnInstagram, theI.T. actor celebrated the big news. “I was so lucky to get to work with Blake, Taylor, and the entire amazing team behind the video for ‘I Bet You Think About Me’ and now I am so proud and thankful that we’ve been nominated for the ACM award for video of the year!” he wrote alongside photos of the nomination press release.
He is dating model Sydney Ness
Austin Swift and Sydney Ness.TheImageDirect.com
Austin and modelSydney Nesshave beenromantically linkedsince September 2022 when they were spotted holding hands in New York City.
He and Taylor are incredibly supportive of one another
Taylor and Austin Swift in 2015.Kevin Winter/BMA2015/Getty
Kevin Winter/BMA2015/Getty
On Austin’s end, he’s shared several touching tributes to his big sister on social media over the years. When she firstbroke her silence on politicsin 2018, Austin immediatelyreposted her statement(in which she threw her support behind Democratic candidates for the midterm election). “When you thought you couldn’t respect your best friend any more than you already do. And then you do,” he wrote in the caption.
A few months later, heshared an adorable throwback photoof the pair as children, along with a heartfelt caption about their lifelong bond in honor of Taylor’s 29th birthday.
“I have always had a best friend, a role model, and a caring, tireless, dedicated champion in my corner. You have pulled me out of fires and carried me up mountains. The gift of getting to witness you become the wonderful person you are today has been the greatest privilege and honor of my life,” he penned.
He and his girlfriend often join Taylor to cheer on the Kansas City Chiefs
Jamie Squire/Getty
When the Kansas City Chiefs played the Las Vegas Raiders on Dec. 25, 2023,Austin joined Taylorin cheering onTravis Kelcefrom a suite at Arrowhead Stadium, dressed in a Santa Claus costume for the occasion. Taylor’s parents, Andrea and Scott, were also in attendance, along with Austin’s girlfriend, who appeared to be wearing one of thesweatshirts that Taylor had been giftedfrom Kansas City boutique Westside Storey.
Austin rode in on a golf cart beside his sister, ringing a bell as they walked into the stadium together.
This was only one of the games that Austin and Ness attended that season. They alsojoined Taylor(and Andrea and Scott) in a suite at the2024 Super Bowl, where they got to witness Kelce and his team win the game for the second year in a row.
source: people.com
