‘Twilight’ actor Jackson Rathbone, known for his role as the vampire Jasper Hale, has embraced a new chapter in Austin, Texas. His life now centers around family and a passion for finding the city’s best hamburger.

From Teen Idol to Burger Connoisseur

Rathbone, who has over 1 million Instagram followers, frequently shares his burger reviews online. During a recent lunch at Dan’s Hamburgers on Menchaca, he carefully assessed a classic burger – a greasy beef patty, melted cheese, tomatoes, pickles, and a buttered brioche bun.

“At the end of a long work day, I’m always like — What am I doing for dinner?” Rathbone said. “It’s always burgers. They’re easy and consistent… It’s a perfect little meal.”

A Move to Austin

Rathbone moved to Austin with his wife and children after living in Los Angeles and Georgia. He noted that maintaining a strong social media presence is increasingly important for actors seeking roles. He decided to focus on something he genuinely enjoyed: hamburgers.

He regularly photographs and reviews burgers at different establishments, sharing his thoughts with his followers. “Suffice to say ... it was too much mayo for me …This is a decent cafe burger, but nothing to really ‘seek out’ in terms of the incredible burger scene here in Austin,” he posted after one visit.

Finding Passion and Purpose

Despite his fame as a brooding vampire, Rathbone is described as playful and funny, traits rooted in his childhood in Midland, Texas. He initially pursued acting as a means of escaping personal insecurities.

“I chased acting because I wanted to be something different. I didn’t really have a lot of self love, and being other people was a way for me to escape that feeling,” Rathbone explained. He recalled being told to stop smiling during acting exercises, but found joy in the process, unlike his experience with football.

From Football to DJing and Theater

Concussions suffered in the fifth and eighth grades led Rathbone to leave football. At 13, he began DJing, often relying on older friends for rides to gigs. He also joined the Midland Community Theater, a decision that raised eyebrows but resonated with him.

“As opposed to just being a weird wallflower, I was like — I’ll be the centerpiece,” Rathbone said. “I’ll make myself known, and I’ll be a jester. In that, I covered up a lot of truth.”

Sobriety and 'Radical Honesty'

After moving to Los Angeles at 18, Rathbone found success in film but now gravitates towards independent productions and music. He frequently attends fan expos, where he openly shares his journey to sobriety, crediting his wife, Sheila, for her support.

“There were nights I found myself so drunk that I would have been useless in a house fire,” he admitted. “It took me a long time to really realize that, and there was a guilt and shame spiral.”

Now 41, Rathbone is focused on “radical honesty,” a theme explored in his upcoming album with his band STARMOTHER. “There’s songs about my sobriety and how the demon on my shoulder is always chasing me about it. How much easier would it be to give up.”

Looking Ahead in Austin

Rathbone isn’t seeking external validation for his music, but hopes fans will connect with it. After years of moving around the country, he intends to establish roots in Austin and become involved in the local music scene.

“I love this city so much,” he said. “It was that shining beacon in the distance when I was growing up in Midland. It’s a city where weirdness, art, music and culture are celebrated. That’s where I want to be.” He plans to continue his burger reviews and prioritize time with his wife and children, whom he calls “the greatest thing” he’s ever done.