Who is Milana Vayntrub? Milana Vayntrub is a talented actress, comedian, activist, and voice artist. Born on March 8, 1987, in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, she moved to the United States as a child to escape religious persecution. Known for her role as Lily Adams in AT&T commercials, Milana has also made her mark in TV shows like This Is Us and Other Space. Beyond acting, she is a passionate activist, launching the Can't Do Nothing movement to support refugees. With a background in improvisational comedy and a degree in Communication from UCSD, Milana's journey from a young refugee to a successful entertainer and advocate is truly inspiring.
Key Takeaways:
- Milana Vayntrub's journey from a young refugee to a successful actress and activist is an inspiring testament to resilience and determination, making her a role model for aspiring artists and activists alike.
- Through her diverse talents, impactful activism, and iconic roles, Milana Vayntrub has made a significant impact on society, inspiring others to take action and pursue their passions while staying connected to their roots.
50 Facts About Milana Vayntrub
Milana Vayntrub is a name that resonates with many, thanks to her diverse talents and impactful activism. From her early beginnings to her current endeavors, there's much to learn about this fascinating individual.
Early Life and Background
Milana's journey began far from Hollywood, in a place many might not expect.
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Birth Name and Nationality: Milana Aleksandrovna Vayntrub is an Uzbekistan-born American actress and comedian. Her surname, Vayntrub, is a cognate with the Jewish surname 'Weintraub,' which literally translates to "wine-grape" in German.
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Early Life: Vayntrub was born into a Jewish family in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, which was then part of the Soviet Union. Her family fled the country when she was just three years old to escape religious persecution.
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Immigration to the United States: Vayntrub and her family settled in West Hollywood, California, in 1989. This move was facilitated by Jewish resettlement organizations like HIAS, which helped her parents find jobs.
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Education: Vayntrub attended Beverly Hills High School for two years before dropping out. She then earned her GED and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication from the University of California, San Diego (UCSD).
Career Beginnings
Milana's career started early, driven by necessity and talent.
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Career Beginnings: Vayntrub started her acting career at a very young age. She began appearing in commercials, including a Mattel Barbie commercial, at the age of five to help support her family financially.
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Acting Debut: Her acting debut came when she was just eight years old, appearing in three episodes of the NBC television series ER as Tatiana.
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Early Roles: Vayntrub continued to land minor roles in various TV shows, including Days of Our Lives, The Division, and Lizzie McGuire. She also appeared in episodes of The League and House of Lies.
Rise to Fame
Milana's big break came with a role that made her a household name.
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YouTube Career: Alongside Stevie Nelson, Vayntrub started the YouTube comedy channel Live Prude Girls, which gained significant attention and was featured on NewMediaRockstars' Top 100 Channels countdown.
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Improvisational Comedy: Vayntrub studied improvisational comedy with the Upright Citizens Brigade, a renowned comedy troupe. This training significantly boosted her comedic skills and helped her transition into stand-up comedy.
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Breakthrough Role: Her big break came when she landed the role of Lily Adams in a series of AT&T television commercials. This role earned her widespread recognition and the nickname "AT&T girl."
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Recurring Role in AT&T Commercials: Vayntrub reprised her role as Lily Adams in AT&T commercials multiple times, appearing in over 160 commercials as of November 2022.
Activism and Advocacy
Milana's influence extends beyond acting, as she is deeply involved in activism.
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Activism Work: Vayntrub is an active supporter of refugees and has been involved in various activism efforts. She launched the Can't Do Nothing movement in 2016 to raise awareness about Europe's migrant crisis.
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Social Media Activism: Vayntrub regularly posts about racial justice, gender equality, and climate change on her Instagram account. She has also campaigned for politicians such as Stacey Abrams, Jon Ossoff, and Raphael Warnock.
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Documentary Work: In addition to her acting career, Vayntrub has been recognized for her documentary work. She was featured on the cover of Adweek's Creative 100 issue in 2016 for her activism and documentary endeavors.
Voice Acting and Other Roles
Milana's talents also shine in voice acting and various other roles.
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Voice Acting: Vayntrub has also ventured into voice acting. She has voiced Squirrel Girl in the Marvel Rising franchise since 2018, after being cast as the character in the unaired television pilot for New Warriors.
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Role in New Warriors: Although New Warriors was not picked up by ABC, Vayntrub's portrayal of Doreen Green / Squirrel Girl remains notable. The character has since been featured in other Marvel-related projects.
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Role in This Is Us: Vayntrub had a recurring role on the NBC drama This Is Us as Sloane. Her performance in the show further solidified her presence in the television industry.
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Role in Other Space: She was a series regular on the Yahoo Screen science fiction comedy Other Space (2015). This role showcased her versatility in both comedy and science fiction genres.
Filmography and Collaborations
Milana's filmography is diverse, reflecting her wide-ranging talents.
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Filmography: Vayntrub has appeared in several films, including Life Happens, Junk, Wrestling Isn't Wrestling, Ghostbusters, Mother's Little Helpers, The Shabbos Goy, Werewolves Within, and Bad Shabbos.
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Short Films: She has also appeared in various short films, such as 6 Women, I Dunno, and Give up the Ghost. These projects highlight her ability to excel in different formats of storytelling.
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Collaborations: Vayntrub has collaborated with other notable comedians and actors. She has appeared in comedy sketches for Key & Peele and Robot Chicken.
Personal Life and Interests
Milana's personal life and interests add more depth to her public persona.
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Height and Weight: Vayntrub stands at 5'5" (165 cm) and weighs 123 lbs. (56 kgs).
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Body Measurements: Her body measurements are 32-25-36 inches (81-63-91 cm).
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Eye and Hair Color: She has light brown eyes and blonde hair.
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Zodiac Sign: Vayntrub's zodiac sign is Pisces, reflecting her creative and empathetic nature.
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Residence: She currently resides in Los Angeles, California, USA.
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Ethnicity and Religion: Vayntrub is of Jewish ethnicity and practices Judaism.
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Sexuality: She identifies as straight.
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Family Background: Vayntrub has a younger sister named Briana. Her family's experiences with financial challenges and antisemitism have significantly influenced her life and career.
Career Milestones and Impact
Milana's career is marked by significant milestones and societal impact.
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Career Milestones: Vayntrub's career milestones include her early start in acting, her breakthrough role in AT&T commercials, and her subsequent roles in TV shows and films. Each milestone has contributed to her growth as an actress and comedian.
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Impact on Society: Beyond her entertainment career, Vayntrub has made a significant impact on society through her activism. Her efforts to raise awareness about social issues have inspired many.
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Philanthropy: Vayntrub's philanthropic work includes supporting refugees and advocating for racial justice and gender equality. Her commitment to social causes is evident in her public statements and actions.
Public Perception and Legacy
Milana's public perception and legacy are shaped by her versatility and activism.
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Public Perception: Vayntrub is widely recognized for her versatility in both comedy and drama. Her ability to transition between different roles has earned her a reputation as a talented and adaptable actress.
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Personal Life: Despite her busy schedule, Vayntrub maintains a strong connection with her roots. She often speaks about her experiences as a refugee and the challenges she faced growing up in a new country.
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Inspirational Figure: Vayntrub serves as an inspirational figure for many young artists and activists. Her journey from a young refugee to a successful actress and comedian is a testament to her hard work and determination.
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Role Models: Vayntrub has mentioned Neil deGrasse Tyson as one of her role models, highlighting her interest in science and education.
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Educational Background: Vayntrub's educational background includes a Bachelor's degree in Communication from UCSD. This degree has provided her with a solid foundation in communication, which has been beneficial for her career in both acting and activism.
Comedy and Acting Techniques
Milana's comedy and acting techniques showcase her talent and dedication.
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Comedy Style: Vayntrub's comedy style is characterized by her quick wit, sharp observations, and ability to connect with audiences. Her experience in improvisational comedy has significantly influenced her comedic approach.
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Acting Techniques: Vayntrub has mentioned that she uses various acting techniques to prepare for her roles. Her training in improvisational comedy has helped her develop a strong sense of character development and scene work.
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Collaborations with Other Artists: Vayntrub has collaborated with other artists, including Stevie Nelson on the YouTube channel Live Prude Girls. These collaborations have helped her gain exposure and build a diverse portfolio of work.
Pop Culture Impact and Social Media Presence
Milana's impact on pop culture and her social media presence are noteworthy.
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Impact on Pop Culture: Vayntrub's impact on pop culture extends beyond her acting career. Her portrayal of Lily Adams in AT&T commercials has become iconic, making her a household name.
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Social Media Presence: Vayntrub maintains an active presence on social media platforms like Instagram, where she engages with her followers and shares her thoughts on various social issues.
Activism Initiatives and Public Speaking
Milana's activism initiatives and public speaking engagements highlight her commitment to social causes.
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Activism Initiatives: Vayntrub has launched several activism initiatives, including the Can't Do Nothing movement. These initiatives aim to raise awareness about critical social issues and inspire collective action.
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Public Speaking: Vayntrub is an accomplished public speaker. She often speaks at events and conferences about her experiences as a refugee and her advocacy work.
Awards and Future Projects
Milana's awards and future projects reflect her ongoing contributions to entertainment and activism.
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Awards and Recognition: While Vayntrub has not received traditional awards for her acting work, she has been recognized for her activism and documentary endeavors. Her feature on Adweek's Creative 100 issue in 2016 is a notable example of this recognition.
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Future Projects: As of 2024, Vayntrub is set to appear in the film Project Hail Mary, which is currently in post-production. This project marks another milestone in her diverse filmography.
Personal Quotes and Family Support
Milana's personal quotes and family support offer insight into her values and motivations.
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Personal Quotes: Vayntrub has shared several personal quotes that reflect her perspective on life and career. One notable quote is: "There are moments in your life where you realize you could do nothing, but if you do, you'll probably regret it forever." This quote highlights her proactive approach to life and career.
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Family Support: Vayntrub's family has been instrumental in her career. Her parents worked hard to provide for her and her sister, and they also supported her educational pursuits.
Challenges and Legacy
Milana's challenges and legacy underscore her resilience and impact.
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Challenges Faced: Despite her success, Vayntrub has faced several challenges throughout her career. She has spoken about the financial struggles her family faced and how acting helped mitigate these issues.
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Legacy: Milana Vayntrub's legacy extends beyond her acting career. She is a symbol of resilience and determination for many, particularly for those who have faced similar challenges in their lives. Her activism and philanthropic work continue to inspire new generations of artists and activists.
Milana Vayntrub: A Multifaceted Talent
Milana Vayntrub's journey from a young refugee to a celebrated actress and activist is nothing short of inspiring. Born in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, she moved to the U.S. at three, escaping religious persecution. Her early start in acting, landing roles in commercials and TV shows, set the stage for her breakthrough as Lily Adams in AT&T commercials. Beyond acting, Milana's activism, especially her Can't Do Nothing movement, highlights her commitment to social causes. She's also made her mark in voice acting, notably as Squirrel Girl in the Marvel Rising franchise. With a strong presence on social media, she continues to advocate for racial justice, gender equality, and climate change. Milana's story is a testament to resilience, talent, and the power of using one's platform for good. Her legacy will undoubtedly inspire future generations of artists and activists.
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