| Full Name | Taylor Michel Momsen |
|---|---|
| Birthday | July 26, 1993 |
| Birth Place | St. Louis, Missouri, United States |
| Age | 30 years old |
| Zodiac Sign | Leo |
| Height | 5‘ 8" (1.73 m) |
| Net Worth | $4 million |
| 146K followers | |
| 1.1M followers | |
| 1M followers | |
| YouTube | 390K subscribers |
Taylor Momsen is an actress and multi-talented musician best known for portraying Jenny Humphrey on Gossip Girl and as the lead singer of rock band The Pretty Reckless. Ever since making her acting debut at age 3, Taylor has showcased impressive talent and work ethic, undergoing a stunning evolution from child star to edgy rock goddess.
Early Life and Child Acting Career
Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Taylor was raised by parents Michael and Collette Momsen alongside her younger sister Sloane. Taylor fell in love with performing at a young age. By 3 years old, she was already starring in a national commercial for Shake N‘ Bake.
Taylor‘s first big role came in 2000 when she portrayed the adorable Cindy Lou Who in How the Grinch Stole Christmas opposite Jim Carrey. With her earnest performance and sweet singing voice, 7-year-old Taylor stole the film. She soon gained more acting credits with roles in Hansel and Gretel (2002) and Spy Kids 2: Island of Lost Dreams (2002).
In 2007, Taylor was cast as Jenny Humphrey on the hit CW teen drama Gossip Girl. She convincingly portrayed a girl trying to find her place on the Upper East Side. Taylor‘s character dealt with issues from bullying and body image to drug use and scheming. Fans loved the dynamic between Taylor‘s Jenny and her on-screen brother Dan Humphrey, played by Penn Badgley.
Though Taylor took a break from the show in 2011 and did not return for the final season, she left a lasting impression with her emotional performance as Jenny over four seasons.
The Pretty Reckless: From Child Star to Rebel Rocker
Even while portraying Jenny on Gossip Girl, Taylor was discovering a passion for rock music. She taught herself guitar and sought to reinvent herself musically. At just 15 years old, Taylor formed the band The Pretty Reckless in 2009 alongside three older male musicians.
The Pretty Reckless released their debut album Light Me Up in 2010 showcasing Taylor as a lead singer. With raw vocals and mature songwriting, Taylor proved she was no longer a child star. The album‘s lead single "Make Me Wanna Die" propelled the band onto the rock charts.
The band‘s 2014 album Going to Hell reached number 5 on the Billboard charts, featuring the popular single "Heaven Knows." Taylor co-wrote every song, displaying impressive creativity and vulnerability in her lyrics. She also provided scorching lead guitar riffs on some tracks.
Over the next few years, The Pretty Reckless steadily gained popularity supporting acts like Marilyn Manson and Soundgarden on tour while working on new material. Their 2020 album Death by Rock and Roll finally took the band to #1 on the rock charts.
"I‘m very bossy when it comes to music…I know exactly what I want to do and the sound I want to go for." – Taylor on creating music
It‘s clear music is Taylor‘s true passion. She oversees everything from the band‘s album art to their music videos. Now 30 years old, Taylor has undoubtedly cemented her status as a gifted contemporary rock singer and guitarist.
Edgy Style Icon
Beyond her work as an actress and singer, Taylor Momsen has established herself as a fearless fashion icon. Her personal style encompasses leather, lace, and dark, smoky eye makeup paired with her signature blonde locks and piercing blue eyes.
Taylor‘s appeared on the covers of fashion magazines like Elle, Seventeen, and Revolver. She became the face of Madonna’s 2010 fashion line Material Girl at just 16 years old. Taylor also modeled for British fashion brand Samantha Thavasa handbags.
Never one to shy away from controversy, 15-year-old Taylor posed for a sexually provocative ad campaign for John Galliano’s perfume in 2010. Her modeling work highlights her bold attitude and effortless cool.
“I like pushing boundaries and challenging myself and shocking people,” Taylor has said regarding her style choices. It’s clear she carries her rebelliousness offstage as well.
Acting Achievements and Legacy
Though Taylor retired from acting in 2010, she carved out an impressive career as a child star and teen actor:
- How the Grinch Stole Christmas – This 2000 holiday film introduced Taylor to the world as the endearing Cindy Lou Who at age 7
- Hansel and Gretel (2002) – Taylor played Gretel opposite Dylan and Cole Sprouse
- Spy Kids 2 (2002) – She appeared as a quirky villain’s daughter
- Saving Shiloh (2006) – Taylor played a lead role in this heartwarming family film
- Gossip Girl (2007-2011) – Taylor’s portrayal of Jenny Humphrey remains her best known acting role
Taylor Momsen achieved an extraordinary level of success at a remarkably young age. Though acting took a backseat to music, Taylor seems open to revisiting it someday on her own terms. Given her natural talent and charisma, fans would surely welcome seeing her on screen again.
For now, Taylor continues to thrive as the singer and creative force behind The Pretty Reckless while also expanding her fashion profile. She serves as inspiration for those who appreciate her raw, authentic artistry and rebellious spirit. There‘s no doubt this multi-talented artist will continue to mesmerize fans for years to come!