Addison Rae
She rode a wave of TikTok choreography to mainstream fame, becoming a blueprint for social media stars transitioning to Hollywood.
Born 2000 (age 26)·American singer, actress and dancer·Birthday: October 6·Generation Z
Biography
Addison Rae Easterling didn't just join TikTok; she helped define its early cultural moment. In 2019, the Louisiana native's charismatic dance videos, often set to trending songs, amassed a following in the tens of millions almost overnight. Her appeal was approachable and energetic, turning her into one of the platform's first true A-listers. Capitalizing on that fame required a pivot, and Rae moved decisively into traditional entertainment. She launched a podcast, recorded music, and headlined the Netflix remake 'He's All That,' proving her reach extended beyond a phone screen. While navigating the fickle world of influencer fame, she has built a business empire that includes a cosmetics line, demonstrating an understanding that online virality is a launchpad, not a destination.
Generation Z
1997–2012
Born into smartphones, social media, and school shootings. The most diverse generation in history. Pragmatic about money, fluid about identity, anxious about the climate. They do not remember a world before the internet.
Addison was born in 2000, placing them squarely in the Generation Z. The events that shaped this generation — social media, climate anxiety, and a pandemic — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Addison Was Born
The biggest hits of 2000
#1 Movie
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Best Picture
Gladiator
#1 TV Show
Who Wants to Be a Millionaire
Addison's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
2000Born
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2005Started school
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2013Became a teenager
Edward Snowden reveals NSA surveillance programs
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $152,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Thrift Shop" — Macklemore & Ryan LewisBest Picture: 12 Years a Slave
2016Could drive
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2018Could vote
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2021Turned 21
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 26 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Became one of the most-followed creators on TikTok, amassing over 88 million followers on the platform.
- Starred as the lead in the 2021 Netflix film 'He's All That,' a modern remake of 'She's All That.'
- Founded and serves as the face of the cosmetics brand Item Beauty.
- Released her debut single 'Obsessed' in 2021, which charted on the Billboard Hot 100.
Did You Know?
She was a competitive dancer for over a decade before gaining fame on social media.
She attended Louisiana State University (LSU) briefly before moving to Los Angeles to pursue influencing full-time.
She has a signature fragrance called 'Born With It' by Item Beauty.
She made a cameo appearance in the 2023 horror film 'Thanksgiving.'
“I just want to make people smile and have a good time.”
