Ansel Elgort
He captured the hearts of a generation as a lovestruck teen facing cancer, becoming an instant symbol of youthful romance and vulnerability.
Born 1994 (age 32)·American actor and singer·Birthday: March 14·Millennials
Biography
Ansel Elgort didn't just arrive on screen; he crashed into the cultural consciousness. The New York native, a trained dancer from the Professional Performing Arts School, first appeared in a remake of 'Carrie,' but it was his turn as Augustus Waters in 'The Fault in Our Stars' that made him a star. With a lanky charm and an easy smile, he embodied a specific kind of literary teenage dream, making a blockbuster out of a tender story about illness. He pivoted to action as Baby, the music-obsessed getaway driver in Edgar Wright's 'Baby Driver,' a role that showcased his physicality and cemented his leading-man status. Beyond acting, he records dance music under the name Ansølo, demonstrating a creative restlessness that moves beyond his film sets.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Ansel was born in 1994, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Ansel Was Born
The biggest hits of 1994
#1 Movie
The Lion King
Best Picture
Forrest Gump
#1 TV Show
Seinfeld
Ansel's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1994Born
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
1999Started school
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2007Became a teenager
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2010Could drive
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2012Could vote
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2015Turned 21
Paris climate agreement; same-sex marriage legalized in the US
Gas: $2.43/galHome: $171,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Uptown Funk" — Mark Ronson ft. Bruno MarsBest Picture: Spotlight
2024Turned 30
AI reshapes industries; Paris Olympics
Gas: $3.31/galHome: $372,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Espresso" — Sabrina CarpenterBest Picture: Anora
2026Age 32 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Starred as Augustus Waters in the global box office phenomenon 'The Fault in Our Stars,' grossing over $300 million worldwide.
- Played the lead role of Baby in Edgar Wright's critically acclaimed action-musical 'Baby Driver,' which earned over $220 million.
- Received a Teen Choice Award for Choice Movie Actor in a drama for his performance in 'The Fault in Our Stars.'
- Released original electronic music as a DJ and producer under the moniker Ansølo, performing at major festivals.
Did You Know?
He is a classically trained ballet dancer and attended the Professional Performing Arts School in Manhattan.
His father is Arthur Elgort, a famous fashion photographer for Vogue magazine.
He provided the singing voice for Tony in Steven Spielberg's 2021 adaptation of 'West Side Story.'
He is an avid painter and has sold some of his artwork.
“I'm a New Yorker, so I'm always moving, always doing something.”
