Ashley Benson
She grew up on screen, evolving from a soap opera ingenue into the cunning center of a wildly popular teen mystery phenomenon.
Born 1989 (age 37)·American actress·Birthday: December 18·Millennials
Biography
Ashley Benson’s career is a map of early-2000s teen culture. She started as a child model and dancer, landing small roles that capitalized on her girl-next-door charm. Her big break came with the long-running soap 'Days of Our Lives', where she played the troubled Abigail Deveraux, a role that required a dramatic range beyond her years. But it was the supernatural soap opera 'Pretty Little Liars' that transformed her into a defining face of a generation. As Hanna Marin, the quick-witted, fashion-obsessed member of the central quartet, Benson balanced comedy, romance, and genuine terror as the characters were stalked by the mysterious 'A'. For seven seasons, she helped anchor one of Freeform's most successful series, embodying the show's blend of glossy mystery and heartfelt friendship. While she has since explored film roles and other projects, her legacy is inextricably tied to that era of watercooler TV, where she played a young woman navigating the treacherous waters of high school under the constant threat of exposure.
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.
Ashley was born in 1989, 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 Ashley Was Born
The biggest hits of 1989
#1 Movie
Batman
Best Picture
Driving Miss Daisy
#1 TV Show
Roseanne
Ashley's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1989Born
Berlin Wall falls; Tiananmen Square protests
Gas: $1.00/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Look Away" — ChicagoBest Picture: Driving Miss Daisy
1994Started school
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
2002Became a teenager
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2005Could drive
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
2007Could vote
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
2010Turned 21
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
2019Turned 30
First image of a black hole; Hong Kong protests
Gas: $2.60/galHome: $224,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Old Town Road" — Lil Nas XBest Picture: Parasite
2026Age 37 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Portrayed Hanna Marin for seven seasons on the hit Freeform series 'Pretty Little Liars', which became a cultural phenomenon.
- Won four Teen Choice Awards for her role in 'Pretty Little Liars' across various categories including Choice TV Actress and Choice Liplock.
- Starred as the lead in the film 'Spring Breakers' alongside James Franco, Selena Gomez, and Vanessa Hudgens.
- Played a recurring role as Abigail Deveraux on the iconic daytime soap opera 'Days of Our Lives'.
- Executive produced and starred in the thriller film 'Her Deadly Groom'.
Did You Know?
She was a competitive dancer for over a decade before focusing on acting, training in jazz, tap, ballet, and hip-hop.
She is a trained singer and provided vocals for several songs on the 'Pretty Little Liars' soundtracks.
She is an avid reader and has shared her love for books like 'The Great Gatsby' and 'The Bell Jar'.
She is a supporter of animal rights and has worked with organizations like the ASPCA.
She made her acting debut in a commercial for Barbie when she was just a child.
“null”
