Ashley Eckstein
She gave voice to a generation's favorite Jedi, Ahsoka Tano, and then built a galaxy of her own with a pioneering fandom fashion empire.
Born 1981 (age 45)·American actress·Birthday: September 22·Millennials
Biography
Ashley Eckstein didn't just land a role in the Star Wars universe; she helped expand it for a new generation. Initially known for live-action Disney Channel roles, her career transformed when she was cast as the voice of Ahsoka Tano, the headstrong Padawan of Anakin Skywalker in 'Star Wars: The Clone Wars.' Over years of animation and later live-action cameos, Eckstein's performance nurtured Ahsoka from a brash teenager into a wise, fan-beloved warrior, becoming the character's definitive voice. Sensing a gap in the market, she leveraged that fandom into a business venture, founding Her Universe in 2010. The company revolutionized licensed apparel by creating stylish, female-centric gear for sci-fi and fantasy franchises, empowering women to celebrate their fandom proudly. Eckstein thus operates at a unique intersection: as a key creative voice within a major franchise and as an entrepreneurial force who changed how that franchise's fans engage with it.
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 1981, 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 1981
#1 Movie
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Best Picture
Chariots of Fire
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Ashley's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1981Born
MTV launches; first Space Shuttle flight; AIDS identified
Gas: $1.31/galHome: $52,300Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Bette Davis Eyes" — Kim CarnesBest Picture: Chariots of Fire
1986Started school
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1994Became a teenager
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
1997Could drive
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
1999Could vote
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Turned 21
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2011Turned 30
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2021Turned 40
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 45 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Founded Her Universe, the first fashion company dedicated to creating fandom apparel for women, in 2010.
- Serves as the definitive voice of Ahsoka Tano across multiple animated 'Star Wars' series, films, and video games since 2008.
- Authored the book 'It's Your Universe: You Have the Power to Make It Happen,' encouraging young fans to pursue their dreams.
- Hosted and produced the 'Her Universe' fashion show at San Diego Comic-Con for several years.
Did You Know?
She is married to former Major League Baseball player David Eckstein.
She provided the voice for the Sea-Monkey in the animated series 'The Super Mario Bros. Super Show!' as a child.
She designed a line of 'Star Wars' themed bridal gowns in collaboration with Alfred Angelo.
She is a passionate advocate for anti-bullying campaigns and mental health awareness.
““Her Universe is more than a clothing line. It’s a message that it’s okay to be a fangirl.””
