Bailey Hanks
She won a nationwide MTV reality competition to become Broadway's Elle Woods, a Cinderella story that launched her performing career.
Born 1988 (age 38)·American singer, actress, and dancer·Birthday: February 6·Millennials
Biography
Bailey Hanks won the lead role in 'Legally Blonde: The Musical' through MTV's reality competition series in 2008. A college student at the time, she auditioned on national television, where her singing, acting, and personality were evaluated weekly. She defeated multiple finalists to secure the part, leaving her university studies to perform on Broadway. Playing Elle Woods, Hanks brought an energetic charm to the character that connected with theatergoers. The public casting process made her Broadway debut a notable event in the industry. After her run in the musical ended, she continued working in regional theater, independent films, and television guest spots. Her career has included performances at theaters across the United States and appearances on shows such as 'Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.' Hanks's path from reality TV winner to working actress remains an unusual success story in stage history. The gamble by producers to let viewers choose their leading lady paid off for both the show and the performer from South Carolina.
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.
Bailey was born in 1988, 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 Bailey Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Bailey's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1988Born
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1993Started school
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
2001Became a teenager
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2004Could drive
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2006Could vote
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2009Turned 21
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2018Turned 30
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
2026Age 38 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the MTV reality competition series 'Legally Blonde: The Search for Elle Woods,' earning the lead role on Broadway.
- Made her Broadway debut as Elle Woods in 'Legally Blonde: The Musical' at the Palace Theatre in 2008.
- Leveraged her Broadway fame to build a career in film, television, and regional theatre productions.
Did You Know?
She was a student at Coastal Carolina University when she auditioned for the MTV reality show.
She performed the song 'So Much Better' from the musical on the MTV show, which helped secure her win.
She has appeared in films like 'The Good Catholic' and had a guest role on the TV series 'Hart of Dixie.'
“Winning that role on MTV was the most terrifying and thrilling yes I've ever heard.”
