Dustin Milligan
A versatile actor who shifted from teen drama heartthrob to the beloved, dim-witted sweetheart of a cult comedy phenomenon.
Born 1985 (age 41)·Canadian actor·Birthday: July 28·Millennials
Biography
Dustin Milligan’s career trajectory is a study in charming adaptability. He first caught attention as the earnest love interest Ethan Ward on the reboot of '90210,' a role that placed him squarely in the world of glossy teen drama. But it was his pivot to comedy that revealed his true niche. As Ted Mullens, the sweetly oblivious veterinarian and occasional love interest on 'Schitt’s Creek,' Milligan perfected a brand of wholesome, slightly hapless charm that became integral to the show's heart. Ted’s on-again, off-again romance with Alexis Rose provided some of the series' most tender and funny moments. Beyond that defining role, Milligan has consistently worked across Canadian and American television, from the wartime drama 'X Company' to the sitcom 'Rutherford Falls,' often playing characters with an undercurrent of decency. His path shows how an actor can build a lasting impression not by playing the lead, but by perfectly embodying the kind, reliable guy in the ensemble.
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.
Dustin was born in 1985, 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 Dustin Was Born
The biggest hits of 1985
#1 Movie
Back to the Future
Best Picture
Out of Africa
#1 TV Show
Dynasty
Dustin's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1985Born
Live Aid concerts raise money for Ethiopian famine
Gas: $1.12/galHome: $62,900Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Careless Whisper" — Wham!Best Picture: Out of Africa
1990Started school
Hubble Space Telescope launched; Germany reunifies
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.80/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Hold On" — Wilson PhillipsBest Picture: Dances with Wolves
1998Became a teenager
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2001Could drive
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
2003Could vote
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2006Turned 21
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
2015Turned 30
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
2025Turned 40
AI agents go mainstream
Gas: $3.10/galHome: $385,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"APT." — Rose & Bruno Mars
2026Age 41 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Portrayed the recurring character Ted Mullens, Alexis Rose's love interest, on the critically adored series 'Schitt's Creek'.
- Starred as a series regular, Ethan Ward, on The CW's reboot of '90210' from 2009 to 2012.
- Played the lead role of Tom Cummings in the CBC/Netflix World War II spy drama 'X Company'.
Did You Know?
He is a trained musician and has played in bands.
Milligan voiced the character of Atreus in the video game 'God of War: Betrayal'.
He was born in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, and raised in Morinville, Alberta.
He appeared in the final season of 'The X-Files' revival in 2018.
“I'm just trying to be a good hang and do good work.”
