Emma Watkins
She revolutionized The Wiggles as their first female star, captivating a global audience with her yellow bow and quiet charm before building her own whimsical empire.
Born 1989 (age 37)·Australian musician and actress·Birthday: September 21·Millennials
Biography
Emma Watkins didn't just join The Wiggles; she transformed them. When she put on the yellow skivvy in 2013, she became the first permanent female member in the group's history, a move that modernized the iconic Australian children's entertainment franchise for a new era. Her background in dance and sign language (she holds a degree in Australian Sign Language) became central to her performance, bringing a graceful, inclusive energy. The character 'Emma' quickly became a phenomenon, her polka-dot bow and gentle demeanor inspiring a fervent fanbase known as 'Emma Wiggle Fans.' Her popularity led to a solo spin-off series, 'Emma!', further cementing her status. In a bold career move, she departed the group in 2021 to create 'Emma Memma,' a new persona focused on music, bright visuals, and continued integration of sign language. This venture, culminating in an ARIA-winning album, proved her ability to succeed as a creative force entirely on her own terms.
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.
Emma 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 Emma Was Born
The biggest hits of 1989
#1 Movie
Batman
Best Picture
Driving Miss Daisy
#1 TV Show
Roseanne
Emma'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
- Became the first female member of The Wiggles, joining the group in 2013 and revitalizing its global appeal.
- Starred in her own solo children's television series, 'Emma!', as part of The Wiggles franchise.
- Won the ARIA Award for Best Children's Album in 2023 for her debut solo album under the Emma Memma persona.
- Her introduction is credited with significantly increasing merchandise sales and attracting a new, broader audience to The Wiggles.
Did You Know?
She is a trained dancer in ballet, tap, and jazz.
She has a keen interest in costume design and has created many of her own stage outfits.
She uses her platform to promote awareness and use of Australian Sign Language (Auslan).
She was diagnosed with endometriosis and has spoken publicly about her experience to raise awareness.
“I wanted to show that anyone can wear the skivvy and bring joy to children.”
