Lili Reinhart
An actress who navigated the whirlwind of teen stardom on Riverdale while using her platform to candidly discuss mental health and produce nuanced film projects.
Born 1996 (age 30)·American actress·Birthday: September 13·Millennials
Biography
Lili Reinhart's career is a study in navigating massive fame with intentionality. She was catapulted to international recognition as the earnest, investigative Betty Cooper on The CW's 'Riverdale,' a role she inhabited for seven seasons. Rather than being confined by the archetype, Reinhart used her visibility as a springboard. She co-founded a production company, seeking out films like 'Chemical Hearts,' where she played a grieving teenager, and took a supporting turn in the stripper-empowerment drama 'Hustlers.' Off-screen, she became a vocal advocate, openly discussing her experiences with depression and body image in an industry that often demands silence. This combination of mainstream success and personal authenticity has defined her path, marking her as an actor determined to control her narrative both in front of and behind the camera.
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.
Lili was born in 1996, 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 Lili Was Born
The biggest hits of 1996
#1 Movie
Independence Day
Best Picture
The English Patient
#1 TV Show
ER
Lili's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1996Born
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
2001Started school
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
2009Became a teenager
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
2012Could drive
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2014Could vote
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
2017Turned 21
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Turned 30
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Portrayed Betty Cooper for the entire seven-season run of the hit television series 'Riverdale.'
- Starred in and served as an executive producer for the Amazon Studios film 'Chemical Hearts.'
- Co-founded the production company Small Victory Productions to develop film and television projects.
- Published a book of poetry titled 'Swimming Lessons: Reflections on Life and Loss.'
Did You Know?
She is a trained dancer, having studied ballet, jazz, and tap for over a decade.
She has been open about having celiac disease.
She voiced the character of Heather in the animated film 'Scoob!'
“I think it's important to be open about your struggles. That's how we connect with each other.”
