Madelaine Petsch
A fiery actress who turned a comic book mean girl into one of television's most complex and captivating characters.
Born 1994 (age 32)·American actress and YouTuber·Birthday: August 18·Millennials
Biography
Madelaine Petsch didn't just play Cheryl Blossom on 'Riverdale'; she reinvented the archetype. With her signature red hair and piercing intensity, she took a character who could have been a one-note villain and layered her with vulnerability, trauma, and fierce loyalty. Her performance became a central pillar of the show's gothic, surreal universe. Off-screen, Petsch carved her own distinct path as a digital native, building a massive YouTube following with candid vlogs about her life, veganism, and behind-the-scenes insights. This dual presence—committed actress and authentic content creator—showcased a modern understanding of celebrity, connecting directly with fans who saw both the glamour of Cheryl and the grounded reality of Madelaine.
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.
Madelaine was born in 1994, 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 Madelaine Was Born
The biggest hits of 1994
#1 Movie
The Lion King
Best Picture
Forrest Gump
#1 TV Show
Seinfeld
Madelaine's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1994Born
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
1999Started school
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2007Became a teenager
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
2010Could drive
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
2012Could vote
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
2015Turned 21
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
2024Turned 30
AI reshapes industries; Paris Olympics
Gas: $3.31/galHome: $372,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Espresso" — Sabrina CarpenterBest Picture: Anora
2026Age 32 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Played the series regular role of Cheryl Blossom for all seven seasons of The CW's 'Riverdale'.
- Built a YouTube channel with millions of subscribers, featuring highly produced vlogs and lifestyle content.
- Served as a L'Oréal Paris spokesperson and has been featured in major fashion campaigns.
Did You Know?
She was born in South Africa and moved to Washington state in the United States as a child.
She is a trained dancer, with a background in ballet, jazz, and contemporary.
She has been a committed vegan since her teenage years and advocates for animal rights.
Her first name is spelled uniquely; she has stated her mother wanted an unusual name.
“I dyed my hair red for Cheryl and it became a part of my identity.”
