Mae Whitman
A versatile actor who grew up on screen, mastering the art of playing the relatable, often sardonic best friend with heart.
Born 1988 (age 38)·American actor·Birthday: June 9·Millennials
Biography
Mae Whitman has been a familiar face since childhood, but she shed the label of child star by becoming the quintessential 'best friend' for a generation. She shared the screen with major stars in films like 'One Fine Day' and 'Hope Floats' as a kid, displaying a preternatural calm. Her breakout came as the deadpan, cello-playing anarchist Ann Veal on 'Arrested Development,' a role that showcased her genius for comedic timing. She then delivered a nuanced, career-defining dramatic performance as Amber Holt on 'Parenthood,' earning critical praise for her portrayal of a rebellious teenager maturing into a young adult. Whitman's voice is equally prolific, bringing to life the titular hero of 'Avatar: The Last Airbender' spinoff 'The Legend of Korra' and the fiercely loyal Tinker Bell in Disney's fairy franchise. With a knack for authenticity, she makes every character, from the quirky to the profound, feel genuinely lived-in.
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.
Mae 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 Mae Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Mae'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
- Received a Critics' Choice Television Award nomination for her role as Amber Holt on the NBC drama series 'Parenthood'.
- Voiced the lead character of Korra in the acclaimed animated series 'The Legend of Korra'.
- Played a series regular role as Annie Marks on the NBC crime comedy 'Good Girls' for four seasons.
- Has maintained a successful voice acting career, including voicing Tinker Bell in Disney's 'Tinker Bell' direct-to-video film series and April O'Neil in 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles'.
Did You Know?
She is the voice of Katara in the popular animated series 'Avatar: The Last Airbender'.
She provided the voice for the character of Rose in the video game 'The Last of Us'.
Her mother, Pat Musick, is also a voice actress, and they have worked together on projects like 'The Legend of Korra'.
She is an avid singer and has performed songs for several of her acting roles, including in 'Parenthood'.
“Her?”
