Maiara Walsh
An actress who transitioned seamlessly from Disney Channel charm to tackling complex, dramatic roles in series exploring weighty social issues.
Born 1988 (age 38)·American actress·Birthday: February 18·Millennials
Biography
Maiara Walsh built a career on her ability to embody characters with hidden depths. She first caught attention on the Disney Channel's 'Cory in the House,' playing the vibrant Meena, a role that showcased her comedic timing. She quickly demonstrated range by stepping into the glossy, scandalous world of Wisteria Lane as Ana Solis on 'Desperate Housewives.' Walsh found perhaps her most resonant role on Freeform's 'Switched at Birth,' where she played Simone, a character entangled in the series' nuanced exploration of deaf culture and family dynamics. Her film work, including Lifetime movies, often saw her navigating teen drama tropes with a conviction that elevated the material, proving her a versatile performer across the spectrum of television storytelling.
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.
Maiara 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 Maiara Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Maiara'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
- Played a series regular role as Simone Sinclair on the critically acclaimed Freeform drama 'Switched at Birth'.
- Portrayed Ana Solis, a key teenage character, in the sixth season of the global hit 'Desperate Housewives'.
- Starred as Meena Paroom in the Disney Channel sitcom 'Cory in the House'.
- Played the lead role of Mandi Weatherly in the television film 'Mean Girls 2'.
Did You Know?
She is of Brazilian descent on her mother's side and spent part of her childhood in Brazil.
She is also a singer and has performed musical numbers on several of her shows.
Her first name is of Maori origin, meaning 'mountain'.
“I love playing characters that are a little bit messy and complicated.”
