Mia Wasikowska
An Australian actor who brought a piercing, quiet intelligence to complex young women in indie films and major studio adventures alike.
Born 1989 (age 37)·Australian actress·Birthday: October 25·Millennials
Biography
Mia Wasikowska stepped away from a promising ballet career in her teens, trading the dance studio for the film set. Her breakthrough came not with a blockbuster, but with a nuanced, vulnerable performance as a troubled gymnast on HBO's 'In Treatment,' which announced a rare and thoughtful screen presence. This led to her casting as Alice in Tim Burton's fantastical 'Alice in Wonderland,' a role that catapulted her to global recognition while she maintained a steadfast commitment to smaller, character-driven projects. From the gothic romance of 'Jane Eyre' to the psychological tension of 'Stoker' and the rugged outback in 'Tracks,' Wasikowska has consistently chosen roles that explore interior worlds, establishing herself as an actor of remarkable subtlety and depth.
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.
Mia 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 Mia Was Born
The biggest hits of 1989
#1 Movie
Batman
Best Picture
Driving Miss Daisy
#1 TV Show
Roseanne
Mia'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
- Starred as the title character in Tim Burton's 'Alice in Wonderland,' a global commercial success.
- Received critical acclaim for her role as a patient in the HBO drama series 'In Treatment'.
- Nominated for an Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Female for 'That Evening Sun'.
Did You Know?
She trained as a ballet dancer before pursuing acting.
She directed and starred in the short film 'Showboy' in 2012.
She is an avid photographer and has had her work exhibited.
She was born in Canberra, Australia, to Polish and Australian parents.
“I'm attracted to characters who are on the brink of discovering something about themselves.”
