Miley Cyrus
A shape-shifting pop phenomenon who has continually reinvented her sound and persona, challenging expectations at every turn.
Born 1992 (age 34)·American singer and actress·Birthday: November 23·Millennials
Biography
Miley Cyrus didn't just grow up in the public eye; she used its glare as fuel for a radical artistic evolution. The daughter of country singer Billy Ray Cyrus, she became a global teen symbol as the star of Disney's 'Hannah Montana,' a role that blurred the lines between her own identity and a fictional pop star. The pivot was deliberate and jarring: the 2013 album 'Bangerz' shed her wholesome image with twerking, tongue-out performances and hip-hop influences, a declaration of independence that dominated headlines. Since then, her career has been a series of deliberate left turns—the psychedelic country-rock of 'Younger Now,' the glam-rock homage 'Plastic Hearts,' and the synth-pop liberation of 'Endless Summer Vacation.' Beyond the music, her outspoken advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights, free speech, and youth homelessness has cemented her status as a cultural figure who operates on her own terms.
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.
Miley was born in 1992, 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 Miley Was Born
The biggest hits of 1992
#1 Movie
Aladdin
Best Picture
Unforgiven
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Miley's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1992Born
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
1997Started school
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
2005Became a teenager
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
2008Could drive
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2010Could vote
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
2013Turned 21
Edward Snowden reveals NSA surveillance programs
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $152,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Thrift Shop" — Macklemore & Ryan LewisBest Picture: 12 Years a Slave
2022Turned 30
Russia invades Ukraine; Queen Elizabeth II dies
Gas: $3.97/galHome: $348,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"As It Was" — Harry StylesBest Picture: Everything Everywhere All at Once
2026Age 34 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Her 2013 single 'Wrecking Ball' spent three weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and became a viral video phenomenon.
- Held the record for the highest-charting debut by a teenage girl group with the 'Hannah Montana' soundtrack, which opened at number one on the Billboard 200.
- Won multiple MTV Video Music Awards, including Video of the Year for 'Wrecking Ball.'
- Founded the Happy Hippie Foundation, a non-profit organization focused on youth homelessness and LGBTQ+ support.
Did You Know?
She is named after her grandfather, Smiley Cyrus, but her parents changed the spelling to Miley.
Cyrus is a dedicated vegan and animal rights activist.
She was the youngest person ever to be a headliner at the Isle of Wight Festival when she performed in 2014.
She is married to musician Maxx Morando as of 2023.
“I'm not trying to be sexy. If you want to look sexy, you can. But that's not my goal. My goal is to be free.”
