Miranda Cosgrove
She grew up on screen, evolving from a charming child actor into the executive producer and star of one of Nickelodeon's most defining sitcoms.
Born 1993 (age 33)·American actress and producer·Birthday: May 14·Millennials
Biography
Miranda Cosgrove didn't just appear in the defining kids' TV of the 2000s—she helped build it. First noticed as the precocious little sister in 'School of Rock', she was soon cast as the scheming, grade-obsessed Carly Shay on 'iCarly'. The show became a phenomenon, and Cosgrove, its relatable anchor, also performed its catchy theme song. What set her apart was her growing influence behind the scenes; she negotiated a landmark contract and eventually served as an executive producer for the show's revival, shaping its direction. She deftly navigated the transition from child star to college student at USC, returning to the industry on her own terms. Her career is a case study in maintaining grace and agency under the spotlight of immense childhood fame.
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.
Miranda was born in 1993, 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 Miranda Was Born
The biggest hits of 1993
#1 Movie
Jurassic Park
Best Picture
Schindler's List
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Miranda's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1993Born
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
1998Started school
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2006Became a teenager
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
2009Could drive
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
2011Could vote
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2014Turned 21
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
2023Turned 30
ChatGPT goes mainstream; Israel-Hamas war begins
Gas: $3.52/galHome: $361,600Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Flowers" — Miley CyrusBest Picture: Oppenheimer
2026Age 33 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Starred as Carly Shay in the hit Nickelodeon series 'iCarly', which became a cultural touchstone for a generation.
- Became the highest-paid child actor on television in 2012, according to Guinness World Records.
- Served as an executive producer for the 'iCarly' revival on Paramount+, guiding the show's creative direction.
- Voiced the character of Margo in the blockbuster 'Despicable Me' film franchise.
Did You Know?
She was discovered by a talent agent at age 3 while singing at a Los Angeles restaurant.
She took a break from acting to attend the University of Southern California, where she studied film.
She survived a serious bus accident in 2011 while on tour, which required surgery and a period of recovery.
She has a minor planet named after her (2005 Miranda, formerly known as 2005 JX35), discovered in the year she turned 12.
““I think the biggest challenge for me was just trying to figure out who I was outside of acting.””
