Sammi Hanratty
An American actress who evolved from a beloved American Girl lead to the complex, fan-favorite teen Misty in the survival thriller Yellowjackets.
Born 1995 (age 31)·American actress·Birthday: September 20·Millennials
Biography
Sammi Hanratty began acting as a child, landing commercials and guest spots before her breakout role as the empathetic Chrissa Maxwell in the 2009 American Girl film. That part established her as a relatable face for a generation of young viewers. She steadily built a resume through her teen years, appearing in projects like 'The Greening of Whitney Brown' and the TV series 'The Vampire Diaries'. However, it was her casting as the teenage version of Misty Quigley in Showtime's 'Yellowjackets' that marked a dramatic shift. Hanratty's portrayal of the socially awkward, fiercely loyal, and unnervingly resourceful Misty provided a crucial origin story for one of the show's most unsettling characters. Her performance, balancing vulnerability with a chilling intensity, earned her a new level of critical attention and cemented her transition into more mature, psychologically complex roles.
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.
Sammi was born in 1995, 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 Sammi Was Born
The biggest hits of 1995
#1 Movie
Toy Story
Best Picture
Braveheart
#1 TV Show
Seinfeld
Sammi's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1995Born
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
2000Started school
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2008Became a teenager
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
2011Could drive
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
2013Could vote
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
2016Turned 21
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2025Turned 30
AI agents go mainstream
Gas: $3.10/galHome: $385,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"APT." — Rose & Bruno Mars
2026Age 31 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Played the lead role of Chrissa Maxwell in the popular 'An American Girl: Chrissa Stands Strong' film.
- Portrayed the younger version of Christina Ricci's character, Misty Quigley, in the acclaimed series 'Yellowjackets'.
- Served as a Celebrity Friend for the Starlight Children's Foundation, supporting hospitalized kids.
- Appeared in a recurring role as the vampire Sophie on The CW's 'The Vampire Diaries'.
- Starred as Whitney Brown in the family film 'The Greening of Whitney Brown'.
Did You Know?
She is an accomplished competitive dancer, having trained in jazz, tap, ballet, and hip-hop.
Hanratty voiced the character Mal in the Disney Junior series 'The Lion Guard'.
She is a passionate advocate for anti-bullying campaigns, stemming from her early American Girl role.
She guest-starred in an episode of 'Hannah Montana' early in her career.
Her mother often accompanies her to sets and events.
“I started with Chrissa, but I'm drawn to the darker, complex roles.”
