Sasha Pieterse
She transformed from a teen soap enigma into a global symbol of survival and reinvention, captivating millions with a single mysterious smile.
Born 1996 (age 30)·American actress·Birthday: February 17·Millennials
Biography
Born in Johannesburg, Sasha Pieterse moved to the United States as a child, landing her first major role at just ten years old. Her life pivoted when she was cast as Alison DiLaurentis, the central, haunting figure of 'Pretty Little Liars.' For seven seasons, Pieterse masterfully balanced the character's dual nature—the popular queen bee and the traumatized survivor—turning Alison into a cultural touchstone for a generation. The role demanded emotional depth as the show explored themes of bullying, trauma, and identity, a challenge she met while navigating her own highly publicized adolescence. Beyond the set, she became an advocate for body positivity, openly discussing her struggles with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Her work extended the 'Pretty Little Liars' universe into a spin-off and established her as more than a teen star, but as a resilient voice who grew up in the spotlight.
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.
Sasha was born in 1996, 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 Sasha Was Born
The biggest hits of 1996
#1 Movie
Independence Day
Best Picture
The English Patient
#1 TV Show
ER
Sasha's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1996Born
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
2001Started school
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
2009Became a teenager
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
2012Could drive
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2014Could vote
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
2017Turned 21
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Turned 30
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Portrayed the pivotal role of Alison DiLaurentis across seven seasons of the hit series 'Pretty Little Liars.'
- Headlined the spin-off series 'Pretty Little Liars: The Perfectionists,' reprising her signature character.
- Became a prominent advocate for PCOS awareness and body positivity, sharing her personal health journey publicly.
Did You Know?
She is a trained competitive dancer and was a finalist on the 25th season of 'Dancing with the Stars.'
Pieterse is a certified pastry chef and has expressed a passion for baking.
She released a country music single titled 'This Country Is Bad Ass' in 2013.
“I think it's really important to show that you can be confident at any size.”
