Taylor Momsen
She shed her child star persona to become a gritty rock frontwoman, leading The Pretty Reckless with raw vocals and unapologetic intensity.
Born 1993 (age 33)·American musician and actress·Birthday: July 26·Millennials
Biography
Taylor Momsen executed one of the cleanest, most decisive rebrands in pop culture. Known worldwide as little Cindy Lou Who in 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas' and later as the scheming Jenny Humphrey on 'Gossip Girl,' she walked away from acting at the height of the show's fame. Her true passion was always rock and roll. In 2009, she formed The Pretty Reckless, trading preppy headbands for leather and lace. The transition was met with skepticism, but Momsen silenced critics with her powerful, blues-soaked voice and serious songwriting chops. The band's debut album, 'Light Me Up,' spawned the massive rock hit 'Make Me Wanna Die,' proving this was no vanity project. She embraced the classic rock lineage, touring with and earning the respect of acts like Soundgarden and Guns N' Roses. Momsen built a second, more authentic career on her own terms, fronting a band known for its dark, grunge-inflected anthems.
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.
Taylor 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 Taylor Was Born
The biggest hits of 1993
#1 Movie
Jurassic Park
Best Picture
Schindler's List
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Taylor'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
- Led The Pretty Reckless to multiple number-one singles on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart, including 'Heaven Knows' and 'Take Me Down.'
- The Pretty Reckless's debut album, 'Light Me Up,' was certified gold in the UK and spawned the international rock hit 'Make Me Wanna Die.'
- Performed as the opening act on major tours for legendary rock bands like Guns N' Roses and Soundgarden.
- Successfully transitioned from a prominent acting career to become the full-time frontwoman of a chart-topping rock band.
Did You Know?
She was signed to a modeling contract with IMG Models at the age of two.
Her musical influences are deeply rooted in 70s classic rock, with The Beatles and Led Zeppelin being major inspirations.
She wrote the song 'Zombie' for the 'Gossip Girl' soundtrack before her character, Jenny Humphrey, left the show.
“I fell in love with rock 'n' roll, and it was a very easy decision to make. It was what I wanted to do with my life.”
