Zosia Mamet
An actress with a razor-sharp wit and nervy vulnerability, she turned a supporting role on 'Girls' into a defining portrait of millennial anxiety.
Born 1988 (age 38)·American actress·Birthday: February 2·Millennials
Biography
Zosia Mamet was born into theater royalty—the daughter of playwright David Mamet and actress Lindsay Crouse—but she carved her own distinct path with a style defined by intelligent quirkiness. She paid her dues in off-Broadway plays and small film roles before landing the part of Shoshanna Shapiro on Lena Dunham's 'Girls'. With her machine-gun dialogue delivery and expertly calibrated physical comedy, Mamet stole scenes, transforming Shoshanna from a naive side character into the show's heartbreakingly earnest emotional core. Beyond that breakout, she has consistently chosen eclectic projects that defy easy categorization, from the psychological thriller 'The Boy Downstairs' to the neo-western 'The Kids Are Alright'. Mamet also brings a sharp, personal voice to her writing, publishing candid essays on topics from anxiety to pop culture, establishing herself as a thoughtful cultural commentator alongside her acting work.
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.
Zosia was born in 1988, 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 Zosia Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Zosia's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1988Born
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1993Started school
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
2001Became a teenager
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
2004Could drive
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2006Could vote
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
2009Turned 21
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
2018Turned 30
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2026Age 38 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Received critical acclaim for her role as Shoshanna Shapiro across all six seasons of HBO's 'Girls'.
- Starred as Annie in the off-Broadway play 'The Performance of a Lifetime' at The New Group.
- Played a lead role in the independent film 'The Boy Downstairs' which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival.
- Published personal essays in outlets like The New York Times and Glamour.
- Starred as recurring character Reina in the final season of the TV series 'The Flight Attendant'.
Did You Know?
She is an accomplished equestrian and has been riding horses since childhood.
She is married to actor and musician Evan Jonigkeit.
She voiced a character in the popular video game 'The Last of Us Part II'.
Her first name, Zosia, is a Polish diminutive of Sophia.
She appeared in her father David Mamet's film 'Phil Spector' alongside Al Pacino.
“I think the most radical thing you can do is to be exactly who you are.”
