Taylor Momsen facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Taylor Momsen
Momsen performing with the Pretty Reckless in 2024
Born	Taylor Michel Momsen (1993-07-26) July 26, 1993 (age 32) St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.
Occupation	Singer songwriter musician model actress
Years active	1996–2012 (actress) 2009–present (musician)
Musical career
Genres	Hard rock alternative rock post-grunge blues rock
Instruments	Vocals guitar
Labels	Interscope Razor & Tie Cooking Vinyl

Taylor Michel Momsen (born July 26, 1993) is an American singer, songwriter, and musician. She is also a model and former actress. Many people know her for playing Cindy Lou Who in the movie How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000). She also played Jenny Humphrey in the TV series Gossip Girl.

Today, Taylor is the lead singer of the American rock band The Pretty Reckless, which she helped start in 2009. She decided to stop acting to focus completely on her music career.

Early Life and Education

Taylor Momsen was born in St. Louis, Missouri. Her parents are Michael and Collette Momsen, and she has a younger sister named Sloane, who is also an actress. She has some Russian family history.

She was raised Catholic and went to Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School. She also studied ballet at the Center of Creative Arts in St. Louis.

Career Journey

Starting as an Actress

Momsen at the Metropolitan Opera in 2008

Taylor began her acting career when she was only three years old. She appeared in a TV commercial for Shake 'n Bake in 1997.

Her big break came in 2000 when she played Cindy Lou Who in How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Two years later, she was in the movies Hansel and Gretel and Spy Kids 2: The Island of Lost Dreams.

After a break from acting, she appeared in the 2006 movie Saving Shiloh. She also tried out for the main role in the show Hannah Montana. The part went to Miley Cyrus, which Taylor later said she was happy about. In 2007, she starred in the Disney movie Underdog.

Fame on Gossip Girl

From 2007, Taylor played Jenny Humphrey in the popular TV show Gossip Girl. After a few seasons, her character appeared less often. In 2011, she left the show to focus on her music. She told Elle magazine that she was quitting acting. She did make a brief return for the final episode of Gossip Girl in 2012.

Looking back, Taylor has said that being a child actor could be a difficult experience at times.

Work in Modeling

Taylor's parents signed her up with Ford Models when she was just two years old. She said that because of her work, she was often in and out of school and didn't have a normal childhood.

In 2008, at age 14, she signed with IMG Models. She became the face of the British clothing store New Look for its 2010 collection. That same year, she was chosen to model for Madonna's fashion line, "Material Girl." She also modeled for a fragrance by designer John Galliano.

Focus on Music

Momsen performing in April 2010

Taylor has said that music is where she can truly be herself. While she enjoyed acting, she feels music is more personal because she writes the songs and is part of the entire creative process.

Her first recorded song was "Where Are You Christmas?" for the How the Grinch Stole Christmas movie soundtrack when she was seven.

The Pretty Reckless

In 2009, Taylor's band, The Pretty Reckless, signed with Interscope Records. She is the lead singer, plays rhythm guitar, and co-writes the songs with guitarist Ben Phillips.

The band's first album, Light Me Up, came out in 2010. It was successful in the United Kingdom and Ireland. The songs "Make Me Wanna Die" and "Miss Nothing" were popular singles from the album.

The band toured with famous groups like Evanescence and Marilyn Manson. Taylor also sang on a track for the 2012 album Fix This by Paul Barker, a former member of the band Ministry.

Taylor has said her musical influences include Kurt Cobain, the Beatles, Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, and Shirley Manson from the band Garbage.

Chart Success and Later Albums

Momsen in 2017

The band's second album, Going to Hell, was released in 2014. It was a huge success, reaching number five on the Billboard 200 chart. With this album, The Pretty Reckless became the first band with a female singer to have its first two singles, "Heaven Knows" and "... Up World," reach number one on the rock radio charts.

Their third album, Who You Selling For, was released in 2016. The single "Take Me Down" also hit number one on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart.

In 2020, Taylor worked with the band Evanescence on their song "Use My Voice". She sang alongside other artists like Lzzy Hale and Sharon den Adel.

The Pretty Reckless released their fourth album, ... by Rock and Roll, in 2021. The title track also reached number one, making The Pretty Reckless the first female-fronted band to have five number-one singles.

Personal Life

Taylor Momsen was good friends with singer Chris Cornell and music producer Kato Khandwala. After they passed away in 2017 and 2018, she went through a very difficult time. She found that writing and performing music helped her work through her sadness.

Discography

The Pretty Reckless studio albums

• Light Me Up (2010)
• Going to Hell (2014)
• Who You Selling For (2016)
• ... by Rock and Roll (2021)

Filmography

Film

Television

Music videos

See also

In Spanish: Taylor Momsen para niños