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 31) St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.
Occupation	Singer songwriter musician model actress
Years active	1997–2012 (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, musician, and model. She used to be an actress. Taylor is best known for being the lead singer of the rock band the Pretty Reckless.

Before focusing on music, she played Cindy Lou Who in the movie How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000). She also starred as Jenny Humphrey in the TV show Gossip Girl (2007–2012).

Early Life and Childhood Acting

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

She went to Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School for elementary school. Later, she attended Herbert Hoover Middle School in Potomac, Maryland. Taylor also studied ballet in St. Louis.

Taylor started modeling very young. Her parents signed her with Ford Models when she was only two years old. She began acting professionally at age three in a TV commercial. Her first movie role was in The Prophet's Game.

Career Highlights

Acting Roles

Taylor Momsen at the Metropolitan Opera in 2008

Taylor's big acting break came in 2000. She played Cindy Lou Who in the movie How the Grinch Stole Christmas. In 2002, she appeared in Hansel and Gretel. She also played the President's daughter in Spy Kids 2: The Island of Lost Dreams.

Later, Taylor was in the 2006 film Saving Shiloh. She also tried out for the main role in Hannah Montana. However, the part went to Miley Cyrus. Taylor was happy with this decision later on. In 2007, she starred in the movie Underdog as Molly. She also appeared in Paranoid Park.

From 2007, Taylor played Jenny Humphrey in the TV series Gossip Girl. Her appearances on the show became less frequent over time. She eventually left the series as a regular cast member in 2011. Taylor returned for a brief appearance in the final episode of Gossip Girl in 2012.

Taylor has said that acting as a child was a difficult experience. She mentioned being bullied after her role in How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

Modeling Work

Taylor Momsen signed with Ford Models when she was very young. She has said that she didn't have much choice in working at such a young age. She felt she missed out on a normal childhood.

In 2008, at 14, Taylor signed with IMG Models. She became the face of the British fashion brand New Look in 2010. She was also chosen to be the model for Madonna's "Material Girl" fashion line. Taylor also modeled for John Galliano's new perfume.

Taylor has appeared on magazine covers. She was on Page Six Magazine in 2009. She also appeared on the cover of Seventeen in 2010.

Music Career

Taylor Momsen performing in April 2010

Taylor Momsen has said that music is where she can truly be herself. She feels acting is playing a character, but music is more personal. When she was seven, Taylor recorded "Where Are You Christmas?" for the How the Grinch Stole Christmas soundtrack.

In 2009, Taylor announced her band, the Pretty Reckless, signed with Interscope Records. She started touring with her band, opening for The Veronicas. Taylor then began working with guitarist Ben Phillips, who joined the band. She writes songs with Ben and is the lead singer and rhythm guitarist.

The band's first album, Light Me Up, came out in 2010. It did well in the UK and Ireland. Their song "Make Me Wanna Die" was the first single. Other songs from this album were used in the movie Kick-Ass and TV shows like The Vampire Diaries and Gossip Girl.

In 2011, the Pretty Reckless supported Evanescence on tour. In 2012, Taylor and her band toured North America. They also supported Marilyn Manson on his world tour.

On November 30, 2012, the band released their song "Kill Me". This song was featured in the final episode of Gossip Girl.

Taylor Momsen looks up to many musicians. Some of her influences include Kurt Cobain, Chris Cornell, the Beatles, Led Zeppelin, the Who, Pink Floyd, AC/DC, Marilyn Manson, Oasis, and Shirley Manson from Garbage.

Taylor Momsen in 2017

The album Going to Hell was released in 2014. It was a big success, selling over 35,000 copies in its first week. The Pretty Reckless made history with this album. They became the first female-fronted band to reach number one on the rock radio charts with their song "Heaven Knows". The band toured a lot in 2013 and 2014. They also supported Fall Out Boy on their European tour.

In 2015, Taylor continued to work on new music for the band's third album. In 2016, they released the song "Take Me Down". This song also reached number one on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart. Their third album, Who You Selling For, came out in October 2016.

In 2020, Taylor sang on the song "Use My Voice" by the band Evanescence. Other artists like Lzzy Hale and Sharon den Adel also sang on the track.

The Pretty Reckless released their fourth album, Death by Rock and Roll, in 2021. With the song "Death by Rock and Roll" hitting number one, they became the first female-fronted band to have five number one singles.

Personal Life

Taylor Momsen was friends with singer Chris Cornell and producer Kato Khandwala. After they passed away, she found comfort and healing through her music.

Discography

The Pretty Reckless studio albums

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

Filmography

Film

Television

Music videos

See also

In Spanish: Taylor Momsen para niños