Milana Vayntrub is an American actress, comedian, writer, and activist best known for her role as Lily Adams in AT&T commercials.
While her work as a spokesperson made her a household name, she has also had a successful career in television, voice acting, and comedy. In addition to her entertainment career, Milana has been an outspoken advocate for refugee rights, using her platform to bring attention to humanitarian issues.
Early Life and Background
Milana Aleksandrovna Vayntrub was born on March 8, 1987, in Tashkent, Uzbek Soviet Socialist Republic (now Uzbekistan).
She is of Jewish descent, and her family fled religious persecution in the Soviet Union when she was just two years old. They immigrated to the United States as refugees, eventually settling in West Hollywood, California.
Growing up in an immigrant household, Milana developed a strong sense of resilience and adaptability. She began acting at a young age, both as a way to help support her family and as a creative outlet.
She attended Beverly Hills High School but later earned a GED and went on to study at the University of California, San Diego, where she earned a degree in communications.
Early Career and Comedy Beginnings
Milana Vayntrub’s career began with small roles in television and film. She had early guest appearances on shows like ER and Lizzie McGuire, gradually building her resume.
However, she found her comedic voice through improv and sketch comedy, training at the famous Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre in Los Angeles.
She became a popular figure in online comedy, co-creating and starring in the YouTube series Live Prude Girls, which gained a significant following. Her work in digital content helped her break into mainstream entertainment and opened doors for larger roles.
AT&T Commercials and Breakthrough as Lily Adams
In 2013, Milana Vayntrub landed the role of Lily Adams in a series of AT&T commercials. Her portrayal of the witty, relatable, and confident saleswoman resonated with audiences, making her one of the most recognizable commercial spokespersons in modern advertising.
Her work with AT&T became so popular that the company brought her back for new campaigns in 2020, further solidifying her as a familiar and beloved face in advertising.
Television, Film, and Voice Acting
Beyond commercials, Milana has built a diverse career in television, film, and voice acting. She has appeared in popular TV shows such as Silicon Valley, This Is Us, and Other Space.
In This Is Us, she played Sloane Sandburg, a recurring character who was involved in Kevin Pearson’s storyline.
She also ventured into voice acting, landing the role of Squirrel Girl in Marvel Rising, an animated series focused on young superheroes.
She was originally cast to play Squirrel Girl in a live-action New Warriors series, but the show was ultimately canceled before it aired. Despite this, her performance in the animated adaptation was well received.
Activism and Humanitarian Work
Milana Vayntrub has used her platform to advocate for social causes, particularly refugee rights.
In 2016, after witnessing the Syrian refugee crisis firsthand during a trip to Greece, she launched the #CantDoNothing movement to raise awareness and aid displaced families.
As a refugee herself, she has been vocal about immigration policies and humanitarian issues, speaking at events and using social media to mobilize support for those in need.
Personal Life and Advocacy for Mental Health
Milana has been open about the struggles that come with fame, especially regarding online harassment and body shaming. As a public figure, she has faced unwanted attention, but she has spoken out against cyberbullying and the need for mental health awareness.
She continues to balance her career with activism, using her influence to inspire positive change while maintaining a strong presence in entertainment.
