Taylor Momsen
Encyclopedia
Taylor Michel Momsen is an American
actress, musician
and model
who portrays the character of Jenny Humphrey
on the CW
television series Gossip Girl
and portrayed the role of Cindy Lou Who in How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and fronts the rock band The Pretty Reckless
.
. Her parents are Michael and Collette Momsen and she has a younger sister, Sloane Momsen, who is also an actress. She attended Our Lady of Lourdes School and was raised Roman Catholic. She began acting professionally at three years of age with a national commercial for Shake 'N' Bake
. She was then cast in The Prophet's Game. In 2000, Momsen played the role of Cindy Lou Who in How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Two years later she was cast in the motion picture: Hansel and Gretel, in which she played Gretel.
Momsen's career came to a halt for over three years until she received the lead role in the never-aired WB
series Misconceptions
. Momsen appeared in the 2006 film Saving Shiloh
and also the 2007 Walt Disney Pictures
film Underdog
, as Molly. She auditioned for the title role in Hannah Montana
, and was in the top three, but the role was instead awarded to Miley Cyrus
. In 2008 Taylor Momsen starred as Jennifer in the movie Paranoid Park, directed by Gus Van Sant. As of 2007 she plays the character of Jenny Humphrey
in The CW television series Gossip Girl
, which is based on the book series by Cecily von Ziegesar
. Taylor attended the Professional Performing Arts School
in New York City
alongside Connor Paolo
, Gregory Malek-Jones
and Karina Pasian
. Momsen, who appeared in only four episodes through the first half of season four, was then scheduled for an indefinite hiatus from the show.
On August 16, 2011, Momsen told Elle magazine that she quit acting to focus on her music career.
.
Taylor was the face of British fashion chain New Look for its spring/summer 2010 collection. After weeks of speculation of who was the face of Madonna
's 2010 fashion line "Material Girl", Momsen was announced on July 15, 2010. A week later, Momsen was announced as the model for John Galliano
's new women's fragrance, scheduled to launch in autumn 2010.
" for the compilation album
School's Out! Christmas
.
In March 2009 Momsen stated in an interview with OK! Magazine that her band The Pretty Reckless
had then recently signed a deal with Interscope Records
. She writes all the songs, sings and plays simple guitar on the album. She played her first tour with her band opening for The Veronicas
on their Revenge is Sweeter Tour
in spring 2009.
The band's debut album Light Me Up
was released on August 30, 2010 in the UK, where it debuted at number 6, as well as at number 18 in Ireland. The first single "Make Me Wanna Die
" was released on May 30, 2010, where it peaked at number 16, while the second single "Miss Nothing
" which was released on August 23, 2010 peaked at number 39. The third single released has been "Just Tonight
".
Heidi Montag
recorded "Blackout", a song written by Momsen. According to Momsen, she wrote the song when she was 8 years old and recorded it as a demo with a producer. Montag released the song as a digital only single, with the music video being directed by her husband Spencer Pratt
. Momsen commented about the recording: "I'm like, okay, dude, you're singing an 8-year-old's words, but that's cool. It's so funny because I didn't shop it or anything and I get this call going, 'Did you write a song for Heidi Montag'? And I'm like 'What?'". The track was later included on Montag's debut studio album Superficial.
On July 27, 2011, Taylor Momsen announced via Twitter
that the band will be touring with Evanescence
as the supporting act during the fall of 2011.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
actress, musician
Musician
A musician is an artist who plays a musical instrument. It may or may not be the person's profession. Musicians can be classified by their roles in performing music and writing music.Also....* A person who makes music a profession....
and model
Model (person)
A model , sometimes called a mannequin, is a person who is employed to display, advertise and promote commercial products or to serve as a subject of works of art....
who portrays the character of Jenny Humphrey
Jenny Humphrey
Jennifer Tallulah "Jenny" Humphrey is one of the characters in both the Gossip Girl and The It Girl series of novels by Cecily von Ziegesar...
on the CW
The CW Television Network
The CW Television Network is a television network in the United States launched at the beginning of the 2006–2007 television season. It is a joint venture between CBS Corporation, the former owners of United Paramount Network , and Time Warner's Warner Bros., former majority owner of The WB...
television series Gossip Girl
Gossip Girl (TV series)
Gossip Girl is an American teen drama television series based on the book series of the same name written by Cecily von Ziegesar. The series was created by Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage, and premiered on The CW on September 19, 2007...
and portrayed the role of Cindy Lou Who in How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and fronts the rock band The Pretty Reckless
The Pretty Reckless
The Pretty Reckless are an American rock band from New York. The current members are Taylor Momsen , Ben Phillips , Mark Damon and Jamie Perkins ....
.
Early life and career
Taylor Momsen was born on July 26, 1993 in St. Louis, MissouriSt. Louis, Missouri
St. Louis is an independent city on the eastern border of Missouri, United States. With a population of 319,294, it was the 58th-largest U.S. city at the 2010 U.S. Census. The Greater St...
. Her parents are Michael and Collette Momsen and she has a younger sister, Sloane Momsen, who is also an actress. She attended Our Lady of Lourdes School and was raised Roman Catholic. She began acting professionally at three years of age with a national commercial for Shake 'N' Bake
Shake 'N' Bake
Shake 'n Bake, manufactured by Kraft Foods, is a flavored bread crumb-style coating for chicken and pork. The product is applied by placing raw meat pieces in a bag containing the coating, closing the bag, and shaking so the particles adhere...
. She was then cast in The Prophet's Game. In 2000, Momsen played the role of Cindy Lou Who in How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Two years later she was cast in the motion picture: Hansel and Gretel, in which she played Gretel.
Momsen's career came to a halt for over three years until she received the lead role in the never-aired WB
The WB Television Network
The WB Television Network is a former television network in the United States that was launched on January 11, 1995 as a joint venture between Warner Bros. and Tribune Broadcasting. On January 24, 2006, CBS Corporation and Warner Bros...
series Misconceptions
Misconceptions
Misconceptions is an American sitcom television series for The WB Network for the 2005-2006 season that never aired. It featured Jane Leeves and French Stewart. Six episodes were ordered at the time of the show's announcement...
. Momsen appeared in the 2006 film Saving Shiloh
Saving Shiloh (film)
Saving Shiloh is a family movie produced in 2006, based on the book of the same name written by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor. It is the third and final film in the trilogy whose other members are Shiloh and Shiloh Season. The film is rated PG for some thematic elements and peril.-Plot: The movie begins...
and also the 2007 Walt Disney Pictures
Walt Disney Pictures
Walt Disney Pictures is an American film studio owned by The Walt Disney Company. Walt Disney Pictures and Television, a subsidiary of the Walt Disney Studios and the main production company for live-action feature films within the Walt Disney Motion Pictures Group, based at the Walt Disney...
film Underdog
Underdog (film)
Underdog is a 2007 American live-action comedy film based on the cartoon series of the same name. The film was directed by Frederik Du Chau and stars Peter Dinklage as Dr. Simon Bar Sinister, Patrick Warburton as Cad Lackley, and Jason Lee as the voice of Underdog. The film also stars Jim Belushi,...
, as Molly. She auditioned for the title role in Hannah Montana
Hannah Montana
Hannah Montana is an American television series, which debuted on March 24, 2006 on the Disney Channel. The series focuses on a girl who lives a double life as an average teenage school girl named Miley Stewart by day and a famous pop singer named Hannah Montana by night, concealing her real...
, and was in the top three, but the role was instead awarded to Miley Cyrus
Miley Cyrus
Miley Ray Cyrus is an American actress and pop singer-songwriter. She achieved wide fame for her role as Miley Stewart/Hannah Montana on the Disney Channel sitcom Hannah Montana....
. In 2008 Taylor Momsen starred as Jennifer in the movie Paranoid Park, directed by Gus Van Sant. As of 2007 she plays the character of Jenny Humphrey
Jenny Humphrey
Jennifer Tallulah "Jenny" Humphrey is one of the characters in both the Gossip Girl and The It Girl series of novels by Cecily von Ziegesar...
in The CW television series Gossip Girl
Gossip Girl
Gossip Girl is an American young adult novel series written by Cecily von Ziegesar and published by Little, Brown and Company, a subsidiary of the Hachette Group. The series revolves around the lives and romances of the privileged teenagers at the Constance Billard School for Girls, an elite...
, which is based on the book series by Cecily von Ziegesar
Cecily von Ziegesar
Cecily von Ziegesar is an American author best known for the young adult Gossip Girl books.-Early life and education:...
. Taylor attended the Professional Performing Arts School
Professional Performing Arts School
The Professional Performing Arts School or PPAS is a New York City public school.-History:The Professional Performing Arts School was created in 1990 to meet the needs of two groups of students: those who wanted to pursue professional work in the arts as they earned a junior/senior high school...
in New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
alongside Connor Paolo
Connor Paolo
Connor Paolo is an American actor best known of his role as Eric van der Woodsen in The CW young-adult series Gossip Girl since 2007-2011.He became part of the two Oliver Stone films, World Trade Center and Alexander where he bagged his biggest break in Hollywood.He is currently playing Declan...
, Gregory Malek-Jones
Gregory Malek-Jones
Gregory Malek-Jones also known simply as Gregori is an American singer, dancer and actor. and He has appeared with the New York City Ballet in numerous productions and was best known for playing the title role in George Balanchine's Nutcracker.-Life and career:Malek-Jones attended the...
and Karina Pasian
Karina Pasian
Karina Pasian is an American Grammy Award nominated singer and pianist. She is currently signed to Def Jam.-Life and career:...
. Momsen, who appeared in only four episodes through the first half of season four, was then scheduled for an indefinite hiatus from the show.
On August 16, 2011, Momsen told Elle magazine that she quit acting to focus on her music career.
Modeling
In June 2008, at the age of fourteen, Momsen signed to IMG ModelsIMG Models
IMG Models is one of the major international modeling agencies, currently representing only female models. Its mother office is in New York City, with branches in Paris, London, Milan and Hong Kong. It is a division of New York, NY-based IMG...
.
Taylor was the face of British fashion chain New Look for its spring/summer 2010 collection. After weeks of speculation of who was the face of Madonna
Madonna (entertainer)
Madonna is an American singer-songwriter, actress and entrepreneur. Born in Bay City, Michigan, she moved to New York City in 1977 to pursue a career in modern dance. After performing in the music groups Breakfast Club and Emmy, she released her debut album in 1983...
's 2010 fashion line "Material Girl", Momsen was announced on July 15, 2010. A week later, Momsen was announced as the model for John Galliano
John Galliano
John Charles Galliano CBE, RDI is a Gibraltan-born British fashion designer who was best known as head designer of French haute couture houses Givenchy and Christian Dior , and his own self titled fashion house.-Family:He was born in Gibraltar to a Gibraltarian father, Juan Galliano, and a...
's new women's fragrance, scheduled to launch in autumn 2010.
Music
Momsen has stated that "music is where I can be me", saying that "Acting is easy. I've been doing it for so long and I totally love it. But you're playing a character instead of yourself. Music is more personal because you're writing it and you're involved in every step of it." Aged five, Momsen recorded the song "Christmas, Why Can't I Find You?" for the soundtrack to How the Grinch Stole Christmas. In 2002, she recorded the songs "One Small Voice" and "Rudolph The Red-Nosed ReindeerRudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer is a fictional reindeer with a glowing red nose. He is popularly known as "Santa's 9th Reindeer" and, when depicted, is the lead reindeer pulling Santa's sleigh on Christmas Eve. The luminosity of his nose is so great that it illuminates the team's path through...
" for the compilation album
Compilation album
A compilation album is an album featuring tracks from one or more performers, often culled from a variety of sources The tracks are usually collected according to a common characteristic, such as popularity, genre, source or subject matter...
School's Out! Christmas
School's Out! Christmas
-Track listing:1. Christmas Isn't Christmas - Myra 2. Wild Christmas - Dream Street's Chris Trousdale 3. This Christmas I Will Give My Love to You - Lynsey Bartilson4. One Small Voice - Taylor Momsen, Myra, & Camille Winbush...
.
In March 2009 Momsen stated in an interview with OK! Magazine that her band The Pretty Reckless
The Pretty Reckless
The Pretty Reckless are an American rock band from New York. The current members are Taylor Momsen , Ben Phillips , Mark Damon and Jamie Perkins ....
had then recently signed a deal with Interscope Records
Interscope Records
Interscope Records is an American record label owned by Universal Music Group that currently operates as one third of UMG's Interscope-Geffen-A&M label group.-History:...
. She writes all the songs, sings and plays simple guitar on the album. She played her first tour with her band opening for The Veronicas
The Veronicas
The Veronicas are an Australian electrorock, pop-punk and rock band. Twin sisters Jessica and Lisa Origliasso formed the band in 1999 in Brisbane. They have their own line of clothing which was released in 2007....
on their Revenge is Sweeter Tour
Revenge Is Sweeter tour
The Revenge Is Sweeter tour is a tour by The Veronicas which was announced in November 2008.-Tour information:The sixteen date tour was their first to extend outside of Australia into New Zealand. The tour will begin on 13 February 2009 in Newcastle and conclude on 7 March 2009 in Dunedin, New...
in spring 2009.
The band's debut album Light Me Up
Light Me Up
Light Me Up is the debut studio album by American alternative rock band The Pretty Reckless, first released on August 27, 2010. The album received commercial success with the singles "Make Me Wanna Die", "Miss Nothing" and "Just Tonight".-Background:...
was released on August 30, 2010 in the UK, where it debuted at number 6, as well as at number 18 in Ireland. The first single "Make Me Wanna Die
Make Me Wanna Die
"Make Me Wanna Die" a song recorded by American alternative rock band The Pretty Reckless. The song was written by Taylor Momsen, Kato Khandwala, Ben Phillips, and produced by Khandwala for their debut studio album, Light Me Up . It was released on March 30, 2010 in the United States, as the band's...
" was released on May 30, 2010, where it peaked at number 16, while the second single "Miss Nothing
Miss Nothing
"Miss Nothing" is the second single by American alternative rock band The Pretty Reckless to be released from their debut album, "Light Me Up". The single was released in the U.S. on the 27 July 2010 and in the UK on 22 August 2010.-Release:...
" which was released on August 23, 2010 peaked at number 39. The third single released has been "Just Tonight
Just Tonight
"Just Tonight" is the third single by the American alternative rock band The Pretty Reckless, taken from their debut studio album Light Me Up. The song was written by band members Taylor Momsen, Ben Phillips and producer Kato Khandwala.-Release:...
".
Heidi Montag
Heidi Montag
Heidi Blair Pratt is an American media personality and singer. She came to prominence with her starring role on the MTV reality series The Hills from 2006 to 2010. Montag has also appeared on I'm a Celebrity.....
recorded "Blackout", a song written by Momsen. According to Momsen, she wrote the song when she was 8 years old and recorded it as a demo with a producer. Montag released the song as a digital only single, with the music video being directed by her husband Spencer Pratt
Spencer Pratt
Spencer William Pratt is a former American television personality known for his role on MTV's The Hills, along with his wife Heidi Montag. He is the older brother of Stephanie Pratt, who also appears on The Hills....
. Momsen commented about the recording: "I'm like, okay, dude, you're singing an 8-year-old's words, but that's cool. It's so funny because I didn't shop it or anything and I get this call going, 'Did you write a song for Heidi Montag'? And I'm like 'What?'". The track was later included on Montag's debut studio album Superficial.
On July 27, 2011, Taylor Momsen announced via Twitter
Twitter
Twitter is an online social networking and microblogging service that enables its users to send and read text-based posts of up to 140 characters, informally known as "tweets".Twitter was created in March 2006 by Jack Dorsey and launched that July...
that the band will be touring with Evanescence
Evanescence
Evanescence is an American rock band founded in Little Rock, Arkansas in 1995 by singer/pianist Amy Lee and guitarist Ben Moody. After recording private albums, the band released their first full-length album, Fallen, on Wind-up Records in 2003. Fallen sold more than 17 million copies worldwide...
as the supporting act during the fall of 2011.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | Honey Bee Swan | ||
| 2000 | How the Grinch Stole Christmas | Cindy Lou Who | Nominated—Saturn Award for Best Performance by a Younger Actor Saturn Award for Best Performance by a Younger Actor The following are a list of Saturn Award winners for Best Performance by a Younger Actor:- References :* , Saturn Awards... |
| 2002 | We Were Soldiers We Were Soldiers We Were Soldiers is a 2002 American war film that dramatizes the Battle of Ia Drang on November 14, 1965. The film was directed by Randall Wallace and stars Mel Gibson. It is based on the book We Were Soldiers Once… And Young by Lieutenant General Hal Moore and reporter Joseph L... |
Julie Moore | |
| 2002 | Hansel & Gretel | Gretel | |
| 2002 | Spy Kids 2: The Island of Lost Dreams Spy Kids 2: The Island of Lost Dreams Spy Kids 2: The Island of Lost Dreams is a 2002 American family film, featuring spies and science fantasy elements. It was written and directed by Robert Rodriguez, and is the second film in the Spy Kids film series, which began with 2001's Spy Kids. Its plot is loosely based on Dr... |
Alexandra | |
| 2006 | Saving Shiloh Saving Shiloh (film) Saving Shiloh is a family movie produced in 2006, based on the book of the same name written by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor. It is the third and final film in the trilogy whose other members are Shiloh and Shiloh Season. The film is rated PG for some thematic elements and peril.-Plot: The movie begins... |
Samantha Wallace | |
| 2007 | Paranoid Park Paranoid Park (film) Paranoid Park is a 2007 American drama film written and directed by Gus Van Sant. The film is based on the novel of the same name by Blake Nelson and takes place in Portland, Oregon. It stars Gabe Nevins as a teenage skateboarder who accidentally kills a security guard.Van Sant wrote the draft... |
Jennifer | |
| 2007 | Underdog Underdog (film) Underdog is a 2007 American live-action comedy film based on the cartoon series of the same name. The film was directed by Frederik Du Chau and stars Peter Dinklage as Dr. Simon Bar Sinister, Patrick Warburton as Cad Lackley, and Jason Lee as the voice of Underdog. The film also stars Jim Belushi,... |
Molly | |
| 2007–2011 | Gossip Girl Gossip Girl (TV series) Gossip Girl is an American teen drama television series based on the book series of the same name written by Cecily von Ziegesar. The series was created by Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage, and premiered on The CW on September 19, 2007... |
Jenny Humphrey Jenny Humphrey Jennifer Tallulah "Jenny" Humphrey is one of the characters in both the Gossip Girl and The It Girl series of novels by Cecily von Ziegesar... |
Series regular (seasons 1–4) |
| 2008 | Spy School Spy School Spy School is a 2008 American comedy-drama made-for-television film, released outside the United States as Doubting Thomas or Lies and Spies. The films stars Forrest Landis and AnnaSophia Robb as the lead characters.- Premise :... |
Madison Kramer |
External links
- Taylor Momsen at IMG ModelsIMG ModelsIMG Models is one of the major international modeling agencies, currently representing only female models. Its mother office is in New York City, with branches in Paris, London, Milan and Hong Kong. It is a division of New York, NY-based IMG...
