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Taylor Momsen

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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.
Occupations
  • Singer
  • songwriter
  • musician
  • model
  • actress
Years active
  • 1998–2012 (actress)
  • 2009–present (musician)
Musical career
Genres
Instruments
  • Vocals
  • guitar
Labels
Member ofThe Pretty Reckless

Taylor Michel Momsen[1] (born July 26, 1993)[2] is an American singer, songwriter, musician, model, and former actress. Prior to her retirement from acting, she portrayed the character of Cindy Lou Who in the film How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000) and Jenny Humphrey on The CW's teen drama series Gossip Girl (2007–2012).[3] Momsen has been the frontwoman of the American rock band the Pretty Reckless since their inception in 2009.

Early life

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Momsen was born in St. Louis, Missouri. Her parents are Michael and Collette Momsen, and she has a younger sister, Sloane Momsen, who is also an actress. She is of partial Russian descent.[4] She was raised Catholic,[5] attending Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School[6] for elementary school and later Herbert Hoover Middle School (in Potomac, Maryland), but is now non-religious.[7][8][9] She also studied ballet at the Center of Creative Arts (COCA) in St. Louis.

Momsen was signed with Ford Models at a very young age: "My parents signed me up with Ford [Modeling] at the age of two. No two-year-old wants to be working, but I had no choice. My whole life, I was in and out of school. I didn't have friends. I was working constantly and I didn't have a real life."[7] She began acting professionally at three years of age in a 1997 national commercial for Shake 'n Bake.[10] She was then cast in The Prophet's Game.

Career

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Acting

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Momsen at the Metropolitan Opera in 2008

In 2000, Momsen played the role of Cindy Lou Who in Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas, her breakout role. In 2002, she played Gretel in Hansel and Gretel and Alexandra, the President's daughter, in Spy Kids 2: The Island of Lost Dreams.

Momsen's career came to a halt for over three years until she received a lead role in the WB series Misconceptions, which never aired. After that, she appeared in the 2006 film Saving Shiloh. She also auditioned for the title role in Hannah Montana, and was in the top three, but the role was instead awarded to Miley Cyrus—a decision that Momsen was happy with in retrospect.[11] In 2007, she starred in the Walt Disney Pictures film Underdog as Molly and as Jennifer in the movie Paranoid Park, directed by Gus Van Sant.

Beginning in 2007, she played the character of Jenny Humphrey in The CW television series Gossip Girl, based on the book series by Cecily von Ziegesar. Momsen's appearances on the series became increasingly sporadic, and, by the end of the first half of the fourth season, she had only appeared in four episodes. It was then announced that the actress would be scheduled for an indefinite hiatus from the show,[12] which ended with her leaving the series as a regular cast member after the completion of the fourth season in 2011. On August 16, 2011, Momsen told Elle magazine that she had quit acting to focus on her music career.[13] On October 16, 2012, it was reported that Momsen would be returning to Gossip Girl for its final episode, in which she appeared briefly in the wedding sequence.[14][15]

Reflecting on her child acting career, she described it as an "alienating" experience, detailing bullying she received after her performance in How the Grinch Stole Christmas.[16]

Modeling

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In June 2008, at the age of 14, Momsen signed to IMG Models.[17][18] She was the face of British fashion chain New Look for its spring/summer 2010 collection.[19] After weeks of speculation about who would be the face of Madonna's 2010 fashion line "Material Girl", Momsen was announced on July 15, 2010.[20] A week later, Momsen was announced as the model for John Galliano's new women's fragrance, scheduled to launch in autumn 2010.[21] In 2010, she appeared in a video for Galliano's "Parlez-Moi d'Amour" fragrance ad campaign.

Momsen is the face of Samantha Thavasa's handbag line. She has done multiple photoshoots, press events, and commercials.[22]

Momsen appeared on the cover of Page Six Magazine when she was 15 years old in 2009. She also appeared on the February 2010 cover of Seventeen.[23] In October 2010, Momsen wore a pair of platform stilettos, thigh-high stockings, and a holster strapped around her leg for Revolver. She appeared on the cover of FHM's March 2012 edition[24] and FHM ranked Momsen #29 in its 2012 Hot 100 issue.[25] She also made her cover debut for Maxim in the November 2013 issue.[26]

In an interview with music journalist Jason Tanamor, when asked about posing for Playboy, she said, "I was at the mansion last week and took some pictures. Does that count?"[27]

Music

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Momsen performing in April 2010

Momsen has said that "music is where I can be me",[28] stating 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."[28] At seven years old, Momsen recorded the song "Where Are You Christmas?" for the soundtrack to How the Grinch Stole Christmas. In 2002, she recorded the songs "One Small Voice" and "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" 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 signed a deal with Interscope Records.[29] She played her first tour with her band opening for The Veronicas on their Revenge Is Sweeter Tour in spring 2009.[30] After the tour, Momsen began working with guitarist Ben Phillips, who would soon join the band. Momsen subsequently swapped out her former bandmates. She co-writes songs with Phillips; in addition to lead vocals, Momsen also plays rhythm guitar.

The band's debut album Light Me Up was released on August 30, 2010, in the UK,[31] 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, while the second single "Miss Nothing" which was released on August 23, 2010, peaked at number 39. "Just Tonight" was released as the album's third single. Songs from this album have featured in the movie Kick-Ass as well as the television series The Vampire Diaries and Gossip Girl.[32]

Television personality 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.[33] 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?'"[33] The track was later included on Montag's debut studio album, Superficial (2010).

On July 27, 2011, Momsen announced that the band would be the supporting act for Evanescence during the fall of 2011.[34] Throughout 2012, Momsen and her band toured North America; the second headlining tour, titled the Medicine Tour, began in March 2012[35] and culminated with supporting dates for Marilyn Manson's 2012 world tour Hey Cruel World... Tour. Momsen also appeared as guest vocalist on the first track of ex Ministry member Paul Barker's 2012 album Fix This.

On November 30, 2012, it was announced that the Pretty Reckless' fourth single "Kill Me" would be released on December 11.[36] The track was the last song to be featured in the Gossip Girl series finale.

Momsen cites Kurt Cobain, Chris Cornell, the Beatles, Led Zeppelin, the Who, Pink Floyd, AC/DC, Marilyn Manson, Oasis, and Shirley Manson of Garbage as some of her personal influences.[37][38][39]

Going to Hell was released on March 18, 2014.[40] The release marked the band's largest sales week to date and landed at number five on the Billboard 200 with over 35,000 copies sold in its first week.[41] The success of the record saw Taylor, along with the rest of the band, break records when they became the first female-fronted band to reach No. 1 on the rock radio charts with its first two singles: "Heaven Knows" in March 2014 and "Fucked Up World" in September 2014.[42] The Pretty Reckless also spent the majority of late 2013 throughout 2014 on tour supporting Going To Hell. In 2014, her band also supported Fall Out Boy in their European leg of the Save Rock n Roll Tour along with New Politics.

Throughout 2015, Momsen continued to record new material for the third Pretty Reckless album. On September 29, 2016, the band released the single "Take Me Down", which reached number one on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart.[43][44] The third album, Who You Selling For, was released in October 2016.[43]

In 2020, Momsen lent her vocals to the American rock band Evanescence for "Use My Voice", a single from the band's album The Bitter Truth, alongside other artists such as American rock vocalist Lzzy Hale from Halestorm, Dutch symphonic metal vocalist Sharon den Adel from Within Temptation, and electronic violinist Lindsey Stirling.[45]

The Pretty Reckless released their fourth album, Death by Rock and Roll, on February 12, 2021. The Pretty Reckless became the first female-fronted band to have five number one singles when "Death by Rock and Roll" hit number one on the charts.[46]

Personal life

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Momsen was friends with Soundgarden singer Chris Cornell and record producer Kato Khandwala. After their respective deaths in 2017 and 2018, she isolated herself, and fell into depression, eventually using music to deal with the trauma.[47][48]

Discography

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Main article: The Pretty Reckless discography

The Pretty Reckless studio albums

Filmography

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Film

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Year Title Role Notes
1999 The Prophet's Game Honey Bee Swan
2000 How the Grinch Stole Christmas Cindy Lou Who Nominated—Blockbuster Entertainment Award for Favorite Female Newcomer
Nominated—Saturn Award for Best Performance by a Younger Actor
Nominated—Young Artist Award for Best Performance in a Feature Film – Young Actress Age Ten or Under
2002 Spy Kids 2: The Island of Lost Dreams Alexandra Anami
Hansel & Gretel Gretel
We Were Soldiers Daughter Julie Moore
2006 Saving Shiloh Samantha Wallace
2007 Paranoid Park Jennifer
Underdog Molly Nominated—Young Artist Award for Best Performance in a Feature Film – Supporting Young Actress
2008 Spy School Madison Kramer

Television

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Year Title Role Notes
1998 Early Edition Allie Uncredited; episode: "A Minor Miracle"
2006 Misconceptions Hopper Watson Unaired WB series
2007–2010,
2012 		Gossip Girl Jennifer "Jenny" Humphrey Main cast (seasons 1–4)
Special guest star (season 6): 66 episodes
Nominated—Teen Choice Award for Choice TV Breakout Star: Female
Nominated—Young Artist Award for Best Performance in a TV Series (Comedy or Drama) – Leading Young Actress

Music videos

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Year Title Artist Notes
2014 "L.A. Love (La La)" Fergie Cameo

References

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  1. ^ "Taylor Momsen Biography". TV Guide. Archived from the original on September 27, 2013. Retrieved October 18, 2010.
  2. ^ Momsen, Taylor [@taylormomsen] (July 26, 2020). "Overwhelmed by all the #birthday wishes!!! So much thanks and love to everyone 🙏🙏🙏 ❤️❤️❤️ #27" – via Instagram.
  3. ^ Aleksander, Irina (September 18, 2008). "Taylor Momsen: Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman". The New York Observer. Archived from the original on September 21, 2008. Retrieved January 14, 2018.
  4. ^ Momsen, Taylor [@taylormomsen] (July 8, 2013). "@Zheka_Kinoman yes, I'm part Russian" (Tweet). Retrieved July 16, 2013 – via Twitter.
  5. ^ "Taylor Momsen Gets Spiritual". Intelligencer. August 9, 2010. Retrieved September 2, 2013.
  6. ^ "Taylor Momsen". Yahoo Movies. April 20, 2011. Retrieved September 2, 2013.
  7. ^ a b Blonska, Joanna (March 28, 2011). "The Young and the 'Reckless'". Bethesda Magazine. Retrieved February 4, 2013.
  8. ^ Iandoli, Kathy (October 21, 2016). "Taylor Momsen Goes Deep on Music, Religion, and Duct-Taping Her Nipples", Cosmopolitan.com. Retrieved September 22, 2018.
  9. ^ "Taylor Momsen on Tragedy, Satanism, and Getting Naked" (March 26, 2014). MTV.co.UK. Retrieved September 22, 2018.
  10. ^ "Taylor Momsen, Age 3, In Shake 'N Bake Commercial (VIDEO)". HuffPost. November 15, 2010. Retrieved December 5, 2019.
  11. ^ "Taylor Momsen Glad She's Not 'Hannah Montana'". www.starpulse.com. January 25, 2010. Archived from the original on October 26, 2010. Retrieved September 26, 2010.
  12. ^ Ausiello, Michael (November 22, 2010). "'Gossip Girl' Sidelines Taylor Momsen". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved November 23, 2010.
  13. ^ "Momen Quit Acting". www.yahooblogs.com. August 16, 2011. Retrieved August 16, 2011.
  14. ^ "Taylor Momsen Returning To 'Gossip Girl' Along With Connor Paolo". HuffPost. October 16, 2011. Retrieved December 5, 2019.
  15. ^ Murray, Rheana (October 17, 2012). "'Gossip Girl' Alums Taylor Momsen and Connor Paolo Make Surprise Return for Show's Final Episode". Daily News. Retrieved November 12, 2012.
  16. ^ Guy, Jack (September 7, 2023). "'Gossip Girl' star Taylor Momsen recalls 'alienating' experiences as child actor". CNN. Retrieved June 19, 2024.
  17. ^ "Taylor Momsen: From Gossip Girl to Supermodel". People. June 25, 2008. Retrieved June 25, 2010.
  18. ^ Vogue, Teen (June 23, 2010). "Taylor Momsen: Girl on Film". Teenvogue.com. Retrieved December 5, 2019.
  19. ^ "Taylor Momsen for new look". The Express online. March 8, 2010. Retrieved April 4, 2010.
  20. ^ "Grazia Fashion: Taylor Momsen is the face of Material Girl!". Graziadaily.co.uk. Retrieved August 10, 2010.
  21. ^ "Grazia Fashion: Taylor Momsen To Model For Galllano!!". Graziadaily.co.uk. Retrieved August 10, 2010.
  22. ^ "Samantha Thavasa Will Have You Know Taylor Momsen Is Employable". June 20, 2011. Retrieved June 20, 2013.
  23. ^ "Taylor Momsen Seventeen Cover – Interview and Pictures of Taylor Momsen". Seventeen.com. Archived from the original on January 16, 2010. Retrieved February 9, 2014.
  24. ^ "FHM at Taylor Momsen's sexy house party! | Girls". FHM.com. Archived from the original on October 19, 2013. Retrieved February 9, 2014.
  25. ^ "Hot 100". FHM. 2012. Archived from the original on January 30, 2013. Retrieved January 11, 2013.
  26. ^ "Taylor Momsen | Pictures of a Pretty Reckless Singer". Maxim. October 10, 2013. Archived from the original on February 16, 2014. Retrieved February 9, 2014.
  27. ^ "The Pretty Reckless' Taylor Momsen Talks Music, Posing for Playboy and Being on the Fast Track to Charlie Sheenville. – Interview". Archived from the original on April 14, 2011. Retrieved April 15, 2011.
  28. ^ a b Wightman, Catriona (November 3, 2010). "Taylor Momsen: 'Music is my only goal'". Digital Spy. Retrieved November 3, 2011.
  29. ^ "Taylor Momsen Not Kissing Chace Crawford Offscreen". OK!. March 3, 2009. Retrieved June 25, 2010.
  30. ^ "TAYLOR MOMSEN'S "Pretty Reckless": The Veronicas Pick "GOSSIP GIRL" Band As Tour Opener". Huffington Post. April 17, 2009. Retrieved December 5, 2019.
  31. ^ Spofford, Avery (July 12, 2010). "New Song from Taylor Momsen's Pretty Reckless". Spin.
  32. ^ "Dreamseekers: The Best Music You've Never Heard". Billboard. Vol. 123, no. 9. March 19, 2011. ProQuest 868612104.
  33. ^ a b Harp, Justin (October 15, 2010). "Momsen 'surprised by Montag song cover'". Digital Spy. Retrieved January 3, 2011.
  34. ^ "Taylor Momsen announces tour with Evanescence". AHN. July 27, 2011. Archived from the original on October 21, 2011. Retrieved November 9, 2018 – via Celebrity News Service.
  35. ^ Tara Hall (January 31, 2012). "The Pretty Reckless Bring 'Medicine Tour' Stateside". Soundspike. Archived from the original on February 6, 2012.
  36. ^ "Kill Me [Explicit]". Amazon.com. 2012. Retrieved November 30, 2012.
  37. ^ "Taylor Momsen of The Pretty Reckless – 'Wikipedia: Fact or Fiction?'". Loudwire. December 17, 2013. Retrieved March 28, 2016.
  38. ^ "Taylor Momsen: 'I admire Shirley Manson' – Music News". Digital Spy. August 29, 2010. Retrieved January 2, 2012.
  39. ^ "Taylor Momsen (interview)". The A.V. Club. March 10, 2011. Retrieved July 5, 2017. I love Oasis. I love Noel Gallagher. He's a great songwriter. I'd love to be able to write a song with him at some point.
  40. ^ "THE PRETTY RECKLESS TO RELEASE NEW ALBUM 'GOING TO HELL' MARCH 18, 2014 ON RAZOR & TIE". Razor & Tie. January 21, 2014. Retrieved May 9, 2016.
  41. ^ "'Frozen' Soundtrack Earns Its Biggest Sales Week Yet, Recalling Adele's Longevity". Billboard. Retrieved May 9, 2016.
  42. ^ "Pretty Reckless Only Female-Fronted Band to Top Mainstream Rock With First 2 Hits". Billboard. Retrieved May 9, 2016.
  43. ^ a b "Video Premiere: THE PRETTY RECKLESS's 'Take Me Down'". blabbermouth.net. September 29, 2016. Retrieved September 29, 2016.
  44. ^ "The Pretty Reckless – Chart history". Billboard. Retrieved September 29, 2016.
  45. ^ DiVita, Joe (August 28, 2020). "Evanescence Debut 'Use My Voice' Music Video". Loudwire. Retrieved December 20, 2020.
  46. ^ Rutherford, Kevin (July 30, 2020). "The Pretty Reckless Sets New Mark for Women Atop Mainstream Rock Songs Chart With 'Death by Rock and Roll'". Billboard. Retrieved July 31, 2020.
  47. ^ "A Night Inside Taylor Momsen's Quiet Rockstar Life". Nylon. February 1, 2021. Retrieved June 19, 2024.
  48. ^ "Life After Death: How Taylor Momsen survived her downward spiral". Kerrang!. January 27, 2021. Retrieved June 19, 2024.
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