Miranda Cosgrove

Early Life and Background

Miranda Taylor Cosgrove was born on May 14, 1993, in Los Angeles, California, to parents Tom and Christina Cosgrove. Her father, Tom, operated a dry-cleaning business, while her mother, Christina, was a homemaker. Miranda is of English, Irish, and French descent. At the age of three, she was discovered by a talent agent while singing and dancing at a local restaurant, leading to her early involvement in modeling and television commercials for brands like McDonald's and Burger King. ​

Education

Miranda was homeschooled from the sixth grade onwards to accommodate her burgeoning acting career. In 2012, she enrolled at the University of Southern California (USC), initially expressing interest in film studies but later switching her major to psychology. This decision allowed her to balance her education with her acting commitments while staying close to her family in Los Angeles. ​

Acting Career

Early Roles and Breakthrough

Miranda's acting debut came in 2003 with the role of Summer Hathaway in the film "School of Rock," where she portrayed a precocious band manager. The film was both a critical and commercial success, providing her with significant exposure. Following this, she secured the role of Megan Parker, the mischievous younger sister, in Nickelodeon's "Drake & Josh," which aired from 2004 to 2007. Her portrayal of Megan endeared her to audiences and showcased her comedic talents. ​

"iCarly" and Rise to Prominence

In 2007, Miranda landed the lead role of Carly Shay in the Nickelodeon series "iCarly." The show centered around a teenager who creates her own web show, becoming an internet sensation. "iCarly" was a massive hit, earning Miranda widespread recognition and making her one of the highest-paid child actors at the time, reportedly earning $180,000 per episode. The series concluded in 2012 after six successful seasons.​

Voice Acting and Other Projects

Beyond live-action roles, Miranda ventured into voice acting, most notably voicing the character Margo in the "Despicable Me" film franchise, starting in 2010. Her involvement in these films introduced her to a broader audience and demonstrated her versatility as an actress. 

In 2016, she starred in the NBC sitcom "Crowded," portraying Shea Moore, a recent college graduate who moves back home. Although the show was short-lived, it allowed Miranda to explore more mature roles. ​

"iCarly" Revival

In 2021, Miranda reprised her role as Carly Shay in the "iCarly" revival on Paramount+. In addition to acting, she took on the role of executive producer, reflecting her growth in the industry. The revival catered to both original fans and new audiences, running for three seasons before concluding in 2023. ​

Music Career

Parallel to her acting endeavors, Miranda pursued a music career. She released her debut studio album, "Sparks Fly," in 2010, which featured the hit single "Kissin U." The album showcased her pop-rock sensibilities and received positive reviews. Prior to this, she released the EP "About You Now" in 2009 and followed up with another EP, "High Maintenance," in 2011. Her musical pursuits allowed her to connect with fans on a different platform and demonstrated her multifaceted talents. 

Philanthropy and Advocacy

Miranda is actively involved in philanthropic activities. She has supported the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and served as the national spokesperson for Light the Night Walk, an organization that raises awareness about cancer and leukemia. Additionally, she has participated in campaigns against bullying and cyberbullying, emphasizing the importance of creating a safe environment for young individuals. ​

Personal Life

Despite her public career, Miranda has maintained a relatively private personal life. She shares a close bond with her parents, who have been instrumental in supporting her career choices and ensuring she had a balanced upbringing. Her decision to attend USC was influenced by her desire to stay close to her family while pursuing higher education. ​

Recent Endeavors and Future Projects

In 2024, Miranda starred alongside Brooke Shields in the Netflix film "Mother of the Bride," showcasing her continued presence in the film industry. She is also set to reprise her role as Margo in "Despicable Me 4," scheduled for release in 2024. ​

Miranda Cosgrove's journey from a child star to a multifaceted actress, singer, and producer exemplifies her adaptability and dedication to her craft. Her diverse body of work and philanthropic efforts continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.