Sophia Michaels
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Milana Vayntrub quickly rose to fame as a result of her role in a commercial, particularly as Lily Adams in the AT&T ads that began airing in 2013. Over four years, she became a familiar face and shared her surprisingly straightforward audition experience on Mike Elder’s podcast, stating, “It was like a joke.” Reflecting on her unexpected success, she expressed disbelief when informed that millions watched one of her commercials during the Sugar Bowl, recalling her earlier anxiety when only a few hundred viewed her YouTube videos.
As of now, Vayntrub boasts a net worth of approximately $4 million. She actively continued her commercial work until her contract ended in 2017. Instead of stepping away from acting, she shifted her focus to directing, enhancing her skills behind the camera. This is what Vayntrub has been pursuing beyond her time as a popular commercial face.
Milana Vayntrub transitioned to directing
Beyond her quirky persona on television, Milana Vayntrub possesses directing talent. She made her directorial debut in 2016 with Cracker Barrel Macaroni & Cheese, followed by more projects, including work revisiting AT&T. In 2020, she provided a glimpse into her directing process and her role as an actor in an AT&T ad through a behind-the-scenes video, showcasing her busy day starting early morning, preparing, and directing scenes.
During a 2023 interview on “Alicyn’s Wonderland,” she shared her college experience where she started directing plays, which ignited her passion for the craft. After college, she co-starred in and led a comedic web series titled “Let’s Talk About Something More Interesting,” featuring well-known actors like Matt Damon. However, the pandemic halted her work, inspiring her to pitch a new AT&T project that she would direct from home. She expressed her enjoyment in directing commercials and her appreciation for her current position, remarking that happiness comes from appreciating what you already have.
Milana Vayntrub’s humanitarian efforts
While on vacation in Greece, Milana Vayntrub experienced something that significantly impacted her life. In a 2016 discussion, she recounted witnessing a harrowing journey of Syrian migrants arriving by boat. Having fled her own hardships, she felt compelled to assist them, deciding to stay rather than return home. This led her to establish a nonprofit called Can’t Do Nothing. “I’m urging everyone to find simple ways to contribute your time, money, and voice to create change,” she stated.
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Milana Vayntrub’s Impactful Philanthropy
Milana Vayntrub successfully utilized her social media presence and a now-closed website to raise funds that made a meaningful impact. In a 2017 interview with InStyle, she shared, “Since launching Can’t Do Nothing a year and a half ago, we’ve significantly improved the lives of Syrian refugees.” Vayntrub detailed her contributions, such as facilitating education for children, providing eyeglasses, acquiring emergency medical vehicles, and distributing food to thousands, all through collaborations with organizations like Carry the Future, Salam UK, and The Syria Fund.
Milana Vayntrub’s Online Harassment Struggles
Upon reprising her role as Lily Adams in 2020, Milana Vayntrub faced unexpected online harassment regarding her appearance, as reported by The New York Times. She was subjected to crude comments regarding her body during a particularly isolating time due to COVID-19 lockdowns. Vayntrub expressed on Instagram, “I’m hurting, and it’s triggering numerous feelings of past trauma. I’m simply walking my dog while receiving distorted pictures of myself for likes.” This troubling experience affected her confidence, leading her to change how she portrayed herself in ads. In 2021, she tweeted, “I’ve been asked why I’m portrayed like this in ads? I direct these ads myself and the placement is a response to the many inappropriate comments I’ve received about my body. It’s going to stay this way until I feel safe again.”
Milana Vayntrub Launches a Podcast
On May 3, 2024, Milana Vayntrub revealed her new podcast titled “Your Mom is a Podcast” via Instagram. She explained the idea behind the podcast stating, “My best friend Sandeep and I wondered how our favorite people became who they are—was it their moms or dads influencing them?” The podcast features interviews with inspiring individuals and their mothers, exploring the dynamics that shaped them. Vayntrub and her co-host, Sandeep Parikh, also share a past as former roommates, now parents themselves. Unique to the podcast, they engage the mothers first before allowing their guests to hear what was discussed, promoting personal revelations and bonding moments.
Milana Vayntrub’s Personal Life
Milana Vayntrub maintains a level of privacy about her personal life. Despite this, she announced her marriage on September 17, 2023, revealing little about her spouse. She shared a glimpse of their intimate beachside wedding on Instagram, describing the ceremony held at the temple her husband constructed, which included moments like exchanging pink sunglasses under a chuppah. Vayntrub wore a delicate white lace dress, complemented by a crystal crown, while her husband opted for a relaxed linen outfit.
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