Meet Milana Vayntrub, the actress behind the iconic AT&T commercials featuring Lily. Originally from Tashkent, now Uzbekistan, Milana fled to the US as a refugee with her Jewish parents.
Her acting career began at age two, landing roles in Barbie commercials and later in shows like ER and Lizzie McGuire. Despite dropping out of Beverly Hills High School, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in communication from the University of San Diego.
Milana’s passion for acting led her to improv comedy at The Upright Citizens Brigade theater, where she gained recognition. She appeared in various comedy roles, including on YouTube’s Live Prude Girls and in shows like This Is Us. Her stint as Lily in AT&T commercials, initially intended for a single spot, became a massive success, leading to 40 more commercials.
While her portrayal garnered praise, it also attracted attention from celebrities like Amy Schumer, who parodied the character. Milana, however, emphasized Lily’s intelligence and sass, distancing her from a simple “eye candy” role. Beyond her acting career, Milana co-founded the #CantDoNothing movement, aiming to aid refugees, inspired by her own refugee experience and a trip to Greece during the Syrian civil war.
Despite her absence from recent commercials, Milana’s talent promises exciting future projects, including her role as Squirrel Girl and appearances in music videos like Hot Chip’s “Hungry Child.” With her comedic prowess and commitment to humanitarian causes, Milana’s future is bright on both the small and big screens.