Hailee Steinfeld, born in Tarzana, California, on December 11, 1996, established a career spanning film, television, and music. Rising to prominence as a child actor in the 2010 western True Grit, she subsequently expanded her portfolio into major studio franchises, animated voice roles, and a series of successful pop music recordings released through Republic Records.
Early Career and Breakthrough
Steinfeld began her professional acting work in 2007, appearing in short films such as She's a Fox. Her entry into mainstream cinema occurred at age 13 when she was cast as Mattie Ross in True Grit. The performance secured her a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. In 2011, she became the face of the Miu Miu fashion brand. Subsequent film projects during her early career included the 2013 adaptation of Romeo and Juliet and the science-fiction feature Ender's Game.
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Following a performance of the song Flashlight in the 2015 film Pitch Perfect 2, Steinfeld signed with Republic Records. Her debut single, Love Myself, was released that same year, followed by the extended plays Haiz and Half Written Story. Her musical career has produced singles including Starving, Most Girls, and Let Me Go. During this period, she remained active in film, starring in the 2016 coming-of-age drama The Edge of Seventeen, which earned a Golden Globe nomination, and the 2018 film Bumblebee.
Television and Recent Roles
Steinfeld portrayed the poet Emily Dickinson in the Apple TV+ series Dickinson, which ran from 2019 to 2021. She has also contributed voice work to projects such as the Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse series and the Netflix animation Arcane. In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, she joined the cast as Kate Bishop. Her later film credits include the 2025 production Sinners and the 2026 Disney animated feature Hexed.
Fast facts
- Born: December 11, 1996, Tarzana, United States
- First Academy Award nomination: 2010, True Grit
- Music label: Republic Records
- Notable television role: Emily Dickinson in Dickinson
- Awards: Max Mara Face of the Future (2013)
- Voice credits include: Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, Arcane, Hexed
- Film credits include: Pitch Perfect 2, Bumblebee, Sinners
- Languages: English
Questions readers ask
What was Hailee Steinfeld's breakthrough role?
Her breakthrough role was Mattie Ross in the 2010 western film True Grit.
Has she received music industry awards?
Yes, she won a Billboard Music Award in 2017, an MTV Europe Music Award for Best Push Act in 2017, and an MTV Europe Music Award for Best Pop in 2018.
