Actress and Singer

Hailee Steinfeld | Biography

• By Stone Palmer
• Original : December 09, 2024

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Who is Hailee Steinfeld?

Hailee Steinfeld is a multi-talented American actress and singer, born on December 11, 1996, in Los Angeles, California. With her career beginning at the tender age of eight, she showcased her remarkable talent early on by landing significant roles in film. Her breakout performance came at age 14 when she portrayed the strong-willed Mattie Ross in the Coen brothers’ critically acclaimed Western, "True Grit," earning her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. This pivotal role not only launched her career but also demonstrated her capacity to perform alongside well-established actors such as Jeff Bridges and Matt Damon.

In addition to her impressive acting career, Steinfeld has made a name for herself in the music industry. She gained prominence in the musical comedy franchise "Pitch Perfect," where her singing abilities shone brightly, particularly in "Pitch Perfect 2." Following the success of the film, she signed a record deal and released her debut EP, "Haiz," featuring hit singles like "Love Myself," which achieved platinum status. Throughout her career, Hailee has received several accolades, including a Golden Globe nomination for her role in "The Edge of Seventeen," proving her versatility as both an actress and a musician.

Early Life and Education

Hailee Steinfeld was born on December 11, 1996, in Los Angeles, California, to parents Cheri and Pete Steinfeld. Cheri works as an interior designer, while Pete is a fitness trainer, and Hailee has an older brother, Griffin Steinfeld, who is a race car driver. Tapping into her creative roots, Hailee began her acting journey at the age of eight, inspired by her cousin, Emmy winner True O’Brien. Her mother pushed her to undertake acting lessons for a year before she began auditioning, which eventually led to her first agent at age nine. This early foundation propelled her toward a successful entertainment career.

Hailee's educational journey included attending Ascension Lutheran, Conejo Elementary, and Colina Middle schools in Thousand Oaks, California. Her academic path shifted when she began a home-schooling program, allowing her to balance her studies with her burgeoning acting career. In June 2015, she celebrated her high school graduation, marking a significant milestone amidst her rising fame. Influenced by a fourth-grade teacher who recognized her talent, Hailee was recommended for a gifted arts program, further nurturing her passion for performance and setting the stage for an illustrious career in both film and music.

Breakout Role: True Grit

Hailee Steinfeld achieved critical acclaim and recognition at a remarkably young age through her breakout role in the 2010 Western film "True Grit," directed by the Coen brothers. At just 14 years old, she portrayed Mattie Ross, a determined and resourceful teenager on a quest to avenge her father's murder. Her performance captured the essence of a headstrong young girl navigating a harsh world, which resonated with both audiences and critics alike. Steinfeld's ability to embody complex emotions and deliver powerful dialogue set her apart, earning her a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. Competing against more than 15,000 other actresses, Steinfeld's audition truly felt like winning the lottery.

To secure the role of Mattie Ross, Steinfeld impressively auditioned in character, even wearing a homemade 1800s-style costume. This commitment to her craft did not go unnoticed and signaled to the industry that she was a talent to watch. While "True Grit" was her first feature film, it laid the foundation for her successful career ahead. Despite the film's intense competition in the awards season, Steinfeld's breakout role opened numerous doors for her in both acting and music, marking a significant milestone in her career trajectory. It remains a defining moment that many fans and industry professionals cite as instrumental in shaping the star she has become today.

Success in Film: Pitch Perfect and The Edge of Seventeen

Hailee Steinfeld's success in film is highlighted by her impactful roles in the "Pitch Perfect" franchise and the coming-of-age comedy "The Edge of Seventeen." In 2015, she joined the ensemble cast of "Pitch Perfect 2," where she played Emily Junk, a fresh addition to the Barden Bellas. The film was a commercial triumph, opening with the highest box office total ever for a musical. Steinfeld not only showcased her acting talents but also demonstrated her singing prowess, leading to a recording contract with Republic Records shortly after the release. She reprised her role in "Pitch Perfect 3" in 2017, further solidifying her status in the musical comedy genre.

In 2016, Steinfeld received widespread acclaim for her performance as Nadine Byrd in "The Edge of Seventeen." Her portrayal of a socially awkward teenager navigating the complexities of adolescence resonated with audiences and critics alike, earning her a Golden Globe nomination. The film allowed Steinfeld to explore a more dramatic role, showcasing her versatility as an actress. This combination of comedic and dramatic performances has established her as a prominent young star in Hollywood, proving her ability to transcend genres while continuing to build a successful career in both acting and music.

Music Career Highlights

Hailee Steinfeld's music career took off after her appearance in the Pitch Perfect franchise, particularly with her role in 2015's Pitch Perfect 2. Following the film's success, she quickly signed a record deal with Republic Records, which allowed her to showcase her vocal talents. Her debut single, "Love Myself," premiered in August 2015 and resonated with audiences, achieving platinum status. The empowering anthem solidified her position as not only a talented actress but also a rising star in the music industry, setting the stage for her subsequent releases and collaborations.

In addition to her debut single, Steinfeld released her EP, Haiz, later in 2015, which featured a mix of pop anthems that highlighted her vocal prowess and lyrical depth. 2016 saw her follow up with several successful singles, including "Starving," which reached number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, exhibiting her ability to blend pop and electronic influences. Through collaborations with artists like Alesso, Florida Georgia Line, and Machine Gun Kelly, Steinfeld has continued to evolve as a versatile musician, contributing to various projects and expanding her musical repertoire, while publicly sharing her struggles with the transition from film to music.

Personal Life: Dating and Relationships

Hailee Steinfeld, despite being a self-described “very private person,” has had a few public relationships that have generated interest among fans and the media. Her romantic life gained attention when she was linked to Justin Bieber and Charlie Puth, although she denied claims of a romantic relationship with both, insisting they were just friends. However, she did confirm her relationship with Instagram star Cameron Smoller, with whom she publicly debuted at a pre-Golden Globes event in January 2017. Their relationship lasted until November of that same year.

In early 2018, Hailee was rumored to be dating Niall Horan, a former member of One Direction. The speculation arose after they were seen together at a performance of Hamilton in London and shared moments on social media. Despite calling each other supportive friends, their relationship was confirmed to have ended by the end of the year. Throughout her experiences, Hailee has shared insights into her dating life, expressing a desire to protect herself while being open to love, admitting the complexities and challenges that come with it.

Net Worth and Earning: Salary

Hailee Steinfeld, known for her versatile talents in both acting and music, has built an impressive net worth through her multifaceted career. As of 2023, her estimated net worth is around $10 million. This figure primarily comes from her acting roles in successful films such as "True Grit," "Pitch Perfect," and "Bumblebee," alongside her thriving music career, where she has produced several hit singles and EPs. Her ability to transition smoothly between acting and music has proven profitable, allowing her to capitalize on her celebrity status and expand her brand.

In addition to film and music, Steinfeld has also engaged in lucrative endorsement deals, appearing as the face of high-end fashion brands like Miu Miu. Her talents earned her a recording contract with Republic Records following her debut in "Pitch Perfect 2". With a growing presence in both industries, Steinfeld's earnings from live performances, brand partnerships, and streaming revenue are also substantial. Thus, her diverse income streams not only reflect her professional success but also highlight her appeal across various demographics.