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Miley Cyrus - Biography

Miley Cyrus rose to fame on Disney's Hannah Montana  

Miley Cyrus smiling in a lilac dress
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Who is Miley Cyrus?

Miley Cyrus first became famous starring in Disney's Hannah Montana, when she was just 12 years old. The show saw Miley sing, dance and act and prepared her for her career as a pop star - though her star-studded family no doubt helped teach her the ways of fame.

Miley was born Destiny Hope Cyrus on 23 November 1992, and earned the nickname Miley for being so smiley as a child. Her father is country icon Billy Ray Cyrus – of Achy Breaky Heart fame - and her godmother is Dolly Parton. 

Miley Cyrus' early career

Miley was initially rejected from the Hannah Montana role for being "too small, too young", but her persistence paid off. She got a call back, and went on to win the part, playing an average teen who has a double life as a pop star. Billy Ray was cast as her dad. Disney Channel executive Gary Marsh, described Miley as having the "everyday reliability of Hilary Duff and the stage presence of Shania Twain".

Hannah Montana was an instant hit, going on to become cable's most-watched show for children aged six to 14 and propelling Miley to teen idol status. What's more, it became the perfect showcase for her singing talent, and its soundtrack also debuted at number one, eventually going triple platinum. 

In 2007, Miley released a follow-up album, Hannah Montana 2: Meet Miley Cyrus, which sold 1.1 million copies. She also embarked on a 54-date Best of Both Worlds concert tour, performing as herself and her Hannah Montana character. 

In 2008, Miley released her second studio album, under her own name. Breakout included eight tracks co-written by the star, who was by now ready to move away from her Disney roots. "Songwriting is what I really want to do with my life forever," she said at the time. "I just hope this record showcases that, more than anything, I'm a writer." It also debuted at number one on the US Billboard chart.

Miley Cyrus' music career

After shedding her Disney persona, Miley had continued success in her music career, with many chart-topping albums, including Bangerz, in 2013, with hits including Wrecking Ball and We Can't Stop. Her 2017 album Younger Now, followed, with Liam Hemsworth lovesong Malibu the lead single. 2023 saw Miley release Endless Summer Vacation, with lead single Flowers becoming a worldwide hit.

Miley Cyrus' personal life

It wasn't just Miley's music that made headlines. Her personal life was in the spotlight too. In July 2007, she began dating Nick Jonas, 14, the youngest member of the Jonas Brothers – it was a match made in teen pop heaven. 

"Nick and I loved each other," she later told Seventeen. "For two years he was basically my 24/7." 

After they split, Miley began dating Liam Hemsworth, her co-star from the feature film The Last Song. The pair dated on and off from 2009 to 2019, getting married in December 2018, before splitting for good in August 2019.

Miley has also dated Stella Maxwell, Patrick Schwarzenegger and Cody Simpson. As of 2023, she is reportedly dating drummer Maxx Morando.

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READ: A look into Miley Cyrus' famous family - from Dolly Parton to Noah Cyrus

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