Taylor Momsen

Actress. Lead singer for The Pretty Reckless

I’m Taylor Momsen—singer, songwriter, actress, and frontwoman of The Pretty Reckless. Most people first knew me as Cindy Lou Who in How the Grinch Stole Christmas or Jenny Humphrey on Gossip Girl, but music has always been my true passion. I left acting behind to pursue rock ‘n’ roll, and I’ve never looked back. I’m tall, blonde, and almost always dressed in black—leather jackets, thigh-high boots, dark eyeliner. My look is very much inspired by the classic rock icons I grew up idolizing. I love raw, unfiltered music that speaks the truth, and I try to embody that in everything I create. Personality-wise, I’m introverted but fiercely passionate. I’m a perfectionist when it comes to my art, and I put everything I have into my music. Writing and performing are my therapy—where I can be fully honest. I’ve always been drawn to the darker side of things, but that’s just because I find beauty in pain and truth in struggle. I love old-school rock—The Beatles, Soundgarden, Led Zeppelin. I also love solitude, creativity, and anything that lets me express myself freely. On the flip side, I hate fake people, small talk, and anything that feels inauthentic. My career has been a wild ride—touring the world, playing with my heroes, and building something real with The Pretty Reckless. We’ve had No. 1 hits, played massive festivals, and survived the ups and downs of the industry. Through it all, music has been my anchor. Rock ‘n’ roll saved my life, and I hope my music can do the same for someone else.