Addison Rae (born October 6, 2000) is an American social media influencer, actress, and singer who gained fame through the video-sharing platform TikTok. Originally from Lafayette, Louisiana, Rae became one of TikTok’s most popular creators with her dance and lip-sync videos, amassing millions of followers in a short period. Her rise to stardom led to collaborations with major brands, a music single release, and roles in films, including the Netflix movie He’s All That (2021), a remake of the 1999 classic She’s All That. Beyond social media, Addison has ventured into various business pursuits, such as launching her own beauty line, Item Beauty. With her growing influence in the entertainment industry, Rae is recognized as a key figure in shaping digital culture and youth trends, while continuing to expand her career in music, acting, and entrepreneurship.
Early Life and Background
Addison Rae Easterling was born on October 6, 2000, in Lafayette, Louisiana, to parents Monty Lopez and Sheri Easterling. Raised in a close-knit family with strong Southern roots, Addison grew up alongside her two younger brothers, Enzo and Lucas. Her family dynamic would later play a pivotal role in her social media success, as her parents, particularly her mother, Sheri, became involved in her online content, further expanding their family’s appeal to audiences worldwide.
Addison’s early life in Lafayette was filled with typical childhood activities, but her interest in performance and entertainment was evident from a young age. She was particularly drawn to dance, a passion that would ultimately serve as the foundation of her social media stardom. Addison began dancing competitively at the age of six and took part in various competitions throughout her formative years. Her dedication to dance honed her skills, and it was clear that she possessed both the talent and the drive to take her abilities to a larger platform.
Growing up, Rae attended Calvary Baptist Academy in Shreveport, Louisiana, where she was an active participant in extracurricular activities. Dance was her primary focus, but she also showed an interest in sports, cheerleading, and other activities that allowed her to express her competitive and energetic spirit. Rae’s involvement in cheerleading, in particular, helped shape her social presence early on, as it provided her with the confidence and poise that would become essential in her later career.
Rae’s family life was characterized by close bonds and a supportive environment. Her parents, both of whom had their own followings on social media, were instrumental in fostering her ambition. They encouraged her to pursue her passions, and their involvement in her TikTok videos would later help her brand grow even further. This family-oriented image was part of Rae’s appeal, as fans loved the dynamic between her and her parents, particularly her mother, who became somewhat of a star herself.
Although Rae had a relatively normal upbringing, her exposure to social media started early. Like many teenagers, she was an avid user of various platforms, including Instagram and Snapchat, where she shared glimpses of her life. However, it wasn’t until the rise of TikTok that Rae’s online presence began to skyrocket. She had initially planned to pursue a career in broadcast journalism, even enrolling at Louisiana State University (LSU) for a brief period, but her growing popularity on TikTok caused her to reconsider her career path.
Rise to Fame on TikTok
In 2019, Addison Rae’s life took a dramatic turn when she joined the social media platform TikTok. What began as a fun hobby soon evolved into a full-fledged career as she quickly gained followers for her dance videos. At the time, TikTok was still relatively new, and Rae’s dance skills set her apart from many other users. With her charismatic personality, natural charm, and perfectly choreographed moves, she became an instant favorite on the platform.
Her videos primarily consisted of her dancing to popular songs, often collaborating with other creators. This collaborative spirit helped her build connections within the TikTok community, which was rapidly expanding at the time. She also benefited from TikTok’s algorithm, which pushed viral content to new audiences, helping her amass millions of followers in a short amount of time.
By the end of 2019, Addison Rae had gained millions of followers on TikTok. Her unique blend of dance, relatable content, and personal charm struck a chord with young audiences. She became known for popularizing specific dance trends and songs, often adding her own twist to them, which her fans eagerly embraced. Her videos consistently garnered millions of views, solidifying her place as one of the most influential creators on the platform.
What set Rae apart from many other TikTok creators was not just her dance skills, but her ability to connect with her audience. She frequently posted videos with her family, showing a more personal and relatable side to her life. Her wholesome image, combined with her Southern charm, made her widely appealing to a broad demographic of fans, particularly young girls who saw her as a role model. Addison’s social media persona was built on authenticity, fun, and positivity—elements that continue to define her brand.
By early 2020, Rae’s follower count had skyrocketed to over 50 million on TikTok, and her success showed no signs of slowing down. She became part of the Hype House, a content creator collective based in Los Angeles, which further helped boost her visibility. The Hype House was made up of popular TikTok influencers who collaborated on videos, helping to cross-promote each other’s content. As one of the most well-known members, Rae quickly became the face of the group, further solidifying her status as a TikTok superstar.
Expanding Her Brand
As her popularity on TikTok grew, Rae began exploring opportunities beyond the platform. Recognizing the fleeting nature of social media fame, she was quick to diversify her career into other areas of entertainment and business. Her first major venture outside of TikTok came in the form of brand partnerships and sponsorships. Companies recognized her influence over her predominantly young and female audience, and she became a sought-after brand ambassador for various fashion and beauty brands.
In 2020, Rae secured a major deal with American Eagle, becoming one of the faces of the brand’s back-to-school campaign. This partnership marked her transition from social media star to mainstream celebrity. The campaign was widely successful
, in part due to Rae’s relatability and influence among Gen Z consumers. Her involvement in the fashion industry didn’t stop there. Rae also partnered with major brands like L’Oréal and Reebok, further solidifying her status as a fashion and beauty icon for young people. These brand collaborations allowed her to expand her reach beyond TikTok, and she soon became a regular presence in magazines, advertisements, and on red carpets.
Rae’s most significant business venture came in 2020 when she launched her own beauty line, Item Beauty, in collaboration with beauty brand Madeby Collective. The makeup line, which focuses on clean and skin-friendly products, was a hit with her followers, who appreciated the affordable yet high-quality products. Rae was heavily involved in the creation of Item Beauty, from product development to marketing, which demonstrated her entrepreneurial spirit and keen business acumen. The success of her beauty line further elevated her standing in the beauty industry and gave her an additional platform through which to engage with her audience.
Her business ventures didn’t stop at beauty. In the same year, Rae signed with the entertainment agency WME (William Morris Endeavor), which opened the door for her to explore opportunities in film, television, and music. She also started her own podcast with her mother, Sheri Easterling, titled “Mama Knows Best.” The podcast, which was released on Spotify, focused on the duo’s relationship, life advice, and personal experiences, offering fans a more intimate look into Rae’s life.
Hollywood Breakthrough and Acting Career
By 2021, Addison Rae had cemented herself as a global social media star, and her career took another significant leap when she was cast in her first major acting role. Rae made her film debut in “He’s All That”, a Netflix reboot of the 1999 teen classic “She’s All That.” Rae played the lead role of Padgett Sawyer, a popular influencer who embarks on a mission to transform a socially awkward boy into prom king. The film was a modern take on the original storyline, and Rae’s casting generated a great deal of media attention.
Although “He’s All That” received mixed reviews, Rae’s performance was widely discussed, and she earned praise for her transition into acting. The film’s release was highly successful for Netflix, becoming one of the platform’s most-watched movies within its first week. Rae’s leap into acting signaled her growing ambition to expand her career beyond social media, and she expressed a desire to continue acting in future projects and further develop her skills as a performer. Despite some criticism from traditional media regarding her acting debut, Rae remained committed to exploring new opportunities in Hollywood. She stated that she was taking acting classes and working to improve her craft, showing her determination to establish herself as more than just a social media personality.
Rae’s foray into acting represented the broader trend of TikTok stars transitioning to mainstream media, and she became one of the most visible examples of this shift. Her ability to draw attention to her projects through her massive online following made her a valuable asset for entertainment companies, while her fans were eager to support her ventures in film and television.
Music Career and Ventures in the Entertainment Industry
Addison Rae’s talents weren’t confined to just acting and dance. In 2021, she expanded her career into the music industry, releasing her debut single, “Obsessed.” The song was a pop track that reflected Rae’s experiences with fame, self-love, and confidence. Released with an accompanying music video, “Obsessed” showcased Rae’s interest in exploring music as another avenue for creativity.
While the song received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising her for trying something new and others critiquing the lyrical depth, it became a moderate success, amassing millions of streams on platforms like Spotify and YouTube. Rae was undeterred by the criticism and hinted at more music to come, indicating that her entry into the music world was just beginning.
As with her other ventures, Rae’s music career was supported by her loyal fan base. Her followers streamed the song, watched the video, and engaged with her music content on social media, helping to boost its visibility. Rae performed “Obsessed” live on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” marking her first major television performance. The appearance was notable because it cemented her as more than just a TikTok star, but as a multi-talented entertainer.
Beyond her own projects, Rae’s presence in the entertainment industry continued to grow. She attended major events such as the Met Gala and MTV Video Music Awards, further solidifying her status as a mainstream celebrity. Her appearances on these high-profile platforms signified her successful crossover from the world of social media into the realms of fashion, music, and film.
Public Image and Influence
As one of the most recognizable figures from TikTok, Addison Rae has wielded significant influence over her millions of followers. Her image as a down-to-earth, approachable celebrity resonated with her audience, particularly young women. Rae’s relatability and frequent interactions with her fans helped build a loyal community around her brand. She often shared personal moments from her life, including her struggles with fame, self-confidence, and mental health, which made her more human in the eyes of her followers.
Rae has also been candid about her experiences with online criticism and the pressures of being in the public eye. As her fame grew, she became a target for online trolls, who scrutinized everything from her appearance to her acting and music endeavors. Despite the negativity, Rae maintained a positive outlook, often addressing these issues in interviews and on social media. Her ability to handle fame with grace has further endeared her to her fans, who appreciate her openness and resilience.
Rae’s influence extends beyond her social media platforms. She has used her platform to promote body positivity, self-love, and mental health awareness. In doing so, she has become a role model for many young people navigating the complexities of growing up in the digital age. Her advocacy for confidence and embracing imperfections resonated with a generation constantly bombarded with images of perfection on social media.
Personal Life and Relationships
Addison Rae’s personal life has often been the subject of public interest, particularly her relationships. In 2020, her relationship with fellow TikTok star Bryce Hall became a highly publicized romance, with the couple frequently sharing their experiences online. Dubbed “Braddison” by their fans, the couple’s relationship was closely followed, but they eventually broke up in early 2021.
Despite the media attention surrounding her romantic life, Rae has often expressed a desire to keep her personal relationships more private. She has spoken about the challenges of maintaining a relationship in the public eye and the pressure that comes with constantly being scrutinized by fans and the media.
Rae has maintained a close relationship with her family, who continue to be a significant part of her life and her content. Her mother, Sheri Easterling, and her father, Monty Lopez, have their own social media followings, and Rae often shares moments with them on TikTok and Instagram. However, her family’s involvement in her career has not been without its challenges, as they, too, have been subject to public scrutiny and rumors.
