Miley Ray Cyrus

Birth Name: Destiny Hope Cyrus

Date of Birth: 23 November 1992, Nashville, Tennessee, USA

Nickname: Smiley, Miley

Height: 5' 6" (1.68 m)


Biography

Miley Ray Cyrus was born in Franklin, Tennessee, the daughter of Leticia "Tish" (née Finley) and country singer Billy Ray Cyrus, and the granddaughter of the late Ron Cyrus. She has two elder half-brothers, Christopher Cody and Trace, the latter being the vocalist and guitarist of an electronic rock band, Metro Station in California. She also has an older half-sister, Brandi, a younger brother, Braison, and a younger sister, Noah, who is also an actress. She was named Destiny Hope because her parents believed that she would accomplish great things.[3] Cyrus gained her nickname "Miley" because she kept smiling ("Smiley") as a youngster. Cyrus attended Heritage Middle School, and now has a private tutor. She grew up on her parents' farm outside of Nashville.

Cyrus became interested in acting at age nine when the family briefly lived in Toronto, Canada. Her first acting role was as a guest star on her father's television series Doc, in which she played a girl named Kylie. In 2003, she played "Young Ruthie" in Tim Burton's Big Fish and was credited as Destiny Cyrus. She was also featured in Rhonda Vincent's music video for "If Heartaches Have Wings", and appeared on Colgate Country Showdown with her father, who was hosting the program.

Cyrus was eleven years old when she originally auditioned for Disney for the lead as well as the "best friend" roles. Disney Channel executives then judged her to be "too small", however Miley was persistent in her desire to be part of the show, so Disney called her back for further auditions when she turned 12. According to Disney Channel Executive Vice President Gary Marsh, Cyrus was chosen for Hannah Montana because of her energetic and lively performance and was seen as a person who "loves every minute of life", with the "everyday relatability of Hilary Duff and the stage presence of Shania Twain". She spent several years to get rid of her Southern accent, but in the end Disney wanted her to revive it. Later in an unusual twist, Cyrus had to audition her own father, Billy Ray Cyrus, to see if he would fit the role as Hannah's dad. Cyrus currently stars in Hannah Montana as the lead character Miley Stewart, whose alter ego is the pop music sensation Hannah Montana.

Cyrus performed both as herself and in character as Hannah Montana on a North American Best of Both Worlds Tour that started on October 18, 2007 in St. Louis, Missouri; the tour was extended, due to high demand, until January 31, 2008, with 69 total dates, 14 more than previously planned. The Jonas Brothers were the opening act for most of the tour. Tour tickets for each date sold out in record time after they went on sale, disappointing large numbers of fans.

Cyrus is good friends with fellow Hannah Montana co-stars Emily Osment and Mitchel Musso, often texting and conference calling each other during busy days. Miley Cyrus also taught Emily Osment how to play the guitar and Osment taught Cyrus how to knit. She is also friends with the stars of the highly successful TV movie High School Musical, including Ashley Tisdale, Vanessa Hudgens and The Suite Life of Zack and Cody stars including Brenda Song. In an appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show, she stated that she looks up to Hilary Duff as her role model. On January 29, 2008 Miley Cyrus officially changed her name to "Miley Ray Cyrus," her middle name reflecting that of her father's.

In an interview with USA Today, Cyrus was quoted as saying her faith is "the main thing" and is the reason why she works in Hollywood. When interviewed by Parade, she added that she attends church regularly with her family. In an interview to Christianity Today, Billy Ray said, "Being Christian, we believe in heaven" and "We also had a great church, and when you give up your church, your pastor, and the community you are involved in, you're making a big sacrifice. Let's face it, Hollywood is a completely different environment than Franklin, Tennessee". She also has many pets, including horses, dogs, cats, fish, and chickens.

Currently Miley is working on a movie spin-off from Hannah Montana, titled The Hannah Montana Movie which is due to be released early 2009.


Trivia

Daughter of singer/actor Billy Ray Cyrus and Leticia "Tish" Cyrus. Sister of Noah Lindsey Cyrus

Has five siblings: older paternal half-brother Christopher Cody, older maternal half-brother Trace, older maternal half-sister Brandi, and younger siblings Braison Chance and Noah Lindsey.

Her favorite sport is cheerleading.

Her favorite book is, "Don't Die, My Love."

Her favorite song by her Dad is "Achy Breaky Heart."

Has written over a hundred songs and some of them have been used on her show, "Hannah Montana" (2006).

Her favorite singers are Hilary Duff, Kelly Clarkson, Mariah Carey, and Ashlee Simpson.

Her favorite album is Kelly Clarkson's "Breakaway".

Her favorite movie is Steel Magnolias.

Likes to eat Chinese food.

Favourite hobby is going shopping.

She loves to watch High School Musical with her sisters.

She has three dogs, Loco (because "It's crazy!"), Juicy (because of the clothing brand) and her newest dog, Minnie Pearl.

Miley was on the green team for 2 summers in a row in the Disney Channel Games.

She has never taken formal singing lessons (as of June 2007).

Started auditioning for Hannah Montana when she was 11 years old, She originally tried out for the part of Lilly Truscott.

Was ranked #17 on Forbes List of The 20 Top-Earning Young Superstars.

Ranked #12 on interview magazines Hollywood faces to watch "future stars of tomorrow".

In January 2008 she legally changed her name from Destiny Hope Cyrus to Miley Ray Cyrus. Ray is for her dad, Billy Ray Cyrus, and Miley was her nickname, given because as a baby, she always smiled. Smiley evolved into Miley in baby slang.

Released a 3D concert movie of her Best of Both Worlds Tour on February 1st, 2008. It became the highest grossing Super Bowl weekend release ever.

Was ranked #22 on Entertainment Weekly's '30 Under 30' the actress list. (2008).