Miranda Cosgrove first stepped into the spotlight as a child star on Nickelodeon shows like School of Rock and Drake & Josh. Her breakout role as Carly on iCarly launched her into teen stardom. Despite early fame, Cosgrove has transitioned smoothly into adulthood, continuing her acting and singing career. This article explores Cosgrove’s journey from child star to successful actress and singer.
Miranda’s Early Life and Career Beginnings
Miranda Taylor Cosgrove was born on May 14, 1993 in Los Angeles, California. From an early age, she loved singing and acting, appearing in commercials as a toddler. Her professional career began at age 3 when she was cast in her first TV role for the pilot Smallville: Chloe Chronicles.
Although the pilot wasn’t picked up, Cosgrove continued acting in commercials and small roles throughout her childhood. Her first major break came in 2003 at age 10 when she was cast as Megan Parker on Drake & Josh. Cosgrove starred on the hit Nickelodeon show for 4 seasons until its end in 2007.
Miranda’s Big Break with iCarly
Cosgrove’s career reached new heights with her breakout starring role on iCarly. She played Carly Shay, a teenager who creates a web show with her best friends. iCarly became a massive pop culture phenomenon from 2007-2012, turning Cosgrove into a household name.<table> <thead> <tr> <th>iCarly Facts</th> <th></th> </tr> </thead> <tbody> <tr> <td>Years on air</td> <td>2007-2012</td> </tr> <tr> <td># of episodes</td> <td>109</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Emmy nominations</td> <td>5</td> </tr> </tbody> </table>
iCarly propelled Cosgrove to international fame as a teenager. She won several awards for her starring role and performed the theme song. iCarly remains Nickelodeon’s second highest rated show.
Balancing Child Stardom and School
Being a child star meant Cosgrove had to balance education with her acting career. She was homeschooled on set during her early roles on Drake & Josh and iCarly.
In 2008, Cosgrove enrolled in USC as a theater major. She attended college for a year before stopping due to her busy schedule. Ultimately, Cosgrove chose to focus fully on acting and music rather than pursuing higher education.
“When I started at USC, I felt really overwhelmed with how big it is. I didn’t know anybody. I just felt really young,” she explained about her decision.
Nonetheless, Cosgrove values education, supporting many charities that provide access to schooling for less fortunate children.
Transitioning into Music
In addition to acting, Cosgrove pursued a career in music during her iCarly days. She recorded several soundtracks for her shows, kickstarting her singing career. Some of her early hits include:
- Leave It All to Me (iCarly theme song)
- About You Now
- Kissin U
Cosgrove released her debut studio album, Sparks Fly, in 2010 when she was 17. The pop album was a commercial success, peaking at #8 on the Billboard 200. After iCarly ended, Cosgrove announced plans for her second full-length album. However, the album was delayed and ultimately scrapped as she shifted her focus back to acting.
Life After iCarly: Recent Acting Projects
When iCarly wrapped in 2012, Cosgrove was at a crossroads in her career. While she could’ve tried to shake her child star image, she continued acting in projects tailored to a younger audience.
Theaters Roles
Cosgrove’s first big role after iCarly was as Emily in the stage musical adaptation of Despicable Me in 2017. She also starred as Shea in the play School of Rock.
Animated Films/Shows
Cosgrove voiced main characters in animated films like Despicable Me 2 and the Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs franchise. She also played roles on shows like Crowded and A Million Little Things.
Reprising Her Role as Carly
In 2021, Cosgrove reprised her iconic role as Carly Shay in the iCarly revival series on Paramount+. The reboot brought back characters like Freddie and Spencer for a new generation of teen viewers.
By returning to iCarly, Cosgrove satisfied nostalgic fans while also introducing herself to a younger audience. The revival has proven successful thus far, being renewed for a third season.
Current Endeavors: Acting, Singing, and Producing
Now approaching 30, Cosgrove continues working on TV and film projects that span various genres and audiences.
- Filming the iCarly reboot, serving as executive producer
- Bit roles on shows like The Goldbergs
- Voice acting on animated series such as Ewoks and Star Wars: Galaxy of Sounds
- Released singles Christmas in the City (2021) and About You Now (2022)
Besides acting and music, Cosgrove co-founded the production company Unheard Ventures. She aims to develop TV and film projects while mentoring up-and-coming talent.
Conclusion
Miranda Cosgrove has successfully transitioned from a child star into an adult actress and singer. Her early fame on Nickelodeon shows paved the way for bigger opportunities, like her hit show iCarly.
While many child actors struggle with the fame, Cosgrove’s career has thrived into her late 20s. She has balanced recurring roles like the iCarly reboot with new creative pursuits like producing. No longer seen solely as a teen star, Cosgrove has proven her versatility and staying power in the entertainment industry.
Her willingness to take risks, evolve with age, and connect with audiences has allowed her to outgrow her kid star image. While Cosgrove remains nostalgic for some, new generations now appreciate her current work on shows like the iCarly revival. Miranda Cosgrove’s journey from young talent to household name shows how child stars can successfully transition into adult careers with the right opportunities and smart career moves.
FAQ About Miranda Cosgrove’s Career
Here are some frequently asked questions about Miranda Cosgrove’s journey from child star to adult actress and singer:
How old was Miranda when she got her first big break?
Cosgrove was 10 years old when she landed her breakthrough role as Megan Parker on Drake & Josh in 2004.
What shows was Miranda Cosgrove on as a kid?
As a child, Cosgrove had roles on shows like Smallville and Drake & Josh. Her biggest role was playing Carly on iCarly from 2007-2012.
Did Miranda Cosgrove go to college?
Cosgrove enrolled as a theater major at the University of Southern California in 2008. However, she only attended for about a year before focusing fully on her acting and music career.
How many albums has Miranda Cosgrove released?
Cosgrove has released one full-length studio album, Sparks Fly, in 2010. She has also released several soundtracks and singles for her TV shows and films.
Is the iCarly reboot bringing back Miranda Cosgrove?
Yes, the Paramount+ revival series features Cosgrove reprising her iconic role as Carly Shay. She also serves as one of the executive producers.
Is Miranda Cosgrove still acting and singing today?
Yes, Cosgrove continues to take on acting roles in shows, animated films, and the iCarly reboot. She also remains musically active by releasing new singles.
