Everyone Knows Her as “Lily Adams” — But Milana Vayntrub’s Real Story Is Far Bigger
To millions of viewers, she’s instantly recognizable as Lily Adams, the quick-witted and relatable face of AT&T commercials.
But Milana Vayntrub is far more than a familiar character from television ads — her life story and career span comedy, acting, writing, voice work, and humanitarian advocacy.
Born in Tashkent, Uzbekistan (then part of the Soviet Union), Milana immigrated to the United States with her family as a child, seeking refuge from rising antisemitism and economic instability.
That early experience would later shape not only her worldview, but also the causes she chose to support as an adult.
Milana began acting at a young age, appearing in commercials before transitioning into television and film.
She built her craft through improv and sketch comedy, becoming part of the Upright Citizens Brigade, a well-known training ground for top comedians.
From there, her career expanded into television roles, including appearances on shows like This Is Us, Silicon Valley, and Other Space, as well as voice acting for animated series and video games.
While her portrayal of Lily Adams made her a household name, Milana has consistently pursued creative work behind the scenes as well.
She has written, directed, and produced projects that reflect her sharp humor and thoughtful storytelling, proving her talents extend well beyond acting alone.
Beyond entertainment, Milana has used her platform to speak openly about refugee issues.
Drawing from her own childhood experience, she co-founded Can’t Do Nothing, an organization aimed at raising awareness and encouraging meaningful action in response to the global refugee crisis.
Her advocacy has been widely recognized for its sincerity and impact, setting her apart in an industry where such efforts are often rare.
Today, Milana Vayntrub continues to balance mainstream success with purposeful storytelling and activism.
Whether on screen, behind the camera, or speaking up for humanitarian causes, she represents a modern kind of public figure — one whose influence goes far beyond a single role.
What started as a familiar face in commercials has become a career defined by depth, resilience, and purpose – and her story is still being written.
