What Happened to Taylor Momsen?

Taylor Momsen, born on July 26, 1993, began her career at the tender age of three, quickly gaining recognition for her role as Cindy Lou Who in the 2000 film 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas.' Her acting career continued with roles in films like 'Spy Kids 2: The Island of Lost Dreams' (2002) and 'Underdog' (2007), before she landed the prominent role of Jenny Humphrey in The CW's hit teen drama 'Gossip Girl' in 2007. However, Momsen has since revealed that her acting career, particularly her early start, was an 'alienating' experience, and she felt pressured into it by her parents.

The key turning point in Momsen's career came around 2011 when she made the conscious decision to leave acting to pursue her true passion: music. She had formed the rock band The Pretty Reckless in 2009, serving as the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist. Her appearances on 'Gossip Girl' became increasingly sporadic, and she officially departed as a regular cast member after the fourth season, making a brief return for the series finale in 2012. This transition allowed her to fully commit to The Pretty Reckless, which released its debut album, 'Light Me Up,' in 2010, followed by 'Going to Hell' (2014) and 'Who You Selling For' (2016).

The band continued to build a strong following, and their fourth studio album, 'Death by Rock and Roll,' released on February 12, 2021, marked a significant period for Momsen, as it was their first album following the death of their long-time producer, Kato Khandwala, in 2018. The album was critically well-received and produced several number-one singles on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart, solidifying The Pretty Reckless's position in the rock scene. In late 2025, Momsen and the band released a holiday EP titled 'Taylor Momsen's Pretty Reckless Christmas,' which included an updated version of 'Where Are You Christmas,' a song she originally performed as Cindy Lou Who.

As of April 15, 2026, Taylor Momsen remains highly active in her music career. The Pretty Reckless announced their fifth studio album, 'Dear God,' set for release on June 26, 2026, via Fearless Records. The album is described as a new creative chapter, embracing vulnerability and intensity, and has already seen the release of singles like 'For I Am Death' (a November 2025 chart-topper) and 'When I Wake Up' (March 2026). The band is also embarking on a comprehensive 'Dear God World Tour' in 2026, with legs in North America and Europe, and is notably supporting AC/DC on their 'Power Up Tour.'

Momsen has faced some unusual challenges while touring in recent years. In May 2024, she was bitten by a bat onstage in Seville, Spain, requiring rabies shots. More recently, on April 8, 2026, she was bitten by a poisonous spider in Mexico while on tour with AC/DC, leading to her hospitalization on April 14, 2026, for a severe reaction. Despite these incidents, Momsen has continued to perform, embodying the rock-and-roll spirit. She also performed alongside the Foo Fighters at the 2026 MusiCares Person of the Year event honoring Mariah Carey and was featured on the cover of Revolver's Spring 2026 issue, reflecting on her journey from child star to rock icon. In her downtime, Momsen has found a surprising meditative hobby in crocheting, which she uses to disconnect and find inspiration.