Miles Alexander Teller was born on February 20, 1987, in Downingtown, Pennsylvania, USA. He is the son of Merry, a real estate agent, and Michael, a nuclear power plant engineer. Teller grew up in various locations due to his father’s job, including Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Florida. He attended Lecanto High School in Florida, where he was active in baseball, drama, and music, playing the saxophone and drums in a rock band.
After high school, Teller pursued a career in acting and attended the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University, where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. He also studied method acting at the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute. Teller’s passion for acting and his rigorous training prepared him for a successful career in Hollywood.
Miles Teller began his acting career with small roles in television and short films. His big break came in 2010 when he made his feature film debut in the drama Rabbit Hole, where he starred alongside Nicole Kidman. Teller played Jason, a teenager who inadvertently causes a tragic accident, in a performance that earned him critical praise. This role helped put him on the map as a rising talent in Hollywood.
After Rabbit Hole, Teller appeared in a series of successful independent films, including Footloose (2011), where he played the role of Willard Hewitt in the remake of the 1984 classic. His performance was well received, and it showcased his ability to blend humor and heart in his acting.
Teller’s breakthrough came in 2014 with his performance in the critically acclaimed drama Whiplash, directed by Damien Chazelle. In the film, Teller portrayed Andrew Neiman, an ambitious young jazz drummer attending a prestigious music conservatory. The film follows Neiman’s intense and often brutal relationship with his mentor, played by J.K. Simmons.
Teller’s portrayal of Andrew was praised for its emotional depth and physical dedication, as he performed many of the drumming scenes himself. Whiplash was a major success, earning five Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, and J.K. Simmons won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor. Teller’s performance in Whiplash firmly established him as one of the most talented actors of his generation.
Following the success of Whiplash, Miles Teller continued to build an impressive filmography, taking on a variety of roles across different genres. Some of his notable films include:
Throughout his career, Teller has demonstrated his ability to take on a wide range of roles, from intense dramas to lighthearted comedies, establishing himself as a versatile and talented actor.
Miles Teller’s performances have earned him recognition from critics and audiences alike. Some of his notable awards and nominations include:
His role in Top Gun: Maverick helped elevate him to new levels of fame, and the film’s success further cemented his place as a leading actor in Hollywood.
In 2019, Miles Teller married model Keleigh Sperry, with whom he had been in a long-term relationship. The couple is known for their strong bond and often shares glimpses of their life together on social media. Teller has also been open about his love for music and drumming, which was highlighted in his role in Whiplash.
Teller is also a sports enthusiast, particularly in boxing and fitness, which he has discussed in interviews as a way to stay focused and disciplined both personally and professionally.
As of 2024, Miles Teller continues to expand his career, with several upcoming projects in both film and television. He is set to star in a variety of new films that will showcase his range as an actor. With the success of Top Gun: Maverick and other major roles, Teller remains one of Hollywood’s most promising talents.
Miles Teller has built an impressive career, from his early breakout roles in independent films to his performances in major Hollywood blockbusters. His versatility, dedication, and ability to bring depth to his characters have made him one of the most respected actors of his generation. With a bright future ahead, Teller continues to captivate audiences with his compelling performances and strong screen presence.