Addison Rae: From TikTok Stardom to Mainstream Celebrity

Addison Rae has transformed from a college student with a passion for dance to one of TikTok's most recognizable stars. Born on October 6, 2000, in Lafayette, Louisiana, she rose to fame in 2019, captivating millions with her engaging content. By 2025, Addison has expanded her influence beyond social media, venturing into acting, music, and high-profile endorsements. With over 88 million followers on TikTok and a reported annual earning of $5 million, she remains a leading figure in the entertainment world. Whether starring in films like Thanksgiving or releasing hit singles such as “Diet Pepsi,” Addison continues to redefine what it means to be a multi-talented influencer.

Addison Rae’s journey to TikTok stardom began long before she posted her first dance video. Her roots, family influence, and educational background played a significant role in shaping the person we see today.

Addison Rae Easterling was born on October 6, 2000, in Lafayette, Louisiana, to Sheri Easterling and Monty Lopez. Her parents have been instrumental in her journey, providing both support and inspiration. Sheri, often featured in Addison's TikToks, shares her daughter's charisma and love for performing. Monty, equally involved, has consistently encouraged Addison's ambitions. The family dynamic—marked by their openness and relatability—has resonated with fans, adding another layer to Addison’s public appeal.

Growing up in a close-knit family, Addison was surrounded by a nurturing environment that emphasized creativity and camaraderie. With her parents’ encouragement, she started exploring her love for performance at an early age. This foundation of familial support set the stage for her eventual rise as a global influencer.

Addison attended Calvary Baptist Academy in Shreveport, Louisiana, where she excelled as a student and cheerleader. Her passion for dance was evident during her high school years, as she actively participated in competitions and performances.

After high school, Addison briefly attended Louisiana State University (LSU), majoring in sports broadcasting. Her time at LSU was pivotal—although her stay was short-lived, it was during this period that her TikTok journey began. However, as her account gained immense traction, she decided to leave college to focus on her burgeoning social media career. This decision marked a turning point and showcased her ability to prioritize her dreams while stepping into the unpredictable world of influencer culture.

Addison Rae's ascent on TikTok is a story of talent, charisma, and spot-on timing. Since joining the platform in 2019, she has showcased her knack for creating engaging and entertaining content, quickly standing out in a competitive space. Addison's ability to consistently connect with her audience has been a driving force behind her meteoric rise.

What makes Addison Rae's TikTok content so magnetic? At the core of her brand are her dance videos and lip-sync performances, which combine precision, enthusiasm, and authenticity. Her choreography is often paired with viral songs, making her videos instantly shareable. Some of her most popular uploads feature her collaborating with other influencers, friends, or even family members, adding a relatable dynamic that fans adore.

Her approachable demeanor and consistent posting schedule also played a role in building her audience. Fans knew they could expect high-quality, feel-good videos that brightened their day. Over time, Addison became synonymous with TikTok trends, solidifying her status as one of the platform's icons.

Addison Rae's TikTok journey is marked by several key milestones that underscore her influence. By 2020, she had amassed over 50 million followers, making her one of the platform's most-followed creators at the time. Her exponential growth continued, and she passed the 88 million follower mark just a few years later.

Some of her viral moments include her participation in TikTok challenges and collaborations with A-list influencers and celebrities. For example, her team-ups with members of the Hype House boosted cross-audience exposure. Later, Addison's career reached new heights when she starred alongside Kourtney Kardashian in viral videos that introduced her to a broader, mainstream audience.

Beyond collaborations, Addison's ability to adapt—whether through embracing new trends or diversifying her content—helped her stay ahead. Her videos often sparked conversations and mimicked trends, proving her status as a trendsetter in the TikTok ecosystem.

For additional context on how other influencers have achieved similar success, you might explore profiles like the Stokes Twins, who also leveraged creativity and collaborations to dominate platforms like TikTok.

Addison Rae's career expansion into music and acting demonstrates her versatility as an entertainer. From releasing her debut single to starring in Hollywood films, she has proven her ability to thrive across different creative industries. Below is a closer look at her journey in music and acting, showcasing both her triumphs and the challenges she's faced along the way.

In 2021, Addison Rae unveiled her debut single, “Obsessed,” which served as her introduction to the music industry. Despite her massive TikTok following, the track received mixed to negative reviews from critics. Some praised its catchy beat and addictive hook, while others felt the lyrics lacked depth and originality. Regardless of the initial reception, “Obsessed” sparked conversations and further cemented Addison's status as a multi-dimensional influencer.

The following years saw her music evolve with more refined artistic direction. In 2023, Addison released her debut EP titled AR. This project marked a significant step in her music career, showcasing a mix of pop and retro-inspired sounds. The EP was met with a better reception than her debut single, with fans appreciating its nostalgic aesthetics and cohesive production. Tracks from AR started charting, hinting at her growing potential as a serious contender in the pop music scene.

Addison Rae made her acting debut in the 2021 Netflix rom-com He's All That, a modern reimagining of the 1999 classic She's All That. Playing the role of Padgett Sawyer, Addison brought her charm to the big screen. While the film received mixed reviews, her performance was recognized as earnest and entertaining for a first-time actor.

Her acting career took a darker turn in 2023 with the release of the horror film Thanksgiving, directed by Eli Roth. The movie allowed Addison to explore a more intense and challenging role, earning her praise for portraying fear and vulnerability convincingly. Critics highlighted her growth as an actress, noting that she had stepped away from her comfort zone and delivered a performance that showcased her potential in Hollywood.

For further insight into the paths influencers take when moving into acting, explore other creators' profiles, who have similarly transitioned from social media fame to mainstream entertainment success.