Miley Cyrus was born in Nashville, Tennessee on November 23rd, 1992 as Destiny Hope, but gained the nickname smiley as a youngster due to her always smiling, which then led to the shortening - 'Miley'.
Miley was a cheerleader at Heritage Highschool before she hit the limelight, but now continues her education with an on set private tutor as well as attending school at 'Options For Youth'.
Daughter to country singer Billy Ray Cyrus, Miley first began her TV career at nine when she made a guest appearance in her fathers TV series 'Doc'. She then went on to play Young Ruthie in 'Big Fish' in 2003, as well as appearing in Rhonda Vincent's "If Heartaches Have Wings" video and 'Colgate Country Showdown'.
Miley first shot to fame aged 13 in the hit Disney show Hannah Montana, where she plays a teenage school girl named Miley Stewart, who moonlights under a secret identity as a famous popstar (Hannah Montana). Miley stars alongside her real life father, who plays her dad and manager on the show.
A third season of Hannah Montana is presently being made, and four albums from the show featuring the actress / singer have already been released. Also these albums, Miley Cyrus has also appeared on four soundtracks, and in 2008 launched her first album that has no collaboration with the Hannah Montana show.
Her debut album as Miley Cyrus Breakout, debuted at #1 on US Billboard 200 chart in 2008, and Miley co-wrote all but four of the tracks.
Miley has made appearances in many Disney related TV shows and Films, including a cameo in 'High School Musical 2', 'Bolt' and 'The Emperors New School'. 'Hanna Montana: The Movie' is due out in 2009.
There have been several views surrounding the teen superstar lately causing parents to think she is a bad role model for young girls. One involved false pregnancy rumours circulating, which were quickly set right.
She has also been criticised for being filmed in a car not wearing a seatbelt, and posing topless for 'Vanity Fair' magazine aged 15. Cyrus apologized for both situations and it has been made clear that Miley was not infact topless in the pictures, which showed her bare back with her front covered by a blanket.
