miley cyrus         (born  as  destiny hope cyrus)

Miley Stewart in "Hannah Montana"

In March 2006 Miley Cyrus became very succesfull starring as Miley Steward" in the American television series "Hannah Montana" on the Disney Channel, in which she played the part of the lead character whose alter ego is Hannah Montana.

Personal life

Who is her famousgodmother and why she calls herself "MILEY"

Miley was born in Nashville, Tennessee as Destiny  Hope  Cyrus and she grew up at her parents` farm around Nashville. Her godmother is the legendary country music singer Dolly Parton (photo right).

She is the daughter of the country music singer Billy Ray Cyrus. She has two older half-brothers and a older half-sister. Besides that she also has a younger brother, Braison Cyrus, and a younger sister, Noah Cyrus, who is also an actress.

She spends most of her time with her family in one of Los Angeles area cities where her family owns a house. Her friends are, a.o. the actresses and colleges Mitchel Musso, Emily Osment and Mandy Jiroux. As a child she got the nickname "smiley" because she used to smile a lot. As time passed by the "S" of smiley dropped out and in January 2008 she decided to change her name officially from "Destiny Hope" Cyrus in "Miley Ray" Cyrus. It was also a tribute to her father and grandfather who were also called Ray. Her father Billy Ray is also playing the part of her father in the American television "Hannah Montana."

Career

Cyrus became interesting in acting at age nine. At that time she was living wiht her family in Toronto (Canada), where her father played a part in the television series "Doc." She also played a part as a guest star on these series. In 2003 she played young Ruthie in Tim Burton`s "Big Fish." She also featured in Rhonda Vincent`s music video for "If Heartaches Have Wings." At age twelve she auditoned for the lead role, as well as the "best friend" role for the new Disney series "Hanah Montana." They did not want her at first because she was judged too small, but she was very persistent and in the end she was choosen for the show.

Income

According the American "Parade Magazine`s" What People earn list," Miley Cyrus earned $18,2 miljon in 2007. On the Forbes "Celebrity 100 list" Miley is coming in at number 35. Her income from June 2007 to June 2008 was estimated at $25 miljon.

Sources: Wikipedia, Forbes