Miles Teller Bio
Miles Teller (born February 20, 1987) is an American actor. He made his feature film debut with the independent drama Rabbit Hole (2010), gaining wider recognition for his roles in the coming-of-age film The Spectacular Now (2013) and the Divergent film trilogy (2014–2016). His breakthrough role came in the drama Whiplash (2014), which earned him critical acclaim. He later starred in the superhero film Fantastic Four (2015) and the action film Top Gun: Maverick (2022). Teller has also appeared in television series, including the Amazon Prime Video crime drama Too Old to Die Young (2019) and the Paramount+ miniseries The Offer (2022).
Early Life and Background
Miles Teller was born in Downingtown, Pennsylvania. His mother, Merry Teller, is a real estate agent, and his father, Michael Teller, is a nuclear power plant engineer. He has two older sisters, Erin and Dana. Teller’s paternal grandfather was of Russian Jewish descent, and his ancestry also includes English, Irish, and African-American roots. He spent his early years in Pennsylvania and Delaware before moving to Citrus County, Florida, at the age of 12. Growing up, Teller was involved in acting, served as president of his high school’s drama club, and played multiple musical instruments, including the alto saxophone, drums, piano, and guitar. He also played baseball competitively and had aspirations of turning professional. He graduated from Lecanto High School in Lecanto, Florida, and later attended New York University, where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in drama in 2009.
Path to Hollywood
After graduating from New York University, Miles Teller began his acting career in short films between 2004 and 2010. His major film debut came in Rabbit Hole (2010), a role that was handpicked for him by Nicole Kidman. He starred in the stage musical Footloose during high school and later appeared in the 2011 remake of the same name. In 2013, Teller gained further recognition with his performances in 21 & Over and The Spectacular Now, opposite Shailene Woodley. His role in Damien Chazelle’s Whiplash (2014) as a drummer trying to impress his abusive jazz teacher earned him critical acclaim and several award nominations.
Miles Teller Career
Early Career (2004–2021)
During the early years of his career, Miles Teller appeared in various short films and made his major film debut in Rabbit Hole (2010). He gained significant attention for his performance in Whiplash (2014), which earned him nominations for the Gotham Independent Film Award for Best Actor, the Satellite Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture, and the BAFTA Rising Star Award. Teller also starred in the Divergent film series, which included Divergent (2014), Insurgent (2015), and Allegiant (2016). He played Mister Fantastic in the reboot of Fantastic Four (2015) and portrayed arms dealer David Packouz in War Dogs (2016). In 2017, he starred in two biographical films, Only the Brave and Thank You for Your Service. In November 2020, it was announced that Teller would star in a political satire called The Fence, and he participated in the Paramount+ miniseries The Offer, which aired in 2022.
Breakthrough (2014–2022)
Miles Teller’s breakthrough role came in the 2014 film Whiplash, where he played a young drummer under the tutelage of a demanding music instructor. This role showcased his talent and earned him critical acclaim, leading to a series of high-profile projects. He starred in the Divergent series, which solidified his status as a leading actor in Hollywood. Teller’s role in Top Gun: Maverick (2022) marked a significant resurgence in his career, as he starred alongside Tom Cruise in a highly anticipated sequel. Initially hesitant to accept the role due to concerns about the attention it would bring, Teller was persuaded by Cruise, who believed he was perfect for the part.
Notable Works and Milestones
Miles Teller is best known for his roles in Whiplash, Top Gun: Maverick, and the Divergent series. His performances have garnered critical acclaim and recognition, contributing to his rise as a prominent actor in the film industry.
Miles Teller Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Miles Teller has received several nominations for prestigious awards, including the Gotham Independent Film Award for Best Actor and the BAFTA Rising Star Award, showcasing his talent and impact in the film industry.
Miles Teller Awards Won
While specific awards won are not detailed, Miles Teller’s performances have been recognized with nominations that highlight his contributions to cinema.
Miles Teller Family
Miles Teller is married to Keleigh Sperry, whom he wed on September 1, 2019, in Maui, Hawaii. He has a close relationship with his family, including his parents, Michael and Merry Teller, and his two older sisters.
Personal Life
Miles Teller became engaged to Keleigh Sperry at the Molori Safari Lodge in South Africa on August 20, 2017. The couple married in 2019. In 2025, their home was destroyed by the Palisades Fire.
