Milly Shapiro: Hereditary Star & CCD Explained + Facts

Harry O'Connell 13 May 2025

What does it mean to be both a rising star in Hollywood and a beacon of strength in the face of adversity? For Milly Shapiro, it means embracing a unique path, defined by both her exceptional talent and her battle with a rare genetic condition.

Born Amelia Milly Shapiro in Tampa, Florida, on July 16, 2002, Milly Shapiro is an American actress and singer. Her journey, from the Broadway stage to the chilling realm of horror cinema, is a testament to her unwavering spirit. She is perhaps best known for her haunting portrayal of Charlie Graham in the 2018 horror film Hereditary, a role that catapulted her into the spotlight. The film, which was actually filmed in 2017, saw Shapiro, then just 14 years old, deliver a performance that was both unsettling and unforgettable. Beyond her acting prowess, Shapiro's story is one of resilience. She was born with cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD), a rare genetic disorder that affects the development of bones and teeth. Despite the challenges, Shapiro has not only excelled in her chosen field but also become an advocate for others facing similar obstacles.

Shapiro's journey began on the stage. Before captivating audiences on the big screen, she made her mark on Broadway, starring in the musical Matilda. This early exposure to the world of performance laid the groundwork for her future success. Her talents extend beyond acting, as she is also a singer and dancer, having studied ballet, jazz, tap, and hip-hop. Her abilities are not restricted to acting, showcasing her versatile artistic abilities.

Category	Details
Full Name	Amelia Milly Shapiro
Date of Birth	July 16, 2002
Place of Birth	Tampa, Florida, USA
Known For	Hereditary, Matilda the Musical
Occupation	Actress, Singer
Genetic Condition	Cleidocranial Dysplasia (CCD)
Height	4ft 10ins (147cm)
Weight	88lbs (40kgs)
Eye Color	Blue
Pronouns	She/They
Notable Sister	Abigail Shapiro
Reference	Wikipedia

The impact of CCD, a condition that primarily affects the development of the bones and teeth, is visible in Shapiro's physical appearance. Affected individuals often have shorter stature, abnormal teeth, and a prominent forehead. The actress has been open about her condition, using her platform to raise awareness and advocate for others with similar challenges, Milly has said that CCD has affected her bone structure, including her teeth, but it has not hindered her in any way. It's a testament to her resilience, as she navigates a world that often places emphasis on conventional beauty standards. In 2020, Shapiro revealed that she was diagnosed with CCD, a rare genetic condition impacting the development of bones and teeth, which added another layer to her already captivating story.

Shapiro's choice to openly discuss her condition has empowered her to become an advocate for those with CCD. She has used her platform to share her experiences, offer support, and encourage others to embrace their unique qualities. It's a powerful message of self-acceptance and the importance of challenging societal norms. She is a talented singer and dancer who has studied ballet, jazz, tap, and hip-hop. Her abilities, however, are not restricted to acting. This has made her story all the more striking as her career has been influenced by a rare medical condition that influenced her path from a young age.

The film Hereditary served as a major turning point in Shapiro's career. Her portrayal of Charlie Graham, a young girl with a troubled persona, was both praised and critiqued. It was a role that demanded a unique blend of vulnerability and intensity, and Shapiro delivered it with remarkable skill. Her performance was so compelling that she became a star through this movie. Though some may have pointed out the way she looked, it was the very thing that set her apart and amplified her brilliance. Afterward, she rose into prominence for her acting in the 2018 horror film, Hereditary as Charlie. And as a result of this performance, she gained attention. As such, the young actress gained critical acclaim for her role in the 2018 horror film "Hereditary."

Beyond Hereditary, Shapiro's resume boasts of her role as one of the original Matildas on Broadway. The musical showcases her talents as a singer and dancer. It's a clear indication of the actress's talent and versatility. Shapiro's journey also includes performances alongside Oona Laurence, another American actress born in August 1, 2002. The sisters perform together as the Shapiro sisters. She grew up alongside her sister Abigail Shapiro, who's famous for playing Dorothy Spinner on Doom Patrol.The women in the Shapiro family share a rare condition named cleidocranial dysostosis.

The story of Milly Shapiro isn't about limitations. It's about her strength and resilience, her dedication to her craft, and her commitment to making a difference. She is a testament to the fact that true beauty lies not just in physical appearance, but in the courage to be oneself. Milly Shapiro's story of strength and resilience. She has an open perspective about her condition, and is known for raising awareness of the condition to the public.

Milly Shapiro's story is a powerful reminder that success comes in many forms, and that the most important thing is to embrace one's true self. Although hereditary was first released in January 2018, its filming was done in 2017. In addition to her outstanding performances, Milly Shapiros career has been as unique as it is striking because of a rare medical condition that influenced her path from a young age. And as she continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more from this inspiring young woman, who is already a star.