Milana’s story begins in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, where she was born. Her family fled to the United States to escape religious persecution when she was just a child. Growing up, Milana discovered her passion for acting early on, landing her first commercial gig at the age of two for Barbie. Despite facing challenges, including dropping out of high school and earning her GED, she pursued her dreams relentlessly.
After completing her Bachelor of Arts in communication from the University of San Diego, Milana dove deeper into the world of acting. She honed her skills in improv comedy at The Upright Citizens Brigade theater, paving the way for her roles in popular TV shows like “ER,” “Days of Our Lives,” and “Lizzie McGuire.”
However, it was her comedic prowess that caught the attention of AT&T’s marketing executives. Cast initially for a single commercial, Milana’s portrayal of Lily struck a chord with audiences, leading to a string of 40 commercials for the telecommunications giant. Her character’s wit and intelligence resonated with viewers, earning her widespread acclaim.
Beyond her acting career, Milana is deeply passionate about humanitarian causes, particularly those close to her heart as a former refugee. In 2016, she traveled to Greece to meet with families, an experience that inspired her to co-found the #CantDoNothing movement. Through this initiative, she aims to raise awareness and support for the European migrant crisis, encouraging people to volunteer and donate to the cause.