Addison Rae Easterling, born October 6, 2000, in Lafayette, Louisiana, has quickly risen from a small-town girl to an international phenomenon. Her path from competitive dancer to multifaceted performer is a testament to the transformational potential of social media in contemporary entertainment.
Early Life and Background
Having been born into an arts family, Addison Rae was exposed to the dance world at the very young age of six. Her parents, Sheri Easterling and Monty Lopez, both had a dance background, and it is most likely that this inspired her from an early age. Between her childhood and adolescence, Addison performed in many dance competitions and consequently, she developed her stage presence, which later turned out to be her trademark. She was a student at Calvary Baptist Academy in Shreveport, Louisiana, where she was a prominent member of the cheerleading squad, again highlighting her dedication to performance arts.
Addison Rae’s Rise to Fame on TikTok
Addison Rae joined the growing social media site TikTok in July of 2019. Her dance videos, typically done to popular songs, resonated with viewers in a very short time. One of her first viral videos had her dancing to Mariah Carey’s “Obsessed” and caught the attention of millions. Her engaging content, mixed with her unmistakable talent, created an explosive increase in followers. By the time the year 2019 was through, she had gained over a million followers, and it pushed her to take the decisive action of relocating to Los Angeles to engage in content creation full-time.
Diversifying Her Career
Addison Rae’s reach wasn’t limited to TikTok. She extended her influence to other social media platforms, gaining millions of followers on Instagram and YouTube. Realizing the value of her brand, she diversified into different industries:
- Music: Addison launched her first single, “Obsessed,” in March 2021. The song highlighted her singing skills and introduced her to the music world. Although the song was met with mixed reactions, it proved her dedication to growing as an artist. In 2024, she featured on Charli XCX’s single “Diet Pepsi,” which ranked on the Billboard Hot 100, cementing her place in the pop music world.
- Acting: Addison began acting in the 2021 Netflix movie “He’s All That,” a gender-reversed version of the 1999 film “She’s All That.” Her performance earned her a plug, and she signed a multi-film contract with Netflix. She will star in future projects with notable actors, further adding to her acting resume.
- Entrepreneurship: Leveraging her huge following, Addison co-founded Item Beauty in August 2020, a clean beauty company targeting Gen Z consumers. The brand focuses on cruelty-free and vegan products, resonating with the values of her young fans. She also launched the AF Collection, a mood-based fragrance line that is expected to drive high retail sales.
Collaborations and Endorsements
Addison’s broad popularity has seen her reputation as a brand partner sought after by many brands:
- Fashion: She has fronted campaigns for top brands like American Eagle, whose collaboration with her created more than $4 million in media value. Her collaborations with high-end brands like Saint Laurent and Marc Jacobs have also made her one of the most prominent fashion influencers.
- Beauty: Aside from her forays with Item Beauty, Addison has also partnered with Reebok and L’Oréal, who share the brand and audience sentiment that she appeals to.
Public Image and Media Presence
Addison’s evolution from social media celebrity to mainstream fame has been characterized by calculated partnerships and a sharp awareness of her following. Her fashion sense, frequently combining low-key accessibility with high-end appeal, has been celebrated for being in touch with reality. Cooperating near stylist Dara Allen, Addison has developed an identifiable visual aesthetic that attracts both followers and critics alike.
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Some more Facts About Addison Rae
1. Siblings:
Addison has two younger brothers, Enzo and Lucas Lopez. Her family is very active on social media, and her mom, Sheri Easterling, even had her own following on TikTok for a while.
2. She Was a College Student Before Fame:
Before blowing up on TikTok, Addison Rae was studying broadcast journalism at Louisiana State University (LSU). She left college to pursue social media full-time when her videos started going viral.
3. She Was One of TikTok’s Highest Earners:
According to Forbes, Addison Rae was the highest-earning TikTok star in 2020, raking in an estimated $5 million that year alone—more than Charli D’Amelio at the time!
4. She’s a Trained Dancer:
Addison started dancing competitively at just 6 years old, participating in competitions across the U.S. She’s trained in various styles including jazz, hip-hop, contemporary, and ballet.
5. Best Friends with Kourtney Kardashian:
Her unexpected friendship with Kourtney Kardashian turned heads. The two often shared photos and videos together, and Addison even appeared in episodes of Keeping Up With the Kardashians.
6. She Was a Member of the Hype House:
Addison briefly joined the Hype House, a collaborative content creator group in L.A. where many TikTok stars lived and filmed together.
7. Passionate About Mental Health:
She’s spoken openly about body image issues and mental health and has supported causes and campaigns that encourage positivity and self-love.
8. She’s Done Voice Acting:
Addison lent her voice to a character in “Spy Cat,” an animated film. It’s one of the many ways she’s explored the entertainment industry outside of traditional acting.
9. Has Her Own Podcast:
Addison co-hosted a podcast with her mother, Sheri Nicole, called “Mama Knows Best.” It was later rebranded to “That Was Fun? with Addison and Sheri.”
10. Fashion Icon Status:
Addison Rae’s walked red carpets for brands like Versace and YSL and regularly features in Vogue and Elle Magazine for her bold fashion choices.
11. She Practices Faith:
Addison has mentioned that her Christian faith is important to her, and she’s shared scriptures and spiritual thoughts with her audience on social media.
12. She’s Worked with Big Names in Music:
Aside from Charli XCX, she’s reportedly worked on projects with artists like Benny Blanco, and Omer Fedi (her rumored boyfriend at one point), and even received praise from Britney Spears for her performance style.
13. She Was in Time’s 30 Most Influential Teens:
In 2020, Time Magazine included her in its list of the 30 Most Influential Teens, recognizing her impact across social media, entertainment, and pop culture.
14. She’s a Big Fan of Jennifer Aniston:
In interviews, Addison Rae has mentioned her admiration for Jennifer Aniston and even got the chance to meet her, calling it a major “pinch me” moment.
Philanthropy and Advocacy
Aside from her work, Addison Rae has also been engaged in several philanthropic pursuits. She has helped spread awareness for mental health, body positivity, and anti-bullying campaigns using her platform. Her sincere interest in these causes has won the hearts of her fans as well as highlighted her dedication to being a force for good.
Net Worth and Financial Success
As of 2025, Addison Rae’s net value is approximately $25 million. This staggering amount is a combination of her multiple income sources:
- Social Media Earnings: Owing to her enormous following, Addison Rae charges big bucks for sponsored content, and reportedly earns over $88,000 per TikTok post and $219,000 per Instagram post.
- Acting and Music: Her foray into music and cinema has not only diversified her brand but has also added vastly to her bottom line. Her multi-picture pact with Netflix and royalties from her music have rounded out her assets.
- Entrepreneurial Endeavors: Her cosmetics and fragrance business has availed itself of the highly prized Gen Z dollars, with predictions of high-end retail sales.
Conclusion
Addison Rae’s path from being a TikTok dancer to that of a well-rounded entertainer and entrepreneur highlights the dynamic nature of fame in the digital landscape. Her capacity to move fluidly between industries while still having a real connection with fans demonstrates her business sense and ability to adapt. As she continues
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