Miss Benny | |
|---|---|
| Born | (1999-02-19)February 19, 1999 (age 26) Dallas, Texas, U.S. |
| Occupations |
|
| Years active | 2010–present |
| Musical career | |
| Genres | Synth-pop[1] |
| Instrument | Vocals |
Musical artist | |
| YouTube information | |
| Channels | |
| Years active | 2011–present |
| Genres |
|
| Subscribers | 293 thousand(BENNY) 206 thousand(Ben J. Pierce) 29.2 thousand(MISS BENNY) |
| Views | 31.26 million(BENNY) 3.45 million(Ben J. Pierce) 999.2 thousand(MISS BENNY) |
| Last updated: June 27, 2020[needs update] | |
Benny Jean Pierce (born February 19, 1999), known professionally asMiss Benny, is an American actress, singer andYouTuber.
Benny was born on February 19, 1999, and grew up inDenton, Texas.[2] She lived as acloseted teenager before coming out. As she began posting on YouTube, she found an outlet with similar individuals in the online community. She befriended fellow YouTube artistsTroye Sivan andTyler Oakley.[1] She is ofLatin American descent.[3]
Benny began posting on YouTube using various channels when she was 11 years old in 2010 as a way to feel less isolated and lonely.[4] In 2012, she began posting under the YouTube channel, KidPOV. She began posting under her own name in 2016.[5] She frequently discusses gender and identity. Benny has done makeup tutorials and collaborated with other media personalities including Tyler Oakley andJames Charles.[6][7] Her YouTube channel also includes humorous skits.[8]
In 2014, Benny released the song "Little Game". She wrote the lyrics and directed and produced the music video with assistance from Tumi Mphahlele. The song and video rebuff forcing children into traditionalgender roles.[9]
In 2016, Benny was cast as Smiley in season 2 ofgo90'sGuidance.[8] Also in 2016, Benny released the single "Boys Will Be Boys", which is abouttoxic masculinity.[8] It features melodic tones, smooth vocals, and drum beats.[8] Music critic Nic Kelly reviewed the song positively, describing its style as somewhere betweenOdesza and Drumaq.[10] The song's music video was filmed and edited by YouTuber and filmmaker Chase vs Everything, and featuredKalama Epstein.
In 2017, Benny released theR&B single "Never Apart".[11] She directed the video which was shot by Chase vs Everything.
Benny namesBob Mizer as one of her aesthetic influences.[1] She strives to create music that is glittery synth-pop, bubbly, and "very gay and veryqueer." Benny listens to pop musiciansCharli XCX andCarly Rae Jepsen. She also listens to rap and hip hop.[1]
In 2018, Benny appeared in the sitcomFuller House as Casey, the show's first openly gay character.[12] In 2023, she indirectly claimed in aTikTok video thatFuller House starCandace Cameron Bure had campaigned for her character's removal from the show due to her character'squeer identity. Bure denied the claims.[13] She was cast in the seriesReverie in 2019.[14]
In 2019, she was cast as the lead forThe CW pilotGlamorous playing Marco, an "ambitious and creative gender-nonconforming teenager who uses makeup and fashion to let his queer self bloom."[15] The show was then dropped and picked up byNetflix after the coronavirus pandemic. It premiered June 22, 2023. In an essay published inTime magazine, Benny revealed that the character will transition, alongside her own transition in real life.[16][17]
Benny has been the voice of Angel inCraig of the Creek since season 4.
As of June 2023,[update] Benny lives inLos Angeles, California.[17] Benny is atransgender woman.[16][17] She uses she/her pronouns.[18] She has three older siblings who assist with aspects of video production, including crafting props and designing hair and makeup.[19]
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | BrainSurge | Herself | Television |
| 2016 | Guidance | Smiley[8] | Television |
| 2018 | Fuller House | Casey[12] | Television |
| 2021 | Love, Victor | Mylo | Television |
| 2021 | American Horror Stories | Dee | Television |
| 2022–present | Craig of the Creek | Angel (2nd voice) | Television |
| 2023 | Glamorous | Marco[21] | Television |
