Charli Damelio

Charli DAmelio Biography

Charli Grace D'Amelio is an American social media personality and dancer who rose to unprecedented fame as one of the biggest stars on TikTok. Born on May 1, 2004, she gained worldwide recognition for her dance videos on TikTok, quickly becoming the most-followed creator on the platform by March 2020. Charli was the first person to surpass both 50 million and 100 million followers on TikTok, making her a defining figure in social media culture. Beyond TikTok, she has expanded her career to film, television, Broadway, and various business ventures, solidifying her status as a leading Gen Z influencer.

Childhood

Charli Grace D'Amelio was born in Norwalk, Connecticut, to Heidi D'Amelio, a photographer and former model, and Marc D'Amelio, a business owner and former Republican Connecticut Senate candidate. She has an older sister, Dixie D'Amelio, who is also a successful social media personality. Charli began dancing at the age of three and pursued competitive dance for over a decade before her social media breakthrough.

Education

Charli attended the private King School in Stamford, Connecticut. However, as her TikTok fame escalated and her career demands increased, she transitioned to online schooling to accommodate her busy schedule. Her extensive training in dance began early in her life, providing her with a strong foundation in performance and choreography, which later translated into her social media content.

Career

Charli D'Amelio started her social media career in mid-2019 by posting dance videos on TikTok. She rapidly gained traction with viral dance routines like the "Renegade," which became a cultural phenomenon. Recognized for her flawless dance skills and engaging personality, Charli joined The Hype House, a collective of top TikTok creators. Beyond TikTok, she has ventured into multiple entertainment avenues including a voice role in the 2020 animated film "StarDog and TurboCat," starring in the Hulu reality show "The D’Amelio Show" alongside her family, and co-leading the Snap Original reality show "Charli vs. Dixie." In 2022, she won the 31st season of "Dancing with the Stars" partnered with Mark Ballas. Charli made her Broadway debut in 2024 in the ensemble of "& Juliet." Additionally, she has launched multiple business ventures including a clothing line, makeup line, nail polish collection, a podcast, books, and a mattress brand.

Family Life

Charli comes from a close-knit family. Her sister Dixie D'Amelio shares a parallel career in social media and entertainment. Charli’s parents, Heidi and Marc D'Amelio, have also gained public attention through their family’s reality show. Charli has not publicly reported having children or long-term relationships and remains focused on her career and personal growth as of 2025.

Achievements

Charli DAmelio's achievements are numerous and influential in the digital age. She was the first person to reach 50 million and then 100 million followers on TikTok. She won the "Favorite Female Social Star" at the Kids' Choice Awards and set Guinness World Records for follower counts on TikTok. Forbes named her the highest-earning female TikTok personality in 2019 and the highest-earning TikTok personality overall in 2022. She has also been featured in prestigious lists such as Forbes 30 Under 30 and Fortune’s 40 Under 40. Charli has effectively used her platform for advocacy, including anti-cyberbullying campaigns and charitable donations.

Controversies

Despite her success, Charli DAmelio has faced various controversies typical of internet fame. Early in her career, she was criticized for not crediting the original creator of the "Renegade" dance, leading to a learning moment about respecting creators’ rights. She has also been the target of online bullying and scrutiny due to her rapid rise and enormous fame. Additionally, the reality show "The D’Amelio Show" exposed personal and family struggles, which sparked public discussions about privacy and the pressures of social media stardom.

Charli DAmelio Summary

Charli D'Amelio is a defining figure in contemporary social media and popular culture. From a young dancer in Connecticut to the queen of TikTok, she has transformed her talent and online presence into a broad entertainment career. Known for her dance prowess, engaging content, and business ventures, Charli continues to influence millions worldwide. Her journey also reflects the challenges of growing up in the public eye and navigating the digital world. As she expands her horizons with new artistic and entrepreneurial projects, Charli remains a powerful voice and role model for her generation.