Biography

Aeriél Miranda (affectionately known as "ARI" - a name of endearment given by close friends and industry colleagues) is a native of Dallas, Texas, where she was born and raised. She has also lived seasonally in Boston and New Orleans, shaping a rich, multicultural upbringing. Raised by young, spirited parents, her mother is an African American woman from Louisiana, and her father, a music deejay from New Bedford, Massachusetts, descends from Cape Verdean ancestry. Her heritage includes West African, Portuguese, French, German, and Jewish roots.

Mirandas deep passion for entertainment was first sparked by her Nana, who introduced her to cinematic classics like The Sound of Music, West Side Story, Oliver Twist, E.T., and a wide array of Disney animated films at a tender and impressionable age.

In her teens she also competed in pageants across the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolis and sang in her school and church choir. She credits James Belushi and Robert Townsend-both of whom she met at a young age-for inspiring her to become a devoted actress.

Miranda made her television debut on the ABC Family series The Nine Lives of Chloe King. She then went on to appear in various television shows including The CW science fiction series The Tomorrow People and TV Land's Jennifer Falls. Fans all over the world have recognized her from her breakout role on Freeform's "Pretty Little Liars". Other roles include Universal Pictures Straight Outta Compton and The Oprah Winfrey Network's For Better Or Worse.

In addition to her theatricals, Miranda has modeled for numerous companies such as; Nike, Sprite, Old Navy, TJ Max, Harley Davidson, and Bed Head by TIGI.
- IMDb mini biography by: A&M Co.