Ella Anderson biography, photos, personal life, height, age 2025

Ella Anderson Biography

Ella Aiko Anderson is an American actress who became famous as a kid. Most people remember her as the spunky Piper from Nickelodeon's Henry Danger, but Ella's story goes way beyond one TV show.

Actress Ella Anderson holds her hair with her hands and looks at the camera — Ella Anderson

Childhood and Family

Ella was born on March 26, 2005, in Ypsilanti, a small town in Michigan.

She's got a real mix of heritage running through her veins: Scottish, English, Irish, Swedish, and one-eighth Japanese. Those Japanese roots gave her the beautiful middle name Aiko, which means "beloved child."

At home, Ella was surrounded by her mom Rebecca and two older twin brothers, Gabriel and Julian. As the youngest kid in the family, she got used to being the center of attention early on. She also had two dogs – Pasha and Olivia – that she loved just as much as acting.

Ella Anderson as a child in white and pink pajamas — Ella Anderson as a child

Early Roles

When Ella was five, a casting director spotted her during a walk through the streets of Detroit. That chance encounter led to her debut role as a girl in The Way Back. Ella later recalled: "That's when I knew – I wanted to be an actress for the rest of my life. When filming wrapped, I couldn't wait to get back on set."

In 2012, the family packed their bags and headed to Los Angeles. Ella was only seven, but she already knew exactly what she wanted to do.

She took her first steps at Disney Channel, the kid star factory. In 2012, she played Hazel in A.N.T. Farm, then popped up in Dog with a Blog and Liv and Maddie. Sure, the roles were small, but each one was a stepping stone toward her big dream.

Explosive Piper

In 2014, Ella landed the role of Piper Hart in "Henry Danger." She played the little sister of teenage superhero Henry Hart (Jace Norman), a girl who constantly gets into trouble while staying completely lovable. Ella played her for six straight years, and audiences fell for her character thanks to the actress's genuine performance.

Ella Anderson in a pink sweater stands in a doorway with actor Jace Norman standing behind her — Ella Anderson in "Henry Danger"

But the young actress wasn't about to stop at one project. In 2014, she took on a lead role in the horror film "The Possession of Michael King." Her character is the daughter of a widowed filmmaker who starts losing his mind after his wife's death.

Despite the dark genre, the set had a fun atmosphere. Ella remembered pranking her on-screen dad Shane Johnson with a fake foam donut – the actor cursed so much when he tried to take a bite that Ella couldn't stop laughing.

In 2015, she appeared in "Unfinished Business" with Vince Vaughn, in 2016 – in "The Boss" with Melissa McCarthy and "Bad Moms" with a whole constellation of stars.

Then came a challenge that could either elevate her career or show she wasn't ready for serious roles. We're talking about 2017's "The Glass Castle" – a coming-of-age drama about a child growing up in a dysfunctional family. Twelve-year-old Ella had to play the younger version of Oscar winner Brie Larson's character.

The girl nailed it. Critics wrote: "graces the film," "emotional and authentic," "talented beyond her years."

Ella Anderson and Woody Harrelson are lying in the snow with Ella pointing up at the sky — Ella Anderson in "The Glass Castle"

Other Projects

At eleven, Ella surprised everyone by launching her own organic cosmetics line, "Aiko by Ella Anderson." The name references her middle name, and she created the products specifically for kids. Her friend and "Henry Danger" co-star Riele Downs helped promote the business on social media.

In 2020, Ella dove into music and released her first single "Overanalyze," followed by the EP "Evolving" a year later. It featured three songs where she reflected on growing up, relationships, and finding herself.

More singles followed: "Clumsy," "Only One," "Puppy Dog" – each with its own story and vibe.

Ella Anderson – Alone

Music became her way of expressing what can't always be shown on screen. Soft vocals, honest lyrics, and no pop glitter.

"Adult" Roles

In 2023, Ella appeared in the drama "Suncoast", which screened at Sundance in January 2024. This semi-autobiographical story from director Laura Chinn follows a girl caring for her dying brother while trying to live a normal teenage life.

The film's breakout star was another young actress, Nico Parker, with Ella taking on the role of her friend Brittany.

Ella Anderson and Nico Parker talking while standing against a backdrop of palm trees — Ella Anderson in "Suncoast"

Ella Anderson Now

2025 kicked off with the premiere of the feature film The Danger Henry Movie. Despite lukewarm reviews from critics, series fans were thrilled to reunite with their beloved characters all grown up.

In May 2025, it was announced that Ella Anderson would star in "Jesus Land", an adaptation of Saila Kariat's novel "The Memoirs of Julia Shires". Based on true events, the book tells the story of 16-year-old Julia and her adopted Black brother David, growing up in a deeply religious family in 1980s rural America. When the teens push back against their strict parents, they're sent to a correctional camp in the Dominican Republic.

Ella Anderson in a black blazer standing in three-quarter pose with a gold earring — Ella Anderson in 2025

October brings the premiere of "Song Sung Blue", where Ella stars alongside Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson – a musical drama about a married couple who create a Neil Diamond tribute band.