There are countless advertisements featuring the endearing Lily Adams, portrayed by Milana Vayntrub, promoting AT&T’s products. What many might not realize is that, although she was initially hired for a single ad, her continued presence is due to a compelling reason.

Vayntrub’s outstanding improvisational skills led to new Lily-centered plots being created even before the initial commercial was fully filmed. “They asked me to return the next day to redo the narrative they spontaneously devised,” she shared at a SAG-AFTRA panel. She further explained, “many of the commercials I work on require improv.” Thanks to her training at the well-known improv school, Upright Citizens Brigade, co-founded by Amy Poehler, she’s adept at utilizing these skills.

Portraying Lily hasn’t been entirely positive for Vayntrub. She has endured unwanted online sexual harassment, affecting her deeply and leaving her feeling violated. Nonetheless, the role has provided consistent employment, financial security, and increased her visibility as a recognized commercial actress. Despite her successful portrayal of a phone and internet salesperson being a key part of her career, she’s also contributed to various notable projects over the years.

Milana Vayntrub is more than just a signature ponytail and corporate attire; she is also an activist, voice-over artist, and comedian with a talented stand-up background. In live-action, she’s best known for her role as Tina in “Other Space,” and she appeared as Sloane in eight episodes of “This is Us.” She has made appearances in “Californication,” “Days of Our Lives,” “Key and Peele,” and had a lesser-known part in “Lizzie McGuire.” She’s also made her mark on YouTube, contributing to “Dropout” and her own channel, Live Prude Girls.

If her voice sounds familiar, it might be due to her work in numerous projects, from “Robot Chicken” to “God of War: Ragnarök.” Her standout voice role is Marvel’s Squirrel Girl, featured in the 2024 video game “Marvel Rivals,” the “Marvel Rising” shorts and the 2018 TV film “Marvel Rising: Secret Warriors,” as well as a six-episode podcast series centered around Squirrel Girl. Although a live-action debut in Marvel’s “New Warriors” series was planned, it was ultimately canceled. A prolific artist and outspoken advocate, Vayntrub frequently raises charitable funds online, proving she’s far from resting on her laurels.