Five Lesser-Known Facts About Miley Cyrus That Might Surprise You

From her Disney Channel stardom as Hannah Montana to her genre-bending music career and bold personality, Miley Cyrus has become one of the most recognizable and talked-about celebrities in pop culture. While fans may know her for her edgy style, outspoken nature, and powerhouse voice, there are still a number of lesser-known facts about Miley that may surprise even her most dedicated followers. Below are five unique and intriguing things you probably didn’t know about the multi-talented star.

1. Her Real Name Was Inspired by Her Constant Smiling

Believe it or not, “Miley” isn’t the name she was born with — it’s actually a nickname that blossomed from a childhood habit. Miley Cyrus was born Destiny Hope Cyrus on November 23, 1992, in Franklin, Tennessee. Her parents chose the name “Destiny Hope” because they believed she was destined for great things. But from an early age, her infectious smile stood out even more.

As a toddler, Destiny was always grinning, so much so that her family affectionately began calling her “Smiley.” Over time, the nickname was shortened to “Miley,” and the name stuck — so much so that she officially changed her name to Miley Ray Cyrus in 2008, paying tribute to both her nickname and her grandfather, Democratic politician Ronald Ray Cyrus.

It’s a charming reminder that even global pop stars come from very personal, humble beginnings — and in Miley’s case, a simple childhood smile laid the foundation for an iconic name recognized around the world.

2. She Has a Heart Condition Called Supraventricular Tachycardia

Behind the scenes of her vibrant performances and tireless touring schedule, Miley Cyrus has been quietly dealing with a heart condition since childhood. She was born with a condition called supraventricular tachycardia, which causes her heart to beat faster than normal at times.

Miley first opened up about the condition in her 2009 memoir, Miles to Go, admitting that while it’s not life-threatening, it can be unsettling and stressful, especially under the high-pressure spotlight of fame. This vulnerability humanizes Miley in a big way — a reminder that while she performs with fearless energy on stage, she also manages health challenges just like anyone else.

Her ability to manage the condition while maintaining a grueling career is a testament to her strength, resilience, and dedication to her craft.

3. Miley Was Almost Cast in Hotel Transylvania

While Miley has had major success as both a singer and actress, fans might be surprised to know that she was originally set to voice the character of Mavis in the animated film Hotel Transylvania (2012). The role eventually went to Selena Gomez, but Miley had initially signed on for the part.

According to Miley, she was dropped from the project after a controversial incident involving a birthday cake shaped like a male body part. A photo of the cake, taken during her then-boyfriend Liam Hemsworth’s birthday celebration, went viral and was deemed too provocative by the film’s producers — especially considering the movie was geared toward children.

Miley has since spoken about the incident as a turning point in how she was perceived by Hollywood and fans, particularly as she began to shed her “Disney girl” image in favor of a more unfiltered, adult persona. While she may have lost the voice role, she gained something far more valuable: the freedom to fully express herself without apology.

4. She’s a Huge Advocate for the LGBTQ+ Community — and Founded Her Own Charity

While many celebrities voice support for LGBTQ+ rights, Miley has gone a step further by establishing her own foundation to back up her advocacy. In 2014, she launched the Happy Hippie Foundation, a nonprofit organization aimed at supporting homeless youth, LGBTQ+ individuals, and other vulnerable populations.

The inspiration came from her experience meeting young homeless people during a visit to an LGBTQ+ center in Los Angeles, as well as her own deep personal connection to gender and identity issues. Miley identifies as pansexual and gender-fluid, and she has often spoken about how important it is to create spaces where people can be accepted as they are.

The Happy Hippie Foundation works through digital campaigns, partnerships with grassroots organizations, and high-profile charity performances to raise awareness and funds. Miley has used her massive platform not just to entertain but to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others, especially young people who feel unseen.

5. She Was Trained by Her Father for Fame — And Nearly Didn’t Get Hannah Montana

Miley’s success as Hannah Montana might seem like a magical accident, but it was actually the result of years of preparation — some of it very intentional. Her father, country singer and actor Billy Ray Cyrus, didn’t just pass along musical genes; he actively coached Miley from a young age, teaching her about performance, stage presence, and the business side of the industry.

Despite her early training and impressive audition, Miley was initially told she was too young and too small for the role of Hannah Montana. But her persistence — and undeniable charisma — eventually won the producers over. Not only did she land the lead role, but Billy Ray joined her on the show as her on-screen dad, making Hannah Montana a unique father-daughter project that resonated with millions.

What many don’t realize is that the role of Hannah Montana wasn’t just a stepping stone — it was an intense, formative period in Miley’s life. She has often spoken candidly about the identity struggles and pressure that came with being a child star. The fact that she came out of that experience and continued to reinvent herself creatively is part of what makes her journey so compelling.

Final Thoughts

Miley Cyrus may be one of the most talked-about stars of her generation, but her story goes far beyond tabloid headlines and viral moments. Whether it’s the sweet origin of her name, her candid health battles, missed roles, or her tireless work for the LGBTQ+ community, Miley’s life is full of complexity, heart, and authenticity.

These lesser-known facts don’t just give us a deeper understanding of the star — they show how she’s evolved into a woman with purpose, vulnerability, and a voice that speaks for many. Love her or criticize her, one thing is undeniable: Miley Cyrus is far more than just a pop culture icon — she’s a force.