
Kiernan Shipka – Biography, Age, Height, and Most Famous Roles
Kiernan Shipka, born on November 10, 1999, in Chicago, Illinois, is an American actress who gained widespread recognition as a child star. She is best known for her role as Sally Draper on the critically acclaimed series Mad Men and for leading the Netflix supernatural drama Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. At 26 years old, Shipka has built a career that spans television, film, and voice work, transitioning from child actress to a versatile performer in horror, drama, and comedy genres.
Standing 5 feet 2 inches (157 cm) tall, Shipka began acting at a very young age, appearing uncredited on ER when she was only five months old. Her early start in the industry paved the way for a series of notable roles that have kept her in the public eye. Beyond acting, she has been involved in fashion collaborations with brands like Miu Miu and Fendi and is an advocate for women’s rights and LGBTQ+ causes.
Who is Kiernan Shipka?
Kiernan Brennan Shipka
November 10, 1999 (age 26)
Sally Draper (Mad Men), Sabrina Spellman (Chilling Adventures of Sabrina)
5 ft 2 in (1.57 m)
- She started her career at age 6 with a guest role on The War at Home and rose to prominence on Mad Men.
- Her portrayal of Sally Draper earned her multiple award nominations, including a Young Artist Award nomination in 2011.
- She won Screen Actors Guild Awards for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series in 2008 and 2009 for Mad Men.
- Her role as Sabrina Spellman on Netflix solidified her as a genre icon for a new generation.
- Shipka continues to work across film and television, with recent projects including the action-comedy Red One (2024) and the disaster film Twisters (2024).
- She is also active in fashion and philanthropy, advocating for women’s rights and LGBTQ+ equality.
- While her early fame was tied to prestige television, she has expanded into horror, indie comedies, and animated series.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Birthdate | November 10, 1999 |
| Birthplace | Chicago, Illinois, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5 ft 2 in (1.57 m) |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Years Active | 2000–present |
| Parents | John Young Shipka (real estate developer), Erin Ann Shipka |
| Relationship Status | Single (previously dated Christian Coppola) |
| Notable Roles | Sally Draper (Mad Men), Sabrina Spellman (Chilling Adventures of Sabrina), B.D. Hyman (Feud: Bette and Joan) |
| Awards | Screen Actors Guild Award (2008, 2009) for Ensemble in Mad Men; Young Artist Award Nomination (2011) |
What are Kiernan Shipka’s most famous roles?
Sally Draper on Mad Men
Shipka played Sally Draper, the daughter of Don and Betty Draper, from 2007 to 2015. The role spanned eight seasons and earned her critical acclaim for her ability to portray a child navigating a turbulent family life. She was part of the ensemble that won Screen Actors Guild Awards in 2008 and 2009.
Sabrina Spellman in Chilling Adventures of Sabrina and Riverdale
From 2018 to 2020, Shipka starred as the lead in Netflix’s Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, a darker take on the teen witch. She reprised the role for guest appearances in Riverdale Season 6 in 2021–2022. The series cemented her status as a leading actress in the fantasy-horror genre.
B.D. Hyman in Feud: Bette and Joan
In 2017, Shipka appeared in the anthology series Feud: Bette and Joan, playing B.D. Hyman, the daughter of Bette Davis. The role showcased her ability to handle period drama and complex family dynamics.
In 2012, Shipka voiced Jinora in the animated series The Legend of Korra. Her very first screen appearance was uncredited as a baby on ER in 2000. She also had a role in the post-apocalyptic film Carriers (2009).
Film roles
Shipka has starred in several horror films, including The Blackcoat’s Daughter (2015), where she played a dual role, and The Silence (2019). She also led the indie comedy Fan Girl (2015) and the indie drama Wildflower (2021). In 2023 she starred in the sci-fi comedy Totally Killer. Her 2024 projects include Red One (action-comedy) and Twisters (disaster film).
How does Kiernan Shipka compare to Mckenna Grace?
Both actresses began their careers as children and transitioned to leading roles in television and film. However, their career paths show notable differences. Below is a comparison based on publicly available information:
| Attribute | Kiernan Shipka | Mckenna Grace |
|---|---|---|
| Birth Year | 1999 | 2006 (unconfirmed from provided sources) |
| Age (2026) | 26 | Approximately 20 (unconfirmed) |
| Height | 5’2″ (157 cm) | ~5’5″ (165 cm, unconfirmed) |
| Notable Role | Sally Draper (Mad Men) | Young genius roles (The Handmaid’s Tale, Ghostbusters) – details require verification |
| Horror Films | The Blackcoat’s Daughter, The Silence | Eye of the Mummy, The Snow Girl – not verified in provided materials |
| Netflix Series | Chilling Adventures of Sabrina (2018–2020) | The Haunting of Hill House (2018) – not verified in provided materials |
Note: The information for Mckenna Grace in this table is based on the content plan but lacks direct sourcing in the research notes. Readers should consult authoritative biographies for her precise details.
Both actresses transitioned from child acting to adult roles. Shipka’s early fame was heavily tied to prestige television (Mad Men), whereas Grace gained recognition through both drama and blockbuster films. Their comparisons remain a popular search topic among fans.
What has Kiernan Shipka done in recent years?
Shipka has remained active with a mix of indie films and major studio projects. Here is a timeline of key events from recent years:
- 2017: Played B.D. Hyman in