Today marks the 33rd birthday of a woman who has redefined the phrase “doing it all.” Bridgit Mendler—the former Disney Channel star who captured our hearts as Teddy Duncan—is now dominating the world of deep tech as the CEO of a multi-million dollar space startup.
Bridgit Mendler performs onstage during Q102s Jingle Ball 2012 presented by XFINITY, at Wells Fargo Center on December 5, 2012 in Philadelphia. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Jingle Ball 2012)
In 2010, she was giving us video diaries for her baby sister on Good Luck Charlie. Today, she’s building a “data highway” between Earth and the stars. Bridgit Mendler turns 33 today, and her career trajectory remains one of the most impressive and unexpected pivots in Hollywood history. After conquering the world of pop music and television, Mendler traded her scripts for spreadsheets and satellite data, proving that you really can have it all—if you’re willing to put in the work (and a few Ivy League degrees).
The Disney Era: A Generational Icon
Actress Bridgit Mendler arrives to the premiere of Disney Channel’s “Lemonade Mouth” at Stevenson Middle School on April 12, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)
Bridgit first rose to fame as a teenager, becoming a staple of the “second wave” of Disney Channel stardom. From her role as the vampire Juliet van Heusen in Wizards of Waverly Place to her breakout lead as Teddy Duncan in Good Luck Charlie, she was the relatable, witty big sister of a generation. She even led the musical Lemonade Mouth, proving she had the pipes to match her acting chops.
The Pop Star Phase: “Ready or Not”
In 2012, Mendler transitioned into music with her debut album Hello My Name Is…. The lead single, “Ready or Not,” became a global anthem, earning platinum certifications and showing that she was more than capable of holding her own in the pop industry. She followed it up with the critically acclaimed Nemesis EP in 2016, which showcased a more alternative, soulful side of her artistry.
The Academic Powerhouse: Collecting Degrees
Actress, Singer/Songwriter and Save the Children Artist Ambassador Bridgit Mendler speaks onstage at the 4th Annual Save the Children Illumination Gala at The Plaza hotel on October 25, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for Save The Children)
While many expected her to continue her Hollywood career, Mendler made a quiet pivot toward academia. Over the last decade, she has built an “occupational resume” that looks like a plot from a movie:
- University of Southern California (USC): B.A. in Anthropology.
- MIT: Master of Science (M.S.) and PhD candidate at the MIT Media Lab.
- Harvard Law School: Earned her Juris Doctor (JD) in 2024, specializing in space law and satellite policy.
The CEO Chapter: Northwood Space
In 2023, Bridgit broke the internet by announcing she had co-founded Northwood Space, a satellite data startup, alongside her husband, Griffin Cleverly. The company’s goal is to mass-produce ground stations—the “antennas” that talk to satellites—to solve the data bottlenecks currently slowing down space exploration.
