Carly Schroeder Biography: Age, Husband, Net Worth, Height, Movies, Parents, Brother, Army Career

Carly Brook Schroeder, known professionally as Carly Schroeder, is an American actress and U.S. Army officer, celebrated for her roles in television and film, notably as Serena Baldwin in the General Hospital spin-off Port Charles and as Melina Bianco in Disney Channel’s Lizzie McGuire.

Beginning her career as a child actress, she transitioned to more mature roles in films like Gracie (2007) and Mean Creek (2004), earning critical acclaim and awards for her performances.

Profile

• Full Name: Carly Brook Schroeder
• Stage Name: Carly Schroeder
• Born: 18, October 1990
• Age: 34 years old
• Birthplace: Valparaiso, Indiana, U.S.
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Actress, U.S. Army Officer, Animal Rights Activist, Environmentalist
• Height: 1.65m
• Parents: Paul Schroeder, Kelli Schroeder
• Siblings: Hunter Schroeder
• Spouse: None
• Boyfriend: Jake Thomas (ex)
• Children: None
• Relationship: Not married
• Net Worth: $20 million

Early Life and Education

Carly Brook Schroeder was born on October 18, 1990, in Valparaiso, Indiana, to Paul Schroeder and Kelli Schroeder.

She grew up alongside her younger brother, Hunter Schroeder, who briefly pursued acting.

Discovered at age three while accompanying her cousin to an audition, Carly began her career in modeling and commercials.

Carly Schroeder graduated from Thousand Oaks High School in California in 2009 and later attended California Lutheran University, earning a double major in Communications and Psychology with a minor in Theater in 2014.

She also pursued further studies in nutrition and holistic care.

Her ethnicity is a mix of German, Irish, and English, and her religious beliefs are not publicly disclosed.

Career

Carly Brook Schroeder began her acting career at age three with print modeling for brands like Sears and Kmart, progressing to commercials by age six.

In 1997, she landed her breakout role as Serena Baldwin on Port Charles, appearing in over 480 episodes through 2003.

Her performance earned her two Young Artist Award nominations in 1999 and 2000, as well as a Young Star Award nomination in 1999 for Best Performance by a Young Actress in a Daytime TV Program.

Her early success in daytime television paved the way for her transition to mainstream roles, including a guest spot on Dawson’s Creek and a role in the TV movie Growing Up Brady (2000).

Schroeder’s career gained momentum with her role as Melina Bianco in Disney Channel’s Lizzie McGuire (2001–2003), where her mischievous character appeared in 12 episodes and The Lizzie McGuire Movie (2003).

In 2003, she auditioned for and won the role of Millie in the indie film Mean Creek (2004), which earned critical acclaim, including the Humanitas Prize at Sundance and a Special Distinction Award at the 2005 Independent Spirit Awards for its ensemble cast.

To prepare for her lead role in Gracie (2007), Schroeder underwent a rigorous three-month training regimen in soccer and fitness, showcasing her dedication.

Her performance in Eye of the Dolphin (2007) earned her the Best Child Actor Award at the International Family Film Festival, and the film was selected for multiple prestigious festivals.

In 2019, Schroeder stepped away from acting to join the U.S. Army, completing basic training at Fort Jackson and earning a commission as a Second Lieutenant in September 2019.

She now serves as an Infantry Officer with the rank of Captain.

Before her military career, she appeared in films like Prep School (2015), where she won Best Actress at the 2016 Studio City Film Festival, and One of Us (2017).

Schroeder also co-founded the nonprofit ACTS (Awareness Campaign for Teens) in 2018 to support youth mental health.

Her transition to military service reflects her desire to give back, while her advocacy for animal rights, environmentalism, and a plant-based lifestyle continues to shape her public persona.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @carlyfries
• Facebook Handle: Carly Schroeder
• Twitter Handle: @carlyfries

Personal Life

Carly Brook Schroeder is currently single and has focused on her military career and advocacy work.

She was previously in a relationship with her Lizzie McGuire co-star Jake Thomas, though the relationship ended amicably.

Schroeder has no children and maintains a private personal life.

An animal rights activist and environmentalist, she embraces a plant-based diet, free of meat, dairy, gluten, and refined sugars, and enjoys outdoor activities like climbing, backpacking, and surfing with her dog, Jax.

Filmography

• Babe 2: Pig in the City (1998)
• Growing Up Brady (2000)
• The Lizzie McGuire Movie (2003)
• Mean Creek (2004)
• Firewall (2006)
• Eye of the Dolphin (2007)
• Gracie (2007)
• Prey (2007)
• Forget Me Not (2011)
• Slightly Single in L.A. (2013)
• Prep School (2015)
• One of Us (2017)
• Ouija House (2018)

Net Worth

Carly Brook Schroeder has an estimated net worth of $20 million.

Her wealth stems primarily from her acting career, which spanned over two decades and included high-profile roles in Port Charles, Lizzie McGuire, and films like Gracie and Mean Creek.

Additional income comes from her early work in print modeling and commercials, as well as her advocacy and nonprofit initiatives.