Charley Gallay/Getty Camryn Manheim welcomed her only child, Milo, in 2001 Milo has since followed in his mother's footsteps, starring in Disney'sZombiesfranchise The mother-son duo are incredibly close, and Milo has frequently spoken about the valuable lessons he's learned from Camryn Milo Manheimand his mom,Camryn Manheim, are two peas in a pod. Camryn, whose acting credits includeThe PracticeandLaw & Order, welcomed her first and only son in March 2001. Both actors, Milo has said the two have an inseparable bond as "artists who can relate to one another," he told PEOPLE in January 2024. "She's a single mom. I'm an only child. I spent the first 18 years of my life with her every day," he said. "What makes our connection so special is that we're both willing to put in the work and that we have spent so many years actively working on our relationship … We make each other better, bottom line." In 2018, Milo began following in his mother's footsteps when he was tapped as the lead in Disney'sZombies, a role that solidified him as a bonafide Disney Channel star. Since then, he's starred in 2023'sJourney to Bethlehem, the 2023 horror filmThanksgiving, in which he worked alongsidePatrick DempseyandAddison Rae, and the Paramount+ seriesSchool Spirits. "I always wanted to act and perform," he told PEOPLE in 2024. "I always had a little voice in my head that said, 'You can do this. You're good at it,' and I find that with each project, I have a better understanding of myself. If I hadn't bookedZombies, I don't know if I would be here, but I'm so happy that I found this love and this passion." Now, Milo is starring alongsideLiz Gilliesin the off-Broadway production ofLittle Shop of Horrors. Here's everything to know about Camryn Manheim's son, Milo Manheim, and their close-knit relationship. Vince Bucci/Getty Camryn welcomed Milo via a sperm donation from her friend, former model Jeffrey Brezovar. Their son was born on March 6, 2001, and grew up in Los Angeles. "23 years with this kid!! It's insane how fast the time flies," Brezovar wrote onInstagramin honor of his "amazing" son's 23rd birthday in 2024. "Such a fun journey we continue to have together!" Milo Manheim/Instagram Milo was a student at New York University, where he studied drama at the Tisch School of the Arts. While appearing onLive with Kelly and Ryanin February 2020, Milo opened up about his college experience, including why NYU felt like the right fit. "The main thing was I just wanted to be surrounded with fellow collaborators that were just as passionate as I was about acting," he explained. "I wanted to be with other people that cared as much as I did, and I found those people." He explained that while he was in high school, he never classically trained or went on auditions. His big break came when a casting agent suggested he submit himself forZombies, so he never had the traditional actor experience, which is what he was craving in college. John Medland/Disney Channel via Getty In 2018, Milo got his first major role when he was cast as Zed in the Disney Channel original movieZombies. The horror musical was an instant success and turned into a trilogy with Milo at the helm. In addition toZombies 2andZombies 3, he also starred in Disney'sProm Pactin 2023. "They've offered me opportunities to travel the world, meet incredible people, sing and dance, and I'm very grateful to them for providing such a unique, exciting start to my career," Milo told PEOPLE in January 2024 of his Disney roots. He said he also knows, however, "how capable I am as an actor." "I love Disney, and I will never be ashamed of being a Disney kid. I'll always be proud of that," he told PEOPLE. "Making a smooth transition is something you have to feel out as you move through it. I'm always going to be authentic and genuine. I'm a very silly person and will always carry that with me." Camryn is also proud of how far Milo's come in his career. "He loves it. It's his dream now and he wants to do this the rest of his life," she toldAccess Hollywoodin 2018. Bruce Glikas/Getty Camryn isn't only her son's biggest fan, but his role model. Speaking with PEOPLE, Milo shared how his mom's illustrious acting career inspired him to pursue the craft. "I grew up on set with my mom and I love the fact that we can have deep conversations about the craft of acting. It's one of the things that really connects us, one of our deepest passions," he said. That said, Milo has gone the extra mile to ensure his accomplishments aren't a result of nepotism. "I love this work and am so passionate about it. I haven't taken any handouts nor would I ever," he said. "I've realized that it's really important for me to do these things by myself to feel proud of them." Rob Latour/Variety/Penske Media via Getty Milo's Queen of Hearts tattoo holds a lot of significance. Not only is it Camryn's nickname, but Milo got it on his left forearm — another subtle nod to his mom, who is left-handed. "When he said he got me a present, I was so happy, then he showed me the tattoo and I had mixed feelings," Camryn told PEOPLE in August 2020 of her initial feelings about her son's ink. However, she's since grown fond of the tiny tattoo. "But now, I love it so much… now I make him show it off all the time." "My first thought when I was getting this was, 'Look, I'm about to get a tattoo for my mom. I don't know if I'm gonna want this at some point in my life sometimes.' And now, I want a way bigger one," Milo added. "Who is more important than her, that I'm going to get a tattoo for?" "I think that is a very beautiful tribute to somebody, to ink yourself forever in honor of them," said Camryn. Eric McCandless/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Coming off the success ofZombies, Milo competed on season 27 ofDancing with the Starsin 2018. He and his partner,Witney Carson, finished in second place. "I've learned so much. I just feel like a totally new person after this whole experience," Milo toldAccess Hollywoodfollowing his final performance. He jokingly added, "I'm definitely taking away my fox trot costume." Camryn Manheim/Instagram TheThanksgivingstar said it's impossible to highlight only one life lesson his mom has taught him, but the main one that has stuck out is learning how to use your voice for good. "It's to fight for what you believe in," he told PEOPLE during a mother-son joint Q&A. "No matter what you believe, if you believe it to be true in your heart, you fight for it." Of the many qualities he's inherited from Camryn, Milo's favorite is her "natural joy." "When I wake up, I'm already happy. I start happy, and you start happy, and life is happy," he told PEOPLE. Read the original article onPeople
