Maya Misaljevic
Growing up in front of the camera and finding her place in Hollywood
Maya Misaljevic has spent virtually her entire life in front of a camera. Born in Toronto, she began acting at just six months old and has since built a career that has taken her from children’s productions and independent films to some of television’s most recognizable franchises.
One of her first major moments came with The Boys, where she played Young Starlight. She later appeared in films such as Seven Veils, directed by Atom Egoyan, Here for Blood, and The End of Sex, while also continuing to work in animation and voice projects.
But it was IT: Welcome to Derry that brought her name to an even wider audience. In the HBO series, Maya plays Elaine Morrison, one of the young members of the Pattycakes, in a story that expands the universe created by Stephen King. The series premiered in 2025 and became one of her most recent and prominent projects.
Now, Maya continues to move forward with new projects. In 2026, she stars in Don’t Trust the Quiet Ones, a Lifetime thriller alongside Sasha Barry and Dennis Andres, playing a young woman named Bea Black. The film follows a mother and daughter after the murder of an influencer and the danger that begins to surround them.
Beyond her roles, Maya is also developing an increasingly thoughtful relationship with her career. In conversation with Casa Zoreli, she spoke about growing up in the industry, the influence of her family, and learning to live with the fear of being watched and judged.
“It took me time to understand that fear isn’t an obstacle but part of the process.”
For Maya, preparation begins long before she steps onto a set. She reads, researches, and works to understand the context of each character before deciding how to bring them to life. She also continues training in acting, singing, and dance while working to maintain a balance between her professional and personal life.
With IT: Welcome to Derry among her most recent projects and new roles, continuing to expand her filmography, Maya Misaljevic finds herself at an exciting point in her career: no longer simply the little girl who began acting at six months old but a young actress still discovering just how far her work can take her.
