In a heartfelt revelation that has delighted fans worldwide, actress and singer Hailee Steinfeld, who is married to Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, has finally shared the touching story behind her long-standing nickname Beau. The intimate disclosure came through her personal newsletter, Beau Society, offering a rare glimpse into her childhood and family dynamics.
The Childhood Nickname That Stuck
In the November 7 edition of her newsletter, the 28-year-old celebrity responded to a curious reader's question about the origin of her unusual nickname. The story, as it turns out, dates back to before her birth, revealing a family decision that would shape her identity for years to come.
"Before I was born, my parents couldn't decide whether to name me Hailee or Bailee," Steinfeld wrote in her newsletter. The Hawkeye star explained that while her parents ultimately chose Hailee, they remained fond of the sound of Bailee. This led them to create the charming combination "Hailee Beau Bailee," which eventually got shortened to the now-familiar Beau.
The actress emphasized that this wasn't just a passing childhood fancy but rather "a childhood nickname that I never dropped," indicating how deeply the name has become part of her personal identity.
Family: The Foundation of Her Success
Steinfeld's family has played a crucial role throughout her life and career journey. Her father, Peter Steinfeld, works as a personal trainer, while her mother, Cheri, previously involved in interior design, now manages Hailee's professional career. The couple married in 1992 and also have an older son, Griffin, aged 31.
In a 2023 interview with PEOPLE, Hailee revealed her special bond with her brother, stating she is "especially close with" Griffin. Reflecting on her family's influence, the actress shared a profound acknowledgment of their importance in her life.
"I would not be who I am or where I am if it weren't for my mother and my father and my brother," she expressed gratefully. "They have kept me in check every step of the way."
Beau Society: More Than Just a Newsletter
The newsletter itself carries deep personal significance for Steinfeld. Launched in August 2024, Beau Society had been in development since 2023 during the Screen Actors Guild strike, a period when she was living in Buffalo with her now-husband, NFL star Josh Allen.
Steinfeld shared an interesting family detail that underscores the nickname's importance: "No one in my family actually calls me Hailee; they call me Beau!" This revelation highlights how integral the nickname remains within her closest circles.
The newsletter's name has evolved creatively over time. "Beau Society naturally morphed into its initials, BS," she explained. This then transformed into "This is BS" – an expression her mother coined during a fitting that immediately stuck.
Through Beau Society, Steinfeld has created a structured creative outlet that fits her busy schedule. In a recent Bustle interview, she outlined her weekly process: "I wake up on a Monday, which is my brainstorming day. Tuesday, I'm writing it. Wednesday, sending it off to my designer. And then Thursday, we're doing revisions, and then we send it off."
The newsletter serves as a personal window into Steinfeld's world, beautifully blending family stories, humor, and insights into life alongside an NFL superstar, all while honoring the childhood nickname that has journeyed with her into adulthood.
