You might recognize Milana Vayntrub as the charming and relatable face of AT&T’s ads, but did you know she’s also dipped her toes into darker, more unexpected roles? Here’s the twist: before she became a household name as Lily Adams, Vayntrub played a small but unforgettable character in the beloved HBO series Silicon Valley—and it’s not your typical feel-good part. In fact, she portrayed a Satanist. Yes, you read that right. But here’s where it gets even more intriguing: her character, Tara, wasn’t just any Satanist—she practiced LaVeyan Satanism, a philosophy often misunderstood as devil worship, when in reality, it’s more about individualism and secular humanism. And this is the part most people miss: despite her limited screen time, Tara left a lasting impression that has fans still talking.
Vayntrub appeared in just two episodes across Silicon Valley’s six-season run, but her impact was undeniable. In Season 1’s ‘Third Party Insourcing’, she’s introduced as the girlfriend of Bertram Gilfoyle (played by Martin Starr), bonding over their shared interest in LaVeyan Satanism. It’s a quirky, comedic role that showcases her versatility as an actress—a far cry from her wholesome AT&T persona. Her second appearance comes in Season 3’s ‘To Build a Better Beta’, where she pops up on a computer screen with her pet snake, offering the Pied Piper team a dose of encouragement. It’s a brief moment, but it’s packed with the kind of offbeat humor that makes you wish she’d stuck around longer.
Here’s the controversial part: some fans believe Tara deserved a meatier storyline. One Reddit user passionately argued, ‘Tara was such an underrated character—her backstory could’ve been fascinating to explore!’ Another pointed out, ‘Silicon Valley* didn’t fully showcase her comedic talent, but I’m always excited to see her in anything.’* It’s a valid point—Vayntrub’s ability to shift from sweet and relatable to darkly comedic is impressive, and Tara felt like a character with untapped potential. Could she have become a breakout favorite if given more screen time? It’s a question that sparks debate among fans.
So, here’s the question for you: Do you think Milana Vayntrub’s character in Silicon Valley was underutilized, or did her brief appearances make her even more memorable? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments—this is one discussion that’s bound to get interesting!
