The Little Star in the West
Bursting onto the big screen at just five years old, Abigail Breslin is one child actress that continues to pack a punch even into her teens. Born in New York City, Breslin starred in commercials before her fourth birthday, and it wasn’t long until she earned her first feature film role.
In 2002, at age 5, Abigail was cast as Bo Hess in Signs, opposite Mel Gibson and Joaquin Pheonix. The M. Night Shyamalan written and directed film became a worldwide blockbuster hit. Portraying a charming, strong willed and quirky little girl, it was one of Bo’s eccentricities that ended up saving everyone from an alien attack, as referred to by Jason Segel in Jeff, Who Lives At Home.
‘Little Miss Sunshine’ – The Rise
Gaining notice for her natural yet spontaneous acting, Abigail was quickly cast in several smaller grossing films and in guest spots on TV shows. It wasn’t until 2006 when she was cast in her breakout role as Olive in Little Miss Sunshine that audiences really began to take notice of Breslin. The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and grossed over $100 million worldwide.
Breslin received several nominations for her performance in the film including a Screen Actors Guild Award and an Academy Award. Claudia Puig of USA Today wrote, “If Olive had been played by any other little girl, she would not have affected us as mightily as it did.” In too many ways to count, Little Miss Sunshine was a huge success; infact, the film has been turned into a musical.
In 2007 and 2008, Breslin was cast in several romantic comedies. First was Scott Hick’s No Reservations with Catherine Zeta-Jones and Aaron Eckhart and next was Adam Brooks’ Definitely, Maybe with Ryan Reynolds and Rachel Weisz. Although neither film was particularly successful or memorable, it was certainly the tipping point for what was soon to be Breslin’s best work.
Breaking the Mold
In 2009, unlike her past roles, Breslin starred in two films as characters who couldn’t have been more different. In what is probably her best work to date, Breslin stars in the film adaptation of the novel with the same name, My Sister’s Keeper. Although the film may have made audiences tear up, Abigail quickly showed her comedic side in Zombieland. As one of my personal favorite films and an overall success, it’s no wonder there have been rumors of a sequel.
Looking Forward
Since Zombieland, Abigail has starred in several other films and even lent her voice to Rango in 2011. Not only does Abigail have several films in post and pre-production (Ender’s Game, The Hive & Haunter), but she will also star in director Stanley M. Brooks’ drama, Perfect Sisters, which hits theaters later this year.
Not even old enough to vote, Abigail Breslin has a way of commanding attention. Jumping from roles in comedies, dramas, thrillers and even zombie movies, Breslin shows that she can do it all. While many young actors can sometimes get too wrapped up in fame, Abigail remains grounded in a close relationship with her family, including her brother & fellow actor, Spencer Breslin. Abigail is one young lady who proves that you can’t always judge a book by its cover.
Abigail Breslin Filmography/ Up-coming Films:
- Final Girl (2013)
- Haunter (2013)
- The Hive (2013)
- Ender’s Game (2013)
- Virgin Mary (2012)
- Zambezia (2012)
- Perfect Sisters (2012)
- New Year’s Eve (2011)
- Rango (2011)
- Janie Jones (2010)
- Quantum Quest: A Cassini Space Odyssey
- Zombieland (2009)
- My Sister’s Keeper (2009)
- Kit Kittredge: An American Girl (2008)
- Nim’s Island (2008)
- Definitely, Maybe (2008)
- No Reservations (2007)
- The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause (2006)
- The Ultimate Gift (2006)
- Little Miss Sunshine (2006)
- Family Plan (2005)
- Chestnut: Hero of Central Park (2004)
- Keane (2004)
- The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement (2004)
- Raising Helen (2004)
- Signs (2002)
‘Little Miss Sunshine’ Movie Trailer:
Interview with Breslin:
