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Abigail Breslin

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Abigail Breslin
Breslin at Palm Springs Film Festival, January 6, 2007
Born
Abigail Kathleen Breslin

(1996-04-14) April 14, 1996 (age 28)
New York City, New York, U.S.
OccupationActress
Years active2002–present

Abigail Kathleen Breslin (born April 14, 1996) is an American teen actress. She is one of the youngest actresses ever to be nominated for a competitive Academy Award.

Breslin appeared in her first commercial when she was three years old, and in her first movie, Signs, at the age of five.[1] Her subsequent films include Little Miss Sunshine, Nim's Island, Definitely, Maybe, My Sister's Keeper, and Zombieland.[2]

Personal life

Breslin was born in New York City, New York, the daughter of Kim, who manages her career, and Michael, a telecommunications expert, computer programmer, and consultant.[3][4][5][6] Breslin has two older brothers, Ryan and Spencer Breslin, who are also actors. Breslin lives in New York with her family, which her maternal grandparents have described as "very close-knit".[5][6] She is named after First Lady of the United States Abigail Adams.[7]

Career

Breslin's career began at the age of three, when she appeared in a Toys "R" Us commercial.[8] Her first film role was in the 2002 science fiction thriller Signs, directed by M. Night Shyamalan, where she played Bo Hess, the daughter of the main character, Graham Hess (Mel Gibson). Signs garnered mostly positive reviews[9] and was a box office success, grossing $408 million worldwide.[10] Breslin's performance in the film was praised by critics.[11][12] David Ansen of Newsweek wrote that both her and co-star Rory Culkin gave "terrifically natural, nuanced performances".[13] In 2004, she appeared in the film Raising Helen where she and her brother Spencer played siblings. The film received mostly negative reviews.[14] Breslin also had a small role in The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement. In the independent film Keane, she played Kira Bedik, a young girl who reminds the mentally disturbed protagonist William Keane (Damian Lewis) of his abducted daughter. Keane had a limited theatrical release and grossed only $394,390 worldwide[15] but it received positive reviews and Breslin's performance was praised by critics.[16][17] Meghan Keane of The New York Sun wrote that "the scenes between Mr. Lewis and the charmingly fragile Kira, winningly played by Ms. Breslin, bring a captivating humanity to the film".[18]

Breslin's breakthrough role was in the 2006 comedy-drama Little Miss Sunshine, where she played Olive Hoover, a beauty pageant contestant, the youngest in a dysfunctional family on a road trip. She was cast at the age of six, years before filming was started.[19] Her co-stars, Greg Kinnear and Alan Arkin, both mentioned that they were "astounded by her seriousness of purpose during shooting".[20] Little Miss Sunshine was a critical[21] and commercial success, grossing $100 million worldwide.[22] Breslin's performance was highly praised;[23][24][25] Claudia Puig of USA Today wrote that "If Olive had been played by any other little girl, she would not have affected us as mightily as it did."[26] Breslin received nominations for the Screen Actors Guild Award and Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress becoming the fourth youngest actress to be nominated in that category.[27] Her co-star, Alan Arkin, did not want her to win the award, specifying that he thought that she has "had enough attention" and "needs to have a childhood".[28]

Although Breslin did not win the Oscar, she co-presented with actor Jaden Smith at the 79th Academy Awards on February 25, 2007. Breslin was part of the Disney Year of a Million Dreams celebration. Annie Leibovitz photographed her as Fira from Disney Fairies with Julie Andrews as the Blue Fairy from Pinocchio.[29] On October 27, 2007, Breslin made her stage debut in the play Right You Are (If You Think You Are) in New York City at the Guggenheim Museum starring in an ensemble cast alongside Cate Blanchett, Dianne Wiest, Natalie Portman and Peter Sarsgaard.[30] In 2007, Breslin was ranked #8 in Forbes Magazine's list of "Young Hollywood's Top-Earning Stars", having earned $1.5 million in 2006.[31]

Breslin next appeared in the 2007 romantic comedy No Reservations, playing the niece of master chef Kate Armstrong (Catherine Zeta-Jones). The film garnered mostly negative reviews[32] but was successful commercially, grossing $92 million worldwide.[33] Roger Ebert wrote that Breslin "has the stuff to emerge as a three-dimensional kid, if she weren't employed so resolutely as a pawn."[34] Also in 2007, she starred in another romantic comedy, Definitely, Maybe, in which her character is the daughter of a recently divorced father (Ryan Reynolds).[35] Definitely, Maybe received generally favorable reviews,[36] with Steven Rea of The Philadelphia Inquirer writing that Breslin is "alarmingly cute – but she backs the cuteness up with serious acting instinct".[37]

In 2008, Breslin starred with Jodie Foster in the film Nim's Island as Nim Rusoe, a young girl who lives on a remote tropical island.[38] Nim's Island received mixed reviews[39] but was successful financially, grossing $100 million worldwide.[40] Also in 2008, Breslin appeared in Kit Kittredge: An American Girl as the title character. The film was based on the American Girl line of dolls, books, and accessories of which Breslin is a fan.[41] Kit Kittredge: An American Girl garnered favorable reviews[42] and grossed $17 million at the box office.[43] Breslin's performance in the film was praised by critics;[44][45][46] Joe Morgenstern of The Wall Street Journal wrote that she "carries the event-stuffed story with unflagging grace".[47]

In 2009, Breslin appeared in My Sister's Keeper, where she played the role of Anna Fitzgerald, a young girl who was conceived to be a donor for her sister, Kate, who suffers from leukemia. Elle and Dakota Fanning were slated to play the roles of Anna and Kate respectively;[48] however, Dakota refused to shave her head for the role, so she and Elle were replaced by Sofia Vassilieva and Breslin.[49] My Sister's Keeper received mixed reviews[50] but was a financial success, grossing $95 million worldwide.[51] James Berardinelli wrote that Breslin and Vassilieva "display a natural bond one might expect from sisters, and there's no hint of artifice or overacting in either performance".[52] Also in 2009, Breslin appeared in the horror comedy Zombieland as Little Rock.[53] Director Ruben Fleischer said that "the dream was always to get Abigail Breslin" for the role.[54] The film received positive reviews[55] and was successful at the box office, grossing $102 million worldwide.[56]

With previews beginning in February 2010, she made her Broadway theatre debut as Helen Keller in The Miracle Worker at the Circle in the Square Theatre.[57] Breslin has said that she was honored to play Keller,[58] who is one of her "biggest heroes".[59] The Alliance for Inclusion in the Arts, an advocacy group for blind and deaf actors criticized the play's producers for not casting a deaf or blind actor in the role. Lead producer David Richenthal defended the decision, stating that he needed a well-known actress: "It’s simply naïve to think that in this day and age, you’ll be able to sell tickets to a play revival solely on the potential of the production to be a great show or on the potential for an unknown actress to give a breakthrough performance."[60] Vision-impaired actress Kyra Siegel was cast as Breslin's understudy.[61] Breslin's performance was praised by critics;[62][63][64] Frank Scheck of The Hollywood Reporter wrote that she "well portrays Helen's feral rebelliousness in the play's early sections and is deeply touching as her character's bond with her teacher grows".[65] Ticket sales for the play, however, were considered disappointing, and the show closed in April 2010.[66][67]

In September 2009, Breslin was filming in Des Moines, Iowa, playing the title character in the film Janie Jones:[68] a 13-year old girl who is abandoned by her former-groupie mother (Elisabeth Shue), and informs Ethan Brand (Alessandro Nivola), a fading rock star, that she is his daughter.[69] The film premiered at the 2010 Toronto International Film Festival.[69]

Filmography

Film
Year Title Role Notes
2002 Signs Bo Hess Nominated – Phoenix Film Critics Society Award for Best Youth Actress
Nominated – Young Artist Award for Best Performance in a Feature Film Young Actress Age Ten or Under
2004 Raising Helen Sarah Davis
The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement Parade Girl Carolina
Keane Kira Bedik
Chestnut: Hero of Central Park Ray
2005 Family Plan Nicole Television film
2006 Little Miss Sunshine Olive Hoover Critics Choice Award for Best Young Actress
Critics Choice Award for Best Cast
Iowa Film Critics Award for Best Actress
Las Vegas Film Critics Society Award for Best Youth in Film
Phoenix Film Critics Society Award for Best Youth Actress
Phoenix Film Critics Society Award for Best Cast
Screen Actors Guild Award for Best Cast
Tokyo International Film Award for Best Actress
Young Artist Award for Best Performance in a Feature Film Young Actress Age Ten or Under
Nominated – Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress
Nominated – BAFTA Award for Best Supporting Actress
Nominated – Empire Award for Best Female Newcomer
Nominated – Gotham Award for Best Ensemble Cast
Nominated – Gotham Award for Breakthrough Award
Nominated – MTV Movie Award for Best Breakthrough Performance
Nominated – Satellite Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role
Nominated – Screen Actors Guild Award for Best Supporting Actress
Nominated – Chicago Film Critics Association Award for Best Supporting Actress
Imaginary Friend Hally
The Ultimate Gift Emily Rose
The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause Trish
Air Buddies Rosebud (voice)
2007 No Reservations Zoe Armstrong Nominated – Critics Choice Award for Best Young Actress
Nominated – Young Artist Award for Best Performance in a Feature Film Leading Young Actress
2008 Definitely, Maybe Maya Hayes
Nim's Island Nim Rusoe Nominated – Teen Choice Award for Movie Actress – Adventure
Kit Kittredge: An American Girl Kit Kittredge Nominated – Young Artist Award for Best Performance in a Feature Film Leading Young Actress
2009 My Sister's Keeper Anna Fitzgerald Young Artist Award for Best Performance in a Feature Film Leading Young Actress
Zombieland Little Rock Nominated – Detroit Film Critics Award for Best Ensemble Cast
2010 Quantum Quest: A Cassini Space Odyssey Jeana post-production (voice)
Janie Jones Janie Jones post-production
2011 The Wild Bunch Daisy in production (voice)
Rango Missy in production (voice)
Television
Year Title Role Notes
2002 What I Like About You Josie Episode: "The Teddy Bear"
Hack Kayla Adams Episode: "Domestic Disturbance"
2004 Law & Order: Special Victims Unit Patty Branson Episode: "Birthright"
NCIS Sandy Watson Episode: "See No Evil"
2006 Ghost Whisperer Sarah Applewhite Episode: "Melinda's First Ghost"
Grey's Anatomy Megan Clover Episode: "Sometimes a Fantasy"
Theatre
Dates Title Role Theatre Notes
March 3, 2010 – April 4, 2010 The Miracle Worker Helen Keller Circle in the Square Theatre Broadway debut

Awards and nominations

Award Year Category Result Role
Academy Awards 2006 Best Actress in a Supporting Role Nominated Olive Hoover in
Little Miss Sunshine
Alliance of Women Journalists (EDA Awards) 2006 Best Breakthrough Performance for a Young Actress Won
BAFTA Awards 2007 Best Actress in a Supporting Role Nominated
Chicago Film Critics Association Awards 2006 Best Supporting Actress Nominated
Critics Choice Awards 2007 Best Young Actress Won
Best Ensemble Cast (Shared with cast) Won
2008 Best Young Actress Nominated Zoe Armstrong in No Reservations
Empire Awards 2006 Best Female Newcomer Nominated Olive Hoover
Gotham Awards 2006 Breakthrough Actor Nominated
Iowa Film Critics Awards 2006 Best Supporting Actress Won
MTV Movie Awards 2007 Best Breakthrough Performance Nominated
Online Film Critics Awards 2006 Best Supporting Actress Won
Las Vegas Film Critics Society Awards 2006 Youth in Film Won
Phoenix Film Critics 2006 Best Performance by a Youth in a Lead or Supporting Role – Female Won
2003 Best Performance by a Youth in a Lead or Supporting Role – Female Nominated Bo Hess in Signs
Satellite Awards 2006 Best Actress in a Supporting Role Nominated Olive Hoover
Screen Actors Guild (SAG) 2007 Supporting Actress Nominated
Cast in a motion picture (Shared with cast) Won
St. Louis Film Critics Best Supporting Actress Nominated
Teen Choice Awards 2008 Choice Movie Actress: Action Adventure Nominated Nim Rusoe in Nim's Island
Tokyo International Film Festival 2006 Best Actress Won Olive Hoover
Women Film Critics Circle Awards 2006 Best Young Actress Won
Young Artist Award 2003 Best Performance in a Feature Film Young Actress Age Ten or Under Nominated Bo Hess
2007 Best Performance in a Feature Film Young Actress Age Ten or Under Won Olive Hoover
2008 Best Performance in a Feature Film Leading Young Actress Nominated Zoe Armstrong
2009 Best Performance in a Feature Film Leading Young Actress Nominated Kit Kittredge in Kit Kittredge: An American Girl
2010 Best Performance in a Feature Film Leading Young Actress Won Anna Fitzgerald in My Sister's Keeper

References

  1. ^ DeMara, Bruce (June 26, 2009). "Family strife lets Abigail Breslin show serious side". Toronto Star. Retrieved 2010-03-13.
  2. ^ Zombieland's Abigail Breslin Ready to Tackle Darker Roles
  3. ^ Rosenabigails, Steve (2007-03-11). "It's our job to tell kids about work". The Kansas City Star. Retrieved 2007-03-12. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  4. ^ Spencer Breslin Biography (1992–)
  5. ^ a b Stauffer, Cindy (2007-02-26). "A little ray of sunshine". Lancaster Online. Retrieved 2030-09-56. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  6. ^ a b Todd, Jennifer (2007-02-26). "Proud couple watches granddaughter at Oscars". Lancaster Online. Retrieved 2007-03-12.
  7. ^ Breslin, Abigail (2007-02-25). "The things they say". Contact Music. Retrieved 2007-03-12.
  8. ^ Zekas, Rita (July 27, 2001). "Abbie shines on". Toronto Star. Retrieved 2010-03-13.
  9. ^ "Signs Movie Reviews, Pictures". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved 2010-03-10.
  10. ^ "Signs (2002)". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved 2010-03-10.
  11. ^ Clinton, Paul (August 1, 2010). "'Signs' a thrilling ride". CNN.com. Retrieved 2010-03-10.
  12. ^ Travers, Peter (August 22, 2010). "Signs". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 2010-03-10.
  13. ^ Ansen, David (August 5, 2002). "Families, Fear And Faith". Newsweek. Retrieved 2010-03-10.
  14. ^ "Raising Helen Movie Reviews, Pictures". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved 2010-03-10.
  15. ^ "Keane (2005)". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved 2010-03-10.
  16. ^ Morris, Wesley (September 30, 2005). "A vivid look at an unraveling mind". The Boston Globe. Retrieved 2010-03-10.
  17. ^ Atkinson, Michael (August 30, 2005). "Close Encounter". The Village Voice. Retrieved 2010-03-10.
  18. ^ Keane, Meghan (September 9, 2005). "Keane". The New York Sun. Retrieved 2010-03-10.
  19. ^ Gullién, Michael (2006-07-20). "Little Miss Sunshine—Interview With Valerie Faris and Jonathan Dayton". Twitch. Retrieved 2010-03-10. {{cite web}}: External link in |publisher= (help)
  20. ^ Puig, Claudia (2006-12-21). "Abigail: 'Little Miss Sunshine' highlights her winning ways". USA Today. Retrieved 2007-03-12.
  21. ^ "Little Miss Sunshine (2006)". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved 2008-08-28.
  22. ^ "Little Miss Sunshine (2006)". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved 2010-03-10.
  23. ^ Rooney, David (January 21, 2006). "Little Miss Sunshine". Variety. Retrieved 2010-03-11.
  24. ^ Stevens, Dana (July 25, 2006). "Little Miss Can't Be Wrong". Slate. Retrieved 2010-03-11.
  25. ^ Byrge, Duane (January 23, 2006). "Little Miss Sunshine". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2010-03-11. [dead link]
  26. ^ Puig, Claudia (December 21, 2006). "These kids are golden". USA Today. Retrieved 2010-03-10. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  27. ^ Coyle, Jake (January 23, 2007). "Lil' Oscars: Breslin, 10, Wins Nom". The Washington Post. Retrieved 2010-03-11.
  28. ^ andPOP Staff (2007-02-18). "Arkin Wanted Breslin To Lose Academy Award". andPOP. Retrieved 2007-03-12.
  29. ^ Gray, Iain (October 31, 2007). "Rachel Weisz transformed into Snow White". The Daily Telegraph. London. Retrieved 2010-03-13.
  30. ^ Abigail Breslin in New York Junior Celebs
  31. ^ Zap2It.com (2007-02-28). "Olsens top young rich list". JAM! Movies. Retrieved 2008-05-28.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  32. ^ "No Reservations Movie Reviews, Pictures". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved 2010-03-10.
  33. ^ "No Reservations (2007)". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved 2010-03-10.
  34. ^ Ebert, Roger (July 27, 2007). "No Reservations". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved 2010-03-10.
  35. ^ Strickler, Jeff (2007-02-26). "What's next for the nominees". Star Tribune. Retrieved 2007-03-12. [dead link]
  36. ^ "Definitely, Maybe Movie Reviews, Pictures". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved 2010-03-12.
  37. ^ Rea, Steven (February 14, 2008). "Witty, tender, definitely cute". The Philadelphia Inquirer. Retrieved 2010-03-12.
  38. ^ Greenblatt, Leah (April 9, 2008). "Nim's Island (2008)". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved 2010-03-12.
  39. ^ "Nim's Island Movie Reviews, Pictures". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved 2010-03-12.
  40. ^ "Nim's Island (2008)". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved 2010-03-12.
  41. ^ Roberts, Sheila. "Abigail Breslin Interview, Kit Kittredge An American Girl". MoviesOnline.com. Retrieved 2010-03-12. [dead link]
  42. ^ "Kit Kittredge: An American Girl". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved 2010-03-12.
  43. ^ "Kit Kittredge: An American Girl (2008)". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved 2010-03-12.
  44. ^ Linden, Sheri (June 19, 2008). "Film Review: Kit Kittredge: An American Girl". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2010-03-12. [dead link]
  45. ^ Puig, Claudia (July 3, 2008). "Spunky 'Kit' has kaboodles of charm". USA Today. Retrieved 2010-03-12.
  46. ^ Stein, Ruthe (July 2, 2008). "Movie review: Little miss 'Kit Kittredge'". San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved 2010-03-12.
  47. ^ Morgensten, Joe (June 20, 2008). "'Kit Kittredge' Is a Rare Gift For Young Girls". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 2010-03-12.
  48. ^ Fleming, Michael (October 24, 2007). "Fanning sisters set for 'Keeper". Variety. Retrieved 2010-03-20.
  49. ^ Fleming, Michael (February 12, 2008). "Breslin, Vassilieva to star in 'Keeper". Variety. Retrieved 2010-03-20.
  50. ^ "My Sister's Keeper Movie Reviews, Pictures". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved 2010-10-10.
  51. ^ "My Sister's Keeper (2009)". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved 2010-03-13.
  52. ^ Berardinelli, James (June 26, 2009). "My Sister's Keeper". ReelViews. Retrieved 2010-03-13.
  53. ^ Abigail Breslin Wants to Take on Darker Roles
  54. ^ Rich, Katey (September 29, 2009). "Exclusive Interview: Zombieland Director Ruben Fleischer". Cinema Blend. Retrieved 2010-03-15.
  55. ^ "Zombieland Movie Reviews, Pictures". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved 2010-03-13.
  56. ^ "Zombieland (2009)". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved 2010-03-13.
  57. ^ "Sunshine star in Broadway debut". BBC News. 2009-10-29. Retrieved 2009-10-29.
  58. ^ "A Day in the Life of Abigail Breslin". Playbill. March 9, 2010. Retrieved 2010-10-22.
  59. ^ Rust, Katharine. "Things to Do". Time Out New York. Retrieved 2010-03-13.
  60. ^ Healy, Patrick (October 29, 2009). "Advocacy Group Opposes 'Miracle Worker' Casting Choice". The New York Times. Retrieved 2010-10-22.
  61. ^ Healy, Patrick (December 8, 2009). "Vision-Impaired Girl Gets Helen Keller Understudy Role". The New York Times. Retrieved 2010-10-22.
  62. ^ Gardner, Elysa (March 3, 2010). "Language a barrier for 'Miracle Worker,' but young stars shine". USA Today. Retrieved 2010-03-13.
  63. ^ Kuchwara, Michael (March 3, 2010). "The battle for Helen Keller remains compelling". Associated Press. Retrieved 2010-03-13.
  64. ^ Brantley, Ben (March 4, 2010). "Taming a Child by Setting Her Free". The New York Times. Retrieved 2010-03-18.
  65. ^ Scheck, Frank (March 3, 2010). "The Miracle Worker – Theater Review". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2010-10-22.
  66. ^ Gamerman, Ellen (March 8, 2010). "'Miracle Worker' on B'way May Shutter". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 2010-03-13.
  67. ^ Gans, Andrew (March 28, 2010). "The Miracle Worker Will Go Dark; Final Broadway Performance Is April 4". Playbill. Retrieved 2010-03-31.
  68. ^ Abigail Breslin, Mira Sorvino, Peter Fonda movies filming in Des Moines Des Moines Register
  69. ^ a b "2010 Films - Janie Jones". tiff.net. Retrieved 2010-10-21.

External links

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