Child actors are impressive for many reasons, not the least of which is the ability to perform while still so young. Some of these performers, however, do much more than entertain audiences. Some are also able to think about larger issues and how their platform gives them an opportunity to make change. Such is the case with the incredibly talented teenage actor Storm Reid.
Reid, who was born on July 1, 2003, is already a highly accomplished actor. She is set to make a splash in Hollywood in 2018, as she was recently cast as the lead in Ava DuVernay’s A Wrinkle in Time. With the booking of this breakout role already making waves, it can be expected that many people will want to know more about the young actor. Here are five of the most interesting facts about the highly talented Storm Reid.
5. She has received great praise from her director
A Wrinkle in Time is a film directed by Ava DuVernay. DuVernay has established herself as a powerhouse in the film and television industry, especially thanks to her work on Selma. As such, receiving praise from such a high profile director is no small feat. DuVernay has been highly complimentary of Reid, stating that the young actor is incredibly gifted and has done a wonderful job portraying Meg Murry.
4. She has acted with some Hollywood heavyweights
Often, young actors get their start in smaller films. Reid, on the other hand, jumped straight into the spotlight by acting alongside some of the biggest stars in the entertainment industry. She has worked with performers like Brad Pitt and Michael Fassbender, and will appear in A Wrinkle in Time with Oprah, Reese Witherspoon, Mindy Kaling, Zach Galifianakis, and Chris Pine. Having the opportunity to act with such iconic performers will no doubt prepare Reid for a career in the spotlight.
3. She started acting very young
At 14 years of age, Reid is still very young to be appearing in high profile Hollywood productions. However, she already has more than a decade of acting experience under her belt. This is because she began performing when she was only 3 years old, landing a part in a TV commercial. She would spend several years booking small acting roles before she appeared in a short film at age 9.
2. She acted in an Academy Award-winning film
Reid has not just acted in Hollywood movies; she has acted in some of the best movies in recent history. Most notably, she performed in the highly acclaimed 12 Years a Slave as Emily. This film would go on to win three Academy Awards, including Best Picture. It is impressive that as a child, Reid was able to contribute to a film that touched so many hearts and was universally praised.
1. She recognizes the importance of her latest role
Meg Murry has always been depicted as a white character, which makes Reid’s upcoming performance all the more important. Not only does the young actor recognize the opportunity to make an impact on others through this role, she also embraces the challenge. She has stated that with her performance, she hopes to inspire other girls of color to believe in themselves and aspire to do great things.
It would be understandable if the pressures of the entertainment industry were too much for young actors like Storm Reid to handle. However, Reid has not only embraced her time in the spotlight, but she also has the intelligence and thoughtfulness to recognize her platform. Aside from her incredible performances, what is most impressive about this young actor is her enthusiasm for inspiring other young people with her work.