Meet Carol-Ann . . .
I came to L.A. in 1989 at the ripe old age of 15 to try my hand at acting. I had done a lot of theater in NY, sang on tons of commercial jingles, but always had that awkward look that no one really wanted to put on any screen, big or small. I still can’t believe my parents took me here, thinking I actually could ‘make it.’ We spent our first month at the Oakwood apartments, where I hung out with a group of child actors from all over the country who had the same agenda.
I had a manager named Gary Scalzo. I met him in NY and he was the one that convinced my parents to stay here for a year. He said I had a good shot, being from NY, and that I had to give it more than just one month. He had a knack for picking talent, and also represented Elijah Wood, Jonathan Taylor Thomas and Casper Van Dien. He put us all up in the same apartment building and our families all became friends. It was nice to have some other displaced people here that didn’t know anyone.
(with Casper van Dien…nice outfit, huh?)
I enrolled in 11th grade at Burroughs High School in Burbank, where they filmed a lot of the school scenes for Wonder Years.
(at my high school graduation party…with Mark-Paul Gosselaar and Jonathan Taylor Thomas)
About a year after I moved to LA, I booked “Harry and the Hendersons.” It was a grueling audition process. I went back 6 times for call backs and then had to do a screen test at Universal Studios. I was so excited when I got the call that they had chosen me to play Sarah Henderson, the daughter. I could actually stay in California now that I had a job! Plus, I wouldn’t have to go back to regular school. I would be tutored for my senior year of high school. This is where I met Wendy. Our production was starting up just as hers was ending, so they kept a lot of the same crew, including the set teacher.
(Christina and I on the set with Harry)
Come back tomorrow for Part 2 of her story . . .
Welcome friends, family, randoms, lurkers, blog addicts, fellow desperate moms, and Bono. This blog consists of mostly funny stuff that will make you feel better about yourself. Lots of mom comedy, non-Kodak moments, and un-fashion tips. On Wednesdays I write about my life as a former childhood actress complete with posts about how the entertainment business works, actors I met (or stalked), people and animals I worked with, my Hollywood friends, and photos of former teen heartthrobs. And if that’s not enough to draw you in to follow me . . . I have done some amazing giveaways. A rubber chicken, millions of doll hairs, and unlimited supplies of air. Come join the party.
6 comments:
Off with a bang! I am loving these posts. I love knowing the inside scoop on how Hollywood works. Thank you Carol-Ann for sharing your story!!! I look forward to part 2.
"but always had that awkward look that no one really wanted to put on any screen, big or small"
What????????? You're gorgeous!
Amy- agreed. What is she talking about? And Carol-Ann, what's up with JTT? Were you guys buddies? Mark-Paul and some sweet hair. I had never heard of Casper until I googled him.
A. His name is Casper and that is awesome.
B. He has quite a resume and many pics on the internet of him shirtless.
Amy, you are too sweet...I was a VERY ugly duckling...someday I'll let Wendy post my 12 year old photos ;)
Wendy, JTT and Casper both had the same manager as me, so yes, we were all buddies and hung out a lot despite our age differences. I still keep in touch with JTT's family, but he's long gone living in NY or something now. Casper is most famous for Starship Troupers...kind of a cult film. And recently had a reality show called "I married a princess"
Glad you enjoyed the post! It was fun. I'm looking forward to everyone else's!
these posts are so fun. I totally remember Carol-Ann from Harry and the Hendersons. Very fun to read, and MPG's hair is AWESOME.
this is SO fun to read! And, i totally agree with Amy & Wendy...you are GORGEOUS! I remember you from Harry & the Henderson's. Love the pic with MPG. *sigh* :)
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