Young Girls in Contemporary Film 2015-2022
Reference List started as a film school project. What roles do girls play in contemporary film and how has this changed in film history?
The girls in this list were 12 or younger i.e not teens, when they made the reference films included in the list. Updates are added to the end of the list. As time goes by many of the girls have become young women and the publicity photos subsequently changed. Thus, the actresses from 2015 are playing roles in teenage films and are at the top of the list, and the newer, little ones are at the end of the list. Reverse the list order with the up/down arrow icon to see the latest entries.
Since 2017 it is increasingly hard to find films which tell a little girl's story... most girls play roles as daughters (often in great danger) or as the younger version of the main female character in the first ten minutes or so. Then of course are the scary little girls in horror, ghost, haunted house films. But, since American girl has apparently decided to not make more films, there is very little along the lines of Samantha. Or films like the Golden Compass, Little Princess, or Beasts of the Southern Wild that feature girls in a leading role.
The girls in this list were 12 or younger i.e not teens, when they made the reference films included in the list. Updates are added to the end of the list. As time goes by many of the girls have become young women and the publicity photos subsequently changed. Thus, the actresses from 2015 are playing roles in teenage films and are at the top of the list, and the newer, little ones are at the end of the list. Reverse the list order with the up/down arrow icon to see the latest entries.
Since 2017 it is increasingly hard to find films which tell a little girl's story... most girls play roles as daughters (often in great danger) or as the younger version of the main female character in the first ten minutes or so. Then of course are the scary little girls in horror, ghost, haunted house films. But, since American girl has apparently decided to not make more films, there is very little along the lines of Samantha. Or films like the Golden Compass, Little Princess, or Beasts of the Southern Wild that feature girls in a leading role.
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Isabella Crovetti began her acting career in the fall of 2010. As both her parents have careers in the industry, Isabella is no stranger to the world of film and television.
It wasn't long before Isabella was signed with the Osbrink talent agency, one of the top children's talent agencies in Los Angeles. Within a month's time Isabella was fortunate enough to be booking commercials, voice-overs, television shows and meeting with film directors such as Cameron Crowe, Shawn Levy, Chris Koch, Juan José Campanella and David O Russell.
Isabella's first pilot season landed her a starring role in the FOX comedy pilot Family Album, directed by Shawn Levy. By her first summer, Isabella booked a starring role in her first TV movie, Possessing Piper Rose, opposite Rebecca Romijn.
For her second pilot season, Isabella landed starring roles in both the ABC pilot The Neighbors as well as the Disney pilot Crash and Bernstein. Some of the shows she has worked on include Mike and Molly, In Plain Sight, Jessie, CSI, Enlightened, Happy Endings, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia and Scorpion.
Isabella is now starring in the Carlton Cuse television show Colony on USA Network as well as lending her voice for the lead role in the Nickelodean show Shimmer and Shine. Isabella also played a young Jennifer Lawrence in David O Russell's film Joy, starring Jennifer Lawrence, Bradley Cooper and Robert De Niro. In the winter of 2016, Isabella began shooting a Disney film entitled Magic Camp starring Adam Devine, Jillian Jacobs and Jeffrey Tambor. Isabella is also the lead voice and singing vocals for Disney's Vampirina.
Isabella comes from a creative family as both her parents work in the industry and her twin brothers are also actors. Cameron and Nicholas Crovetti can be seen as Nicole Kidman's twin boys on Big Little Lies (2017) . Besides acting, Isabella enjoys playing with her three siblings, sings and plays the guitar and enjoys a variety of sports. She is also a competitive gymnast and track runner.- Actress
Aundrea Gadsby is known for Joy (2015) and People Places Things (2015).- Actress
Gia Gadsby is known for Joy (2015) and People Places Things (2015).- Madison Wolfe was born in New Orleans, Louisiana. She began acting at the age of seven, and made her debut alongside Kristen Stewart and Amy Adams in "On The Road." In the years following, Wolfe landed many roles in various critically acclaimed films and television shows such as Jessica Brady in "The Campaign," starring Will Ferrell and Zach Galifianakis, Audrey Hart in "True Detective," opposite Woody Harrelson and Matthew Mcconaughey, and Young Poppy in "Mr. Church," starring Eddie Murphy. She can also be seen playing Bryan Cranston's daughter in "Trumbo," and acting alongside Robert DeNiro, Jennifer Lawrence, and Bradley Cooper in David O. Russell's "Joy."
Wolfe is best known for her lead role in James Wan's "The Conjuring 2." Starring opposite Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson, she plays Janet Hodgson: a young girl from Enfield, England who is traumatized and haunted by the possession of demonic spirits. Wolfe is also well known from her lead role in Oscar winner Anders Walter's "I Kill Giants." Rotten Tomatoes names Madison's "powerhouse performance" as troubled teen Barbra Thorson one of the highlights of the film.
Most recently, Wolfe can be seen playing Tessa Mayfair opposite Alexandra Daddario in AMC's "The Mayfair Witches." She has completed production for her next true crime thriller, Warren Skeel's "Man in The White Van." Set in 1974, Wolfe portrays the lead role of Annie Willains: a free spirited teen from a small town in Florida who becomes the obsession of a horrific stalker. Being a musician, Wolfe also wrote and recorded an original song for the film's soundtrack to be released. The film is not yet dated. - Mallory James Mahoney was born on 31 January 2005 in Fort Worth, Texas, USA. She is an actress, known for Bunk'd (2015), Heaven Sent (2016) and Adventures in Babysitting (2016).
- Isabella Kai was born on 13 September 2006 in California, USA. She is an actress, known for Our Friend (2019), Sydney to the Max (2019) and Unforgettable (2017).
- Maggie Elizabeth Jones was born on October 10, 2003 in Atlanta, Georgia. This young actress has worked with a number of the industry's biggest stars and directors in a variety of diverse and challenging roles. Maggie received rave reviews for her role as Matt Damon's daughter in Cameron Crowe's film We Bought A Zoo (2011). In 2013, Maggie was as series regular on the FOX TV series Ben and Kate, opposite Dakota Johnson and Nat Faxon. Maggie and her sister, Mary-Charles Jones, have worked together twice in Footloose (2011) and again in Identity Thief (2013). Maggie also worked with her younger sister, Lillian Ellen Jones, on the pilot episode of Halt and Catch Fire (2014). More recently Maggie worked with Jason Lee on the film Away and Back (2015). In the spring of 2016 Maggie can be seen in the lead role of Lea Clark in the American Girl Doll Film, Lea to the Rescue.
- Cynthia Galant is known for Orphan Black (2013), Christmas at Home: An Online Christmas Concert (2020) and First & Last.
- Josie Gallina is known for Boardwalk Empire (2010), Christmas with Holly (2012) and The Brooklyn Banker (2016).
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Ava Telek was born on 8 November 2006. She is an actress, known for The Magicians (2015), Freaks (2018) and The Dollanganger Saga (2014).- Actress
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This young actress has worked with a number of the industry's biggest stars in a variety of diverse and challenging roles. She won rave reviews and a Critics Choice Movie Award nomination for her powerful work on the feature film, Brothers (2009), opposite Tobey Maguire, Natalie Portman and Jake Gyllenhaal. She played the young "Betty Ann Waters" in Fox Searchlight's Conviction (2010), with Hilary Swank and Minnie Driver.
Most recently, Bailee had a starring role in producer Guillermo del Toro's thriller, Don't Be Afraid of the Dark (2010), with Katie Holmes and Guy Pearce, Bailee was recommended for the role by her Brothers (2009) co-star, Natalie Portman. She played a withdrawn child being haunted by insatiable demons; the film was released in August 2011. Bailee starred as the daughter of Marisa Tomei and the granddaughter of Bette Midler and Billy Crystal in the film Parental Guidance (2012), a co-production between 20th Century Fox and Walden Media.
In 2011, Variety named Bailee an honoree for her philanthropic efforts with "Alex's Lemonade Stand" at the "Variety Power Of Youth Awards", which pays homage to the industry's most talented young activists. A driven and talented young actress, Bailee is equally committed to using her public profile to raise awareness for those less fortunate. Between filming major motion pictures, Bailee has been devoting her time and energy to "Alex's Lemonade Stand", an organization that encourages children, nationwide, to raise money to find a cure for childhood cancer through running their own lemonade stands.
Her other feature films include Letters to God (2010) and Hallmark's A Taste of Romance (2011) with Teri Polo. For her role in Columbia Pictures' comedy, Just Go with It (2011), with Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston, Bailee earned rave reviews with "The Wall Street Journal".
Bailee captured audiences hearts with her role of "May Belle Aarons" in Disney's Bridge to Terabithia (2007), and has left lasting impressions with her performances in the independent film, Phoebe in Wonderland (2008) (starring Felicity Huffman and Elle Fanning), and on television in NBC's Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (1999). She appears as "Maxine Russo" in Disney Channel's Wizards of Waverly Place (2007), for its fourth and final season. When Bailee isn't working or studying, she loves cooking with her family.
When Bailee's not traveling, she loves spending time at home with family and friends, barbecuing, swimming, and playing on her swing set. Of course her dog, Maddy, is always by her side.- Abby Donnelly was born on 23 July 2002 in the USA. She is an actress, known for Just Add Magic (2015), Suburgatory (2011) and Angie: Lost Girls (2020).
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Olivia Sanabia is an up-and-coming young actress, she is a Southern California native. She began acting professionally after her early start in musical theater at the age of 6. She recently stepped back onto the stage to star as Snow White in "A Snow White Christmas" with Lythgoe Family Panto. A few of her early credits include numerous commercials and guest-starring roles on many television shows such as Sam & Cat (2013), Extant (2014), Life in Pieces (2015), before landing the starring role in Amazon's hit original series Just Add Magic (2015). Following four successful seasons, she transitioned to starring in Disney Channel's sitcom Coop and Cami Ask the World (2018), where she displays her musical talents and exceptional comedic skills. Olivia is a multifaceted actress, singer, and songwriter. She has released two original singles, "Stars Crossed" and "The Train", in which she displays her powerful voice and masterful lyrics. She plans to continue releasing music and hopes to inspire her dedicated fan base through her songs. Olivia aspires to explore the world of film and star on Broadway. Outside of entertainment, she donates her time to the non-profit organization Cookies for Kids' Cancer. Sanabia is committed to promoting positivity to empower her large fan base on her social platforms including Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.- Actress
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Aubrey is an American actress, singer, and dancer from California and was born to parents of Hispanic and European descent. She began her career as a competitive dancer at the young age of five before making her television debut in a recurring role on Nickelodeon's The Fresh Beat Band at age nine. She continued to establish her early career on Disney's Austin and Ally, Nickelodeon's Sam and Cat, Shameless, and more. She went on to star as the lead, Hannah Parker-Kent, on the Amazon Prime original series Just Add Magic. In 2020, Just Add Magic was nominated for a Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Children's Programming. Following her show, Aubrey earned a bachelor's degree in PR, Advertising, and Entertainment Marketing in 2023 and graduated top of her class. She continues her career as an actor, creator, and screenwriter. Aubrey also serves as an animal rights activist, sits on the board of Mercy for Animals, and has grown up as a plant-based vegan.- Actress
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Isabelle Allen was born on 16th March 2002, in Salisbury England, and now lives with her family in a village in East Sussex. She is best known for her role as Young Cosette is the 2012 movie "Les Miserables", and more recently, among others, her roles as Elizabeth in BBC's series "Hetty Feather"((2015-2017) and as "Carrie" in the Netflix series "Safe" (2018).Guin and the Dragon - Short Film see: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBkP6IukaKA- Dakota Bright is known for The Pact (2012), Murder in Mexico: The Bruce Beresford-Redman Story (2015) and Actors Entertainment (2009).Image: http://vignette1.wikia.nocookie.net/ideas/images/f/ff/Dakota_Bright.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20151013221144
- Sofia Nicole Hahn was born in San Antonio, Texas, USA
This Texas native began building a solid resume almost immediately after arriving in Hollywood at age 3. Before her first television appearance, Nikki enjoyed modeling for Disney Campaigns, GAP, American Girl, Little Marc Jacobs & Jessica Simpson kids fashion line to name a few but her but her real passion began to show at an early age.
In 2009 Nikki began landing guest roles in numerous network television shows including CSI: Miami (2004), NCIS: Los Angeles (2009), The Closer (2005), Criminal Minds (2005) as well as some of her favorite Disney and Nickelodeon shows, iCarly (2007) and Jessie (2011). She also enjoyed working on commercials and eventually landed over 28 national campaigns including 2 Disneyland Commercials and a State Farm commercial with Packer's Quarterback Aaron Rodgers of The Green Bay Packers NFL.
In 2011 Nikki brought big laughs into everyone's living rooms when she starred as the daughter of Tom Hanks in a spoof skit of TLC's Toddlers & Tiaras (2009) on the Jimmy Kimmel Live! (2003) post-Academy Awards special. Nikki played the role of "Sophie Hanks," a child pageant queen with an overbearing stage dad (Hanks). Immediately after the show's original airing, the segment went viral, giving the young actress a cult-like comedy following. The skit was also aired during The Oprah Winfrey Show (1986) in an interview with Hanks and Julia Roberts.
In 2012 Nikki displayed her ability in another genre when she was cast on her first villain role as sociopath child killer "Jenny Reynolds" in American Horror Story (2011) in The Origins of Monstrosity (2012). Later this same year Nikki switches to a lighter role as she gets to play Selena Gomez's little cousin Bianca in The Wizards Return: Alex vs. Alex (2013), a Disney Channel Original Movie.
2013 was year of 'Mini-me's" as Nikki gets to play young Lucy Hale when she lands the role of "Mini Aria" in Pretty Little Liars (2010) in A Is for A-l-i-v-e (2013) and "Young Callie" as young Mia Mitchell in The Fosters (2013). By 2014 Nikki had worked on 8 other comedy satires for Jimmy Kimmel Live! (2003) with big names such as Katie Couric and Topher Grace.
In 2015 Nikki lands the coveted role of "Emily Cooper" in Disney's Adventures in Babysitting (2016) - 100th Disney Channel Original Movie (DCOM) with Sabrina Carpenter and Sofia Carson. The 100th DCOM was directed by John Schultz (Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer (2011)) and executive produced by Michelle Manning (Teen Beach 2 (2015), The Breakfast Club (1985), The Outsiders (1983)). Manning has become a personal friend and mentor for Nikki and friend of the family as well.
Nikki has been fortunate to work alongside, and learn from Hollywood A-listers such as Jim Belushi, Kyra Sedgwick, Elijah Wood, Elizabeth McCormick, Henry Winkler, cinematographer Janusz Kaminski, Elisabeth Röhm, Ken Leung, and Two-Time Academy Awards Winners Tom Hanks, Jessica Lange, and Geoffrey Rush.
In 2016 Nikki landed the role of Young Mileva Maric in National Geographic's 10 episode anthology series Genius (2017), season 1, "Einstein", which earned 10 Emmy Nominations in 2017. It was executive produced by Ron Howard and Brian Grazer. Einstein played by Geoffrey Rush.
2017-2019 Nikki lands recurring role as "Gina Tuscadero" in American Housewife (2016) on ABC. - Rainn Williams is known for Thorp (2020), Red Cloud: Deliverance (2012) and Don't Worry Baby (2015).
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Alyvia Alyn Lind grew up in Los Angeles, in a houseful of actresses. She began her career at the age of 3 and at such a young age, has an impressive list of credits. This fall, Alyvia will be seen in the highly anticipated post-apocalyptic, genre-bending "Daybreak" for Netflix, playing the role of Angelica Green, a highly unstable kid genius. Alyvia is often recognized for playing Anna Faris's daughter in the remake of the comedy classic "Overboard." She recently completed season 2 of "Futureman" with Josh Hutcherson, produced by Seth Rogen, airing on Hulu. Currently she can be seen in the Netflix original film, "Walk. Ride. Rodeo." Alyvia is best known for her portrayal of the living legend, Dolly Parton, in the NBC Universal telefilm, "Coat of Many Colors," and immediately following, "Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love," which was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award. Alyvia was recognized by the prestigious Critics' Choice Awards by being nominated in the adult category for Best Actress alongside Rachel McAdams, Kathy Bates, and Kirsten Dunst, and she was also nominated and won the Movieguide's Grace Award for Best Actress. Not only did the MOW break records with 18.6 million viewers, which made COMC the highest-rated movie or miniseries on the broadcast networks in six years, the film walked away with numerous awards, including The Tex Ritter Award and the coveted Epiphany Prize given by the Movieguide Awards. One of Alyvia's favorite parts of working on the film was singing her solos, and recording "Angel Hill," an original duet with Dolly Parton. Alyvia was also seen in the Amazon original movie "An American Girl Story - Maryellen 1955: Extraordinary Christmas" playing the lead character, a young girl who sets her mind to helping children with polio. In conjunction with the film, Aly teamed up with Lollipop Theatre Network to help bring awareness to children with life-threatening illnesses. Alyvia is also known for the much publicized, campy Lifetime movie, "A Deadly Adoption" where she enjoyed the enviable role of Will Ferrell's and Kristen Wiig's kidnapped daughter. One of Aly's career highlights was playing Adam Sandler's daughter in the Warner Bros. film "Blended" alongside Drew Barrymore and Bella Thorne. Alyvia plays the precocious and sweet 'Lou Friedman,' the youngest daughter of Sandler. Alyvia's television credits include the ABC hit series "Revenge," playing the five-year-old 'Amanda Clarke,' the wisecracking 'Charlotte,' on the Nick @ Nite comedy "See Dad Run" with Scott Baio, 'Annika,' a foreign exchange student (she learned to speak Swedish for the role) in the TNT comedy "Teachers," "Gamer's Guide" for Disney, Sasha on "Alexa and Katie" for Netflix, Lily on the Ryan Murphy Fox hit "9-1-1," and she can still be seen (since the age of 3) in the television daytime drama "The Young and the Restless" as 'Faith Newman,' in which she was Emmy nominated for Outstanding Younger Actor in a Drama Series. On the big screen, Lind appeared in Dimension Film's "Dark Skies" (2013) with Keri Russell and Josh Hamilton, and was recently seen in Universal Pictures' "Mockingbird," a thriller starring Spencer List, and the feature film "Shangri-La Suite" opposite Ashley Greene and Emily Browning in which Alyvia portrays Lisa Marie Presley. Alyvia is also known for her recurring role, 'Gracie,' on the hit Amazon show "Transparent", and the critically acclaimed "Masters of Sex" for Showtime, playing 'Jenny,' Michael Sheen's and Caitlin Fitzgerald's daughter. Alyvia grew up with two older sisters, Natalie and Emily, (both actresses) in an animal-loving home. She has a passion for dogs and her favorite pastime is being a mom to her rescued malti-poo named "Georgie." In her spare time, she likes to record songs and make movies with her sisters, practice guitar, write music and dance. Alyvia has grown up watching her mom, actress Barbara Alyn Woods ("One Tree Hill" and "Honey, I Shrunk the Kids") and looks up to her for acting inspiration.- Emma Rayne Lyle is a stage, television, and film actress.
Emma's first major film was the role of "Emily" in I Don't Know How She Does It, working alongside Greg Kinnear, Sarah Jessica Parker, Jane Curtain and Pierce Brosnan. She followed that up with a lead role in "Why Stop Now" playing opposite Melissa Leo and Jesse Eisenberg. She played Linda Cardellini and Michael Shannon's daughter in "Return."
She's starred on television crime drama's "Law & Order: SVU" and "The Mentalist."
On Broadway she played "Ali" in the Tony Winning play "Good People" with Francis McDormand and Tate Donovan. - A rising talent with a knack for both comedy and drama, Kyla Kenedy is quickly becoming one of the most sought after young actresses in the industry.
Kenedy can currently be seen starring opposite Minnie Driver in ABC's Television Critics Association Award-winning sitcom, "Speechless." The show follows a family with a special-needs child as they navigate everyday life. Kenedy plays the family's daughter, 'Dylan.' The show returned for its sophomore season on September 27th.
This year, Kenedy also starred as 'Briana', a patient with Cystic Fibrosis, on NBC's medical drama, "The Night Shift." She will star in multiple roles on the Nickelodeon sketch program, "Mackand Beef."
Kenedy is arguably most recognizable from her breakout role on AMC's international hit, "The Walking Dead," in which she starred as 'Mika' throughout seasons four and five opposite Andrew Lincoln and Norman Reedus. Throughout her time on the show, she hosted "The Walking Dead" fan interview YouTube series, "Down n' Dirty," in association with Walker Stalker.
Her other television credits include, "Rizzoli & Isles," "CSI," and "The New Normal," for which she was nominated for a Young Artist Award in the category of Best Actress in a Guest Starring Role.
On the big screen, Kenedy was last seen in Love Is All You Need? opposite Jeremy Sisto and Briana Evigan, for which she won the Best Actress Audience Award at the 2016 Napa Film Festival. Kenedy began her career at the age of eight in Charleston, South Carolina, booking print and local jobs before moving to Atlanta where she quickly expanded to commercials and films. It was there that she landed a small role in the Farrelly brothers feature film, Three Stooges. Shortly thereafter, Kenedy was cast in her first leading role as the titular character in the award-winning made-for-TV movie "Raising Izzie," for which she won the Grace Award at the 21st Movieguide Awards and a Young Artist Award for Best Actress. Shortly thereafter, Kenedy relocated to Los Angeles and continues to endear audiences and gain critical acclaim for her performances.
In addition to her work on screen, Kenedy is also passionate about giving back through her charitable efforts with Meals on Wheels and The Children's Hospital of Atlanta. She currently lives in Los Angeles, and loves reading, traveling, animals, and all outdoor activities. - Shayne Anneliese Coleman Born November 28, 2006 In Philadelphia Pa . Shayne has 3 brothers. She started modeling and acting at the age of 2. Shayne signed with an agency at 3 yrs old. She has been on sprout TV ,nickelodeon Jr, and lots of national commercials like Ragu spaghetti sauce and iPhone, Clorox and arm and hammer cat litter ,fabreeze. At the age of 5 Shayne landed her 1st role as May McCoy on Do No Harm starring Phylicia Rashad. Then shortly there after booked a recurring role on FOX TV Thriller The Following starring Kevin Bacon. She co-starred along side of comedian/actress Sarah Silverman and actor Josh Charles as their daughter Janey Brooks ,in the drama film I Smile Back. When she is not acting she is dancing. She takes classes in all genres and has worked with all different choreographers from all over the country. Shayne was also recognized as a young choreographer in a playbill for 2018.
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Oona Laurence (born August 1, 2002) is an American actress who is best known for originating the role of Matilda Wormwood in Matilda on Broadway alongside Bailey Ryon, Milly Shapiro, and Sophia Gennusa. She is a New York City-based child actress with credits in film, theatre, and television.
After several appearances in regional theatre productions and minor roles in short films and television episodes, in 2012, Laurence auditioned for the new musical Matilda on Broadway. Laurence landed the role of Matilda, performing in the show from March 4 to December 15, 2013.
After Matilda, Laurence transitioned to film acting appearing in Tumorhead, A Little Game, The Grief of Others, I Smile Back, Damsel, Lamb, and Southpaw, portraying the daughter of Jake Gyllenhaal and Rachel McAdams' characters.
She has appeared on television in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit and Orange Is the New Black.
In 2015, Laurence co-starred opposite Jake Gyllenhaal and Rachel McAdams in Antoine Fuqua's Southpaw. In 2016, she co-starred as Natalie in the film Pete's Dragon, and portrayed Jane Mitchell, the daughter of Mila Kunis' character Amy Mitchell, in Bad Moms.
In 2017, Laurence co-starred opposite Colin Farrell, Nicole Kidman, Kirsten Dunst, and Elle Fanning in Sofia Coppola's The Beguiled.
She is the voice of Hedgehog and additional characters in the Cartoon Network series Summer Camp Island. She also performs the theme song.
Laurence lives in New York City and has two younger sisters, Aimee and Jetè, who are also actresses.- Actress
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Fina Strazza was born on 3 November 2005 in New York City, New York, USA. She is an actress, known for Fear Street: Prom Queen, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (1999) and FracKtured (2015).