The Stunning Transformation Of Anna Kendrick
Lifestyle - News
By LILLIAN MCTERNAN And HANNAH LAFOND
Community Theater
While the public primarily knows Anna Kendrick for her roles in the “Twilight” and “Pitch Perfect” movies, she actually began her acting career at age six. She landed her first role as Tessie in “Annie,” and this started Kendrick on a path that changed her life.
Auditioning
Kendrick auditioned for commercials when she was only 10 years old. After months of commercial auditions, Kendrick's agent decided she should only audition for theater roles — a decision that, as Kendrick notes in her autobiography “Scrappy Little Nobody,” made her much happier.
Broadway
She was cast as Dinah Lord in the Broadway production of "High Society" when she was 12 years old, and she notes in her autobiography how the cast treated her so well, encouraging her and providing help when she needed it. She was nominated for a Tony Award for this performance.
First Movie
At 17, Kendrick made her first foray into film, acting in the role of Fritzi Wagner in the independent film “Camp.” The movie, which centers on a musical theater summer camp, features Kendrick as a nerdy, scheming character who tries desperately to earn the affection of the camp's cool girl and queen bee, Jill.
Twilight
Five years later, she landed the role of Jessica Stanley in the “Twilight” saga. She writes in “Scrappy Little Nobody” that the role allowed her to have “all of the fun with none of the consequences,” and explains that playing the role of Jessica offered her the best of both worlds.