City Girl Takes On A Country Mouse

At
14-years-old, Abigail Breslin has already launched a successful career
in Hollywood. But she hasn’t let a starring role on Broadway (as young
Helen Keller in “The Miracle Worker”) or an Academy Award nomination (as
Olive in “Little Miss Sunshine”) go to her head. The New York
City-native credits her family with helping her remain a kid at heart.
Breslin’s latest project is the animated film “Rango,” about a chameleon
(played by Johnny Depp) that sets out to save a town in the Wild West
beleaguered by bandits. Breslin lends her voice to Pricilla; a mouse who
is less than convinced that Rango can save the day.

We recently chatted with Abigail about her new film and some of her favorite things about being a kid in New York City.

You grew up in New York City. What were some of your favorite things about being a kid in the city?
Growing
up in New York was so much fun. There’s something different to do every
day. I love the Museum of Natural History. One of my favorite things
was going to the Museum of Modern Art with my mom and brothers. We would
go there and sit and sketch the paintings for hours.

When did you know you wanted to be actor?
My
two older brothers started acting before me, so I kind of followed in
their footsteps. I did my first commercial when I was three years old
(for Toys R Us) and my first movie when I was five (M. Night Shyamalan’s
“Signs”).

Your
latest movie, “Rango,” is about a chameleon that tries to save a town
in the Wild West that’s plagued by bandits. Can you tell me a little
about your character?
My
character, Pricilla, is kind of a morbid mouse. She doesn’t have a lot
of faith in people and she says whatever she feels like. But she’s a
super fun character to play.

How is acting in an animated film different from acting in a live-action film?
We
filmed [Rango] kind of like a play. We all recorded our voices together
on a stage, but because the audience doesn’t really get to see you, you
really have to rely on your voice more than ever to tell the story.

You are such a positive image in young Hollywood. How do you stay grounded?
I’m actually pretty boring. When I’m finished filming, I usually just go home, play with my dogs and hang out with my family.

What advice would you give other young people looking to begin an acting career?
Never give up and always remember to have fun.

“Rango” opens in theaters March 4.

Photo
credit: Courtesy of Paramount Pictures
Left to right:
Priscilla (Abigail Breslin) in RANGO, from Paramount
Pictures and Nickelodeon Movies.  © 2011 Paramount Pictures. All Rights
Reserved.