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NEW TALENT: Child Actor David Mazouz Tackles a Tough Role in TOUCH

Posted on 25. Jan, 2012 by Hollywood Mom.

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David Mazouz plays Jake, a mute child with an obsession with numbers and patterns which, if deciphered properly by his father (Sutherland), lead to worldwide human connections.

Kiefer Sutherland returns to primetime Wednesday in the Fox drama Touch, as the father of a child who has never spoken and doesn’t communicate in any traditional ways. Touch was created by Tim Kring, (Heroes).

Like the heroic characters in Hereos, in Touch Jake has super abilities only his are with numbers and patterns which, if deciphered properly by his father, lead to connections among people worldwide.

Child Actor David Mazouz

According to Kring, finding the right actor fir the part was difficult as the role requires an ability to affect the blank, isolated look often seen in children who have autism, yet also to suggest there is a lot going on behind the eyes.

Kring told the NY Times, “David is an extraordinary child. He is extremely focused, and you can see the internal life in him. He’s also very still. Most kids we auditioned, you’d catch moments here and there between their general fidgetiness.”

Jake is silent to the other characters but his thoughts are heard in voice-over. “Because we hear his internal voice, we have an understanding of just how intelligent he is, so we had to cast someone who fit that,” Kring said.

Mazouz is represented theatrically by Wendi Green, Paradigm, and Jeremy Apody, Abrams Artists, commercially. Prior to landing the role of Jake, David worked on episodes of Mike and Molly, Criminal Minds, Private Practice and the tv movie Amish Grace.

Kring and his team try to establish early on that, although Jake might look autistic, Touch is not about autism, and Jake’s condition is something else entirely.

“In the pilot, we were pretty set on trying to state that as early as possible,” Kring said. “Clearly, the autism community deserves to have champions out there, but, by the same token, we wanted to have the ability as storytellers to float above reality a little bit. There’s something special going on with this child — something metaphysical, almost supernatural.”

In the premiere, Sutherland finds his way to a some answers when he meets a character played by Danny Glover, who tells him that Jake essentially has psychic powers.

“Your son sees everything,” the character says: “the past, the present, the future. He sees how it’s all connected.”

Then he adds, “It’s a road map, and your job now, your purpose, is to follow it for him.”

*Sources: Fox, NY Times

Click here for the Huffington Post Interview with the stars of Touch

Mazouz played Ryan Hall in an episode of Criminal Minds (2011), called "The Bittersweet Science."

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NEW TALENT: Cindy Crawford’s Daughter Kaia Gerber, 10, Joins the Family Business

Posted on 24. Jan, 2012 by Hollywood Mom.

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Super Model Cindy Crawford‘s 10-year-old daugher Kaia Jordan Gerber (daughter of nightlife entrepreneur Rande Gerber) is the new face of Young Versace. That’s right – at the tender age of 10 this child has joined the ranks of full-fledged mini model. It ‘s well known that Cindy Crawford (along with Stephanie Seymour, Linda Evangelista and Naomi Campbell) was Gianni Versace’s muse of sorts back in the day so this is a true passing of the high-fashion torch for the Crawford-Gerber household.

Kaia Gerber has just made Cindy Crawford a Momager by landing Young Versace's launch ad campaign. Who knew rocking socks with sandals could be chic?

“Like her mother, Kaia has a very special gift,” Donatella Versace said in a release to the press. “The camera really, really loves her. Having Cindy on-set for the shoot took me back to all the amazing Avedon shoots we worked on together. It was such a special treat watching Kaia walk in her mother’s footsteps!”

Cindy Crawford had this to say about her progeny:

“I’m so thrilled that Kaia was chosen to be part of the first Young Versace Campaign. I have so many fond memories of the times I spent with Gianni and Donatella. There is something so very special about the House of Versace. Being on-set with my daughter watching her in front of the camera was a fantastic experience. I am so proud of her.”

Famed Photographers Mert Alas and Marcus Piggot shot the campaign for the line which will debut during Pitti Immagine Bimbo in Florence. The line fits kids ages 0-12 and stays true to many of Versace’s signature themes like the iconic Greek key motif and Medusa head logo.

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GIVING BACK: Teen Stars Jennette McCurdy, Nathan Kress & Ariana Grande Launch St. Jude’s MATH-A-THON Sweepstakes

Posted on 24. Jan, 2012 by Hollywood Mom.

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When you take 3 Nickelodeon teen stars from 2 different hit television shows, add 1 fun educational program (with an exciting new sweepstakes) and multiply by the fact that you’re helping kids with cancer, it’s bound to be an equation for success.

“iCarly”stars Jennette McCurdy and Nathan Kress and “Victorious” star Ariana Grande are teaming up to help kids across the country get excited about developing their math skills through the St. Jude Math-A-Thon program, America’s largest education-based fundraiser for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The young stars also are helping launch a new sweepstakes that will give two lucky students the opportunity to visit the set for a taping of a Nickelodeon show.

Last year, McCurdy, Kress and Grande visited St. Jude with the entire casts of both shows to provide a special sneak peak of their Nickelodeon shows and throw a party for St. Jude patients and their family members. Now, the trio is helping engage teachers, students and parents in the St. Jude Math-A-Thon program while at the same time raising awareness for St. Jude’s lifesaving mission of finding cures for children battling cancer and other deadly diseases.

“I’ve had the opportunity to visit St. Jude on several occasions and each time I go back I meet the most amazing kids,” said McCurdy. “Even though they’re dealing with these terrible diseases, they have the biggest smiles on their faces when they see us.”

The winner of the sweepstakes will be determined by drawing two winning schools from 2011-2012 St. Jude Math-A-Thon program participants, who will then each select a student (one student per school) to win a trip to Los Angeles in 2012 to visit the set for a taping of a Nickelodeon show.

“The St. Jude Math-A-Thon program is a fun way for kids and teachers to work on their math skills,” said Kress. “Not only will they be helping other kids battling cancer at St. Jude but through the sweepstakes this year they might get the chance to come out for a taping of a Nickelodeon show!”

“I wanted to support the St. Jude Math-A-Thon program because it’s something that has always been important to my family,” said Grande. “Kids are going to have a great time participating in the program and helping raise money for other kids battling cancer at St. Jude.”

For more than 30 years the St. Jude Math-A-Thon program has been America’s largest education-based fundraiser and has raised $417 million for St. Jude. The program includes a math curriculum supplement for grades K-8 that students complete after obtaining sponsorships from family and friends. Schools from all 50 states have participated in St. Jude Math-A-Thon with more than 6,800 schools involved in the program last year alone.

“The St. Jude Math-A-Thon program is a great opportunity for kids to help other kids battling cancer and other deadly diseases at St. Jude,” said Richard Shadyac Jr., CEO of ALSAC, the fundraising organization of St. Jude. “Jennette, Nathan and Ariana are talented young stars who are incredibly dedicated to our mission and will really help us get students and teachers across the country excited for their next math lesson.”

To learn more about the program and sweepstakes, or to get your school involved, please visit www.mathathon.org.

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital:

Since opening 50 years ago, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital has changed the way the world treats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. No family ever pays St. Jude for the care their child receives and, for every child treated here, thousands more have been saved worldwide through St. Jude discoveries. The hospital has played a pivotal role in pushing U.S. pediatric cancer survival rates from 20 to 80 percent overall, and is the first and only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted to children. It is also a leader in the research and treatment of blood disorders and infectious diseases in children. St. Jude was founded by the late entertainer Danny Thomas, who believed that no child should die in the dawn of life. Join that mission by visiting stjude.org or following us on facebook.com/stjude and twitter.com/stjude.

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CHILD STAR Keke Palmer is All Grown Up in “JOYFUL NOISE”

Posted on 13. Jan, 2012 by Hollywood Mom.

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Beauty Shop co-stars Queen Latifah and Keke Palmer reunite as mother and daughter in today's release JOYFUL NOISE

Oscar® nominees Queen Latifah (“Chicago,” “Hairspray”) and Dolly Parton (“Transamerica,” “Steel Magnolias,” “Nine to Five”) star in Alcon Entertainment’s and Warner Bros. Pictures’ “Joyful Noise,” a funny and inspirational story of music, hope, love and renewal.

The small town of Pacashau, Georgia, has fallen on hard times, but the people are counting on the Divinity Church Choir to lift their spirits by winning the National Joyful Noise Competition.

The town choir has always known how to sing in harmony, but the discord between its two leading ladies now threatens to tear them apart. Their newly appointed director, Vi Rose Hill (Latifah), stubbornly wants to stick with their tried-and-true traditional style, while the fiery G.G. Sparrow (Parton) thinks tried-and-true translates to tired-and-old. Shaking things up even more is the arrival of G.G.’s rebellious grandson, Randy (Jeremy Jordan). Randy has an ear for music, but he also has an eye for Vi Rose’s beautiful and talented daughter, Olivia (Keke Palmer), and the sparks between the two teenagers are causing even more friction between G.G. and Vi Rose.

If these two strong-willed women can put aside their differences for the good of the people in their town, they—and their choir—may make the most joyful noise of all.

Starring with Latifah and Parton are Keke Palmer (“Akeelah and the Bee”), Courtney B. Vance (“Extraordinary Measures”), Jeremy Jordan (Broadway’s “Bonnie and Clyde”), and Kris Kristofferson (“Dolphin Tale”). Rounding out the main cast are Dexter Darden, Angela Grovey, Paul Woolfolk and Jesse L. Martin.

The musically driven story also brings together the sounds of gospel, pop, country, rock and R & B with memorable songs, performed by the cast, from a wide range of artists, including Michael Jackson, Usher, Chris Brown, Paul McCartney, Sly & the Family Stone and Stevie Wonder. Dolly Parton also wrote original songs for the film, including “Not Enough” and “From Here to the Moon and Back.”

“Joyful Noise,” opens nationwide today, January 13, 2012.

ABOUT KEKE

Keke Palmer, 18, is an award-winning actress and singer.

In 2005, at the age of 12, Palmer signed a deal with Atlantic Records. Her debut single, “All My Girlz,” is featured on the soundtrack to the acclaimed film “Akeelah and the Bee,” in which she also starred, opposite Laurence Fishburne and Angela Bassett. Her breakthrough performance as an 11 year old who participates in the Scripps National Spelling Bee was honored with an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Motion Picture, the Black Movie Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Motion Picture, and she received nominations from the Chicago Film Critics Association for Most Promising Newcomer and the Broadcast Film Critics Association and Black Reel Awards for Best Actress.

In 2006, Palmer recorded the song “Tonight,” which was featured in the hit film “Night at the Museum.” In 2007, Palmer’s Atlantic Records debut pop/R & B album, So Uncool, was released and Palmer also signed a deal with Cherry Lane Music Publishing Company, as well as headlining Disney’s Jingle Jam Tour. Palmer recently completed her latest album, a mixture of R & B/Hip-Hop with pop undertones, which will be released on the Interscope Records label in 2012.

On the small screen, Palmer received a Screen Actors Guild Award® nomination for Best Leading Actress, as well as an NAACP Image Award nomination, for her role in the TV movie “The Wool Cap,” with William H. Macy. She also starred as the title character in the Nickelodeon series “True Jackson, VP,” writing and performing the theme song for the series, and played the lead role of Mary, opposite Corbin Bleu, in the 2007 Disney Channel movie “Jump In!,” which also features Palmer on the soundtrack.Palmer began her career at age nine with a small role in the feature film “Barbershop 2: Back in Business,” with Queen Latifah. She was most recently seen alongside Kevin Spacey and Robin Williams in the feature “Shrink,” which premiered at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival, garnering Palmer rave reviews for her performance. In 2008, she played a female quarterback in Fred Durst’s “The Longshots,” based on a true story. She also starred opposite Samuel L. Jackson and Eva Mendes in “Cleaner,” which premiered at the 2007 Toronto International Film Festival. Palmer lent her voice as the character of Peaches in “Ice Age: Continental Drift,” releasing in July 2012, and will next be seen playing the role of Aisha in Spike Lee’s “Red Hook Summer,” and as Allison, opposite Abigail Breslin, in “Virgin Mary.”

She is currently producing and starring in Nickelodeon’s “Ragz.” Her other film and TV credits include “Madea’s Family Reunion,” starring Tyler Perry, Cicely Tyson, and Dr. Maya Angelou; “Knights of the South Bronx,” with Ted Danson; the Disney Channel pilot “Keke & Jamal”; and guest-starring roles on several TV series, including “Strong Medicine,” “Cold Case,” “ER,” and “Law & Order.”

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YOUNG PERFORMERS GIVING BACK: Greyson Chance Hosts SchoolJam USA on 1/21/12 in Downtown Disney!

Posted on 10. Jan, 2012 by Hollywood Mom.

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Ellen’s protege and You Tube favorite Greyson Chance, 14, has teamed up with the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) and singer/songwriter Shaun Barrowes to co-host and perform at the third annual SchoolJam USA finals event.

The event will feature a teen battle of the bands competition on Jan. 21, 2012 in Downtown Disney in Anaheim, CA, and Chance expressed his feelings on supporting such a worthy cause. Take a look at all the entered bands here!

“I am honored to be a part of a program with NAMM that is encouraging students to grow their musical talents,” Chance said. “Music is such an important part of my life and I am very excited to help shine the spotlight on some new talent – it’s important to me to support programs like SchoolJam USA and foster ongoing music education.”

On Jan. 21, 2012, the top eight bands will perform for a panel of professional judges as well as fans for the honor of “Best Teen Band in the USA.”

The winning band will get to perform at the original SchoolJam festival in Frankfurt, Germany this spring, receive a music video recording session on the John Lennon Educational Bus and also receive cash prizes to purchase new music gear and support their school’s music programs. For more on this event, visit www.schooljamusa.com.

2011 Winners PELIGRO

Why should your school be involved in SchoolJam USA?

First, there’s the obvious—potential funds for your program—but here are some other reasons we think you should get involved:

SchoolJam USA puts important music education advocacy materials into the hands of your students and local community.
The program engages music students and non-music peers in an interactive music event, building a strong community.
SchoolJam USA helps to bridge the gap between traditional music education students and non-traditional student musicians helping to expand your music education program.
Every participating school will receive notification from us, which includes advocacy messaging sent to school leaders.
SchoolJam USA is a learning experience. Students who advance to the semi-finals will get hands-on experience with promotions and marketing, as well as learning important team-building skills.

If you would like your students involved with SchoolJam USA, e-mail us at schooljamusa@namm.org and they’ll get you everything you need.

PLUS: Do you need access to music education advocacy resources? Make sure to visit www.supportmusic.com for tools and information that can be vital to helping your community make the case for your music education program.

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NEW TALENT: Khomotso Manyaka, 13, Delivers One of 2011′s Best Film Performances

Posted on 09. Jan, 2012 by Hollywood Mom.

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Life, Above All - now on DVD.

Time magazine’s list of the 10 best movie performances for 2011 includes a South African girl, Khomotso Manyaka, cast as Chanda in the film, Life, Above All, based on the Allan Stratton novel “Chanda’s Secrets.” The film is about a young girl (Khomotso), living in a small, AIDS-infested South African township who struggles to maintain the façade of normality amidst crushing odds: her stepfather is an alcoholic, her newborn sister has just died, and her mother has been diagnosed with the AIDS virus. As Chanda’s mother’s illness becomes apparent, the community turns against the family, misinterpreting the disease as some form of retribution for their sins. Now 15, Manyaka was only 13 years old at the time of filming.

Khomotso Manyaka gives the performance of a lifetime.

Khomotso said of her performance: “I’m very proud of myself – 2011 was a great year.” She went onto reveal that the recognition makes her “happy” and “surprises” her because she “never knew I had talent.” After the film, she and her co-star and friend Keaobaka Makanyane received scholarships to the National School of the Arts.

Time Magazine says of Manyaka’s performance:

“Khomotso Manyaka was no Hollywood moppet, just a South African girl who had never acted, when director Oliver Schmitz picked her for the lead role in this starkly poignant drama about a family, a village, and a people devastated by the Aids plague.

“Given the challenge, Manyaka invested the part of Chanda, the sole strength of her ravaged clan, with amazing poise, delicacy and grit.”

“Life, Above All” and Khomotso’s performance particularly as she acts in almost every scene – have gathered several high-profile accolades. Last year, Khomotso received the best actress award at the SA Film and TV Awards, and in 2010 she won the best actress award at the Durban International Film Festival.

The film was also shortlisted by the Academy Awards committee in the category of Best Foreign Film.

When it screened at the Cannes Film Festival in 2010, “Life, Above All,” received a 10-minute standing ovation.

Other movies and actors named to the list include Octavia Spencer, Viola Davis, Emma Stone, Jessica Chastain and Bryce Dallas Howard for The Help; Former Child Star
Mia Wasikowska for Jane Eyre; Brad Pitt for Tree of Life, Money Ball and Happy Feet 2 and Meryl Streep for Iron Lady.
Source: Time Magazine

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GIVING BACK: Former Child Star Kristy McNichol Outs Herself to Help Others

Posted on 08. Jan, 2012 by Editor Tracy Bobbitt.

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Child Stars Kristy McNichol and Tatum O'Neal in "Little Darlings"

Actress and former child star Kristy McNichol, 49, has come out as a lesbian in an effort to help kids who are troubled by their sexuality and who are being bullied for being different.

The former child star of 1980′s “Little Darlings,” and TV hits “Family” and “Empty Nest” dropped out of Hollywood and retired from acting in the 90′s after being diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Now she’s reaching out via her publicist to announce her own sexuality in hopes that it will help bullied teens.

McNichol’s has been living with her partner Martie Allen for two decades and according to her publicist Jeff Ballard,”[She] is sad about kids being bullied. She hopes that [her] coming out can help kids who need support. She would like to help others who feel different.”

Source: People.com

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FORMER CHILD STAR: Corey Feldman Prepares to Out Hollywood Pedophiles in New Book

Posted on 08. Jan, 2012 by Hollywood Mom.

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Former Child Star Corey Feldman, 40, who last August made startling allegations of sexual abuse against “unnamed” Hollywood Movie Industry big wigs on ABC News’ Nightline, is now ready to name names. The current Dancing On Ice star says he’ll reveal the names of at least two Hollywood pedophiles in a tell-all-book, currently underway, which will chronicle all the abuse that he and his fellow actors endured as children.

According to The Sun, Feldman decided to publicly discuss the abuse he suffered at age 14 after his best friend, former child star Corey Haim, died of heart failure and pneumonia. Feldman allegedly waited until after Haim’s death to reveal the abuse they both endured as he didn’t want to subject Haim to the nastiness all over again. Coincidentally, one of their former talent agents was charged with child abuse at approximately that same time.

“When I was 14 and 15, things were happening to me,” he said. “These older men were leching around like vultures. It was basically me laying there pretending I was asleep and them going about their business. Corey [Haim] and I were pegged as the scapegoats,” said Feldman.

“People need to know the reason Corey and I were swept under the carpet like the beaten dogs that were sent to the pound so no one had to deal with us anymore,” says Feldman, ”I stood up and said there is a bigger problem, that I’d lost Corey and that I didn’t want to see any more kids lost to these sick perverts.”

Former “Little House on the Prairie” Child Star Alison Arngrim (also a victim of child sexual abuse) confirmed Feldman’s statements to Fox News on Decemeber 5, 2011 stating:

“This has been going on for a very long time. It was the gossip back in the ‘80s. People said, ‘Oh yeah, the Coreys [Feldman, Haim], everyone’s had them.’ People talked about it like it was not a big deal…”

“I literally heard that they were ‘passed around,’” Arngrim said. “The word was that they were given drugs and being used for sex. It was awful–these were kids, they weren’t 18 yet. There were all sorts of stories about everyone from their, quote, ‘set guardians’ on down that these two had been sexually abused and were totally being corrupted in every possible way.”

Fortunately, thanks to these brave stars the public’s eyes are beginning to open to this secret epidemic as three high profile pedophile cases have rocked Hollywood in the few short months following Feldman’s revelations:

Martin Weiss, a 47-year-old Hollywood manager who represented child actors, was charged in Los Angeles on Dec. 1, 2011 with sexually abusing a former client. His accuser, who was under 12 years old during the time of the alleged abuse, reported to authorities that Weiss told him “what they were doing was common practice in the entertainment industry.” Weiss has pleaded not guilty.
On Nov. 21, 2011 Fernando Rivas, 59, an award-winning composer for “Sesame Street,” was arraigned on charges of coercing a child “to engage in sexually explicit conduct” in South Carolina. The Juilliard-trained composer was also charged with production and distribution of child pornography.
Registered sex offender Jason James Murphy, 35, worked as a casting agent in Hollywood for years before his past kidnapping and sexual abuse of a boy was revealed by the Los Angeles Times on Nov. 17. Murphy’s credits include placing young actors in kid-friendly fare like “Bad News Bears,” “The School of Rock,” “Cheaper by the Dozen 2” and the forthcoming “Three Stooges.”

Sources: ABC News Nightline, The Sun via Radar online, Fox News

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CHILD STARS: Dakota Fanning, 17, Named COSMO’s Fun Fearless Woman of the Year

Posted on 05. Jan, 2012 by Editor Tracy Bobbitt.

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Dakota Fanning, 17, is the latest celebrity to grace the cover of Cosmopolitan Magazine. Yes, that Cosmopolitan Magazine. She has also been given the honorary title of “Fun, Fearless Woman of the Year,” like slightly older recipients, Beyonce’ and Mila Kunis, have before her.

Many readers are crying foul that a young actress, known best for films like Charlotte’s Web and Dr. Suess’ The Cat in the Hat, is on this cover next to headlines reading “His Best Sex Ever,” “Too Naughty To Stay Here: But You Have to Try This Sex Trick,” and “Um, Vagina Are You Okay Down There?” But in all fairness, she looks beautiful if not entirely age appropriate in a mostly-cleavage-covering pink sequin gown. Reminder – Fanning will become a legal adult soon as she celebrates her 18th birthday at the end of February 2012.

Fanning is still legally a minor though which is why some outlets are raising issue with the placement of a 17 year old on the cover of a magazine well-known for pushing the limits of adult female sexuality. For those of you who recall Miley Cyrus’ Vanity Fair photo shoot a few years back – this seems tame in comparison to me. Living in Los Angeles, I’ve seen more provocative dresses at high school proms. I think it’s the not so much the photo people are struggling with as the Fanning-Cosmo affiliation.

Cosmo stands by their cover girl choice stating: “We’re thrilled to feature Dakota Fanning on the February cover of Cosmopolitan magazine and she looks stunning. Dakota, who turns 18 this month, is a mature, fearless young woman and we are proud to honor her as our Fun Fearless Female of the year. We applaud her unprecedented accomplishments which will continue in 2012 with her four upcoming movie roles.”

HMB Readers may recall that Fanning raised eyebrows in a perfume ad for Marc Jacobs’ perfume Oh, Lola! just a few months ago which was eventually banned in the UK for sexualizing a minor.

Click on the photo below to see Cosmo’s recap of Dakota’s red carpet looks throughout the years.

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Twitter Updates: “CURLY SUE” Child Star Pregnant and Celebrity’s Child Desires Acting Career

Posted on 04. Jan, 2012 by Editor Tracy Bobbitt.

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Two child actors are making headlines via Twitter, one being 1990′s child star Alisan Porter (Parenthood, Curly Sue) and the other is aspiring child actor Damian Charles Hurley, none other than the prodigy of actress/model turned swimwear designer mom Elizabeth Hurley (Gossip Girl, Austin Powers).

Alisan Porter, a familiar face in the early to mid 1990′s, is in the news again after announcing via Twitter (@AlisanPorter) and via pictures on Instagram that she will become a mother for the first time in 2012; July 17, to be precise.

Nine Year old Damian on the other hand has just recently informed Elizabeth that he aspires to be a child star.

After her son spent the afternoon with Gossip Girl co-star Blake Lively at Serendipity, Elizabeth posted to her Twitter feed (@ElizabethHurley): “Oh lord, my son is begging me to find him an agent so he can become a child actor.”

According to the U.K.’s Daily Mirror, Hurley reported ”I was going to wrap late, Blake had wrapped early, and Damian was on the set. She asked, ‘Can I take him out?’ And they went to the Serendipity ice cream parlor and had a big sundae and a hot chocolate.” Don’t worry Elizabeth – it may just be the sugar talking.

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Child Actor Maggie Elizabeth Jones Wins Role of Rosie Mee in “We Bought a Zoo”

Posted on 03. Jan, 2012 by Editor Tracy Bobbitt.

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Maggie Elizabeth Jones

Due to popular request, I am reposting this 11/9/2010 post on child actor Maggie Elizabeth Jones.

According to IMDB, Georgia Native Maggie Elizabeth Jones is the latest child actor to be cast in “We Bought a Zoo.” As HMB reported, Colin Ford was cast as Dylan Mee a few weeks ago.

While it’s unknown whether Maggie was cast through the open call process announced in an earlier post, it seems highly unlikely as both she and her older sister Mary-Charles Jones have a list of professional credits that far outnumber their years.

Maggie and Mary-Charles are currently cast as sisters Amy and Sara Warniker in the remake of “Footloose.“ According to their mother Angela: “Maggie and Mary-Charles are very excited about Footloose. They get to play sisters in the film and are cousins of the lead actor. Not only do they get to act they get to sing and dance too. Fun Fun!!”

Mary-Charles also has a recurring role as the young Miley Stewart on the hit Disney show Hannah Montana. She’s featured in two episodes (“Hannah Montana to the Principal’s Office” & “Sweet Home Hannah Montana”).

The girls, who come from a devoutly Christian family in Georgia, are both represented by Cindy Osbrink and J Pervis Talent Agency in Atlanta, GA.

Below is a Public Service Announcement Maggie did for Anger Prevention and Awareness.

Thanks to HMB Reader Sherry for the heads up on the casting. Confirming Sources: IMDB Pro, AMTC (Actors, Models and Talent for Christ)

Maggie Elizabeth and big sister Mary Charles at the premiere of "Footloose."

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Former Child Star DEMI LOVATO Bashes Disney’s “SHAKE IT UP!” for Insensitive Treatment of Eating Disorders

Posted on 24. Dec, 2011 by Hollywood Mom.

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Child no more but still a star, Demi Lovato in 2011

UPDATE: The official PR Twitter account for Disney Channel tweeted to Lovato in response: “We hear you & are pulling both episodes as quickly as possible & reevaluating them.” Disney PR added, “It’s NEVER our intention to make light of eating disorders!”

Disney “Sonny with a Chance” star Demi Lovato has accused Disney of poking fun and making light of eating disorders on its hit TV series “Shake It Up.”

Demi, who earlier in the year revealed her history of bulimia and anorexia, took to Twitter after watching a recent episode of Shake It Up, a music and dance-focused sitcom that stars two girls in their early teenage years.

Apparently in the offensive episode one of the chacters says to another: “I could just eat you up… well, if I ate.”

“What are we promoting here? #notfunnyATALL,” Lovato tweeted. Lovato’s twitter

“I find it really funny how a company can lose one of their actress’ from the pressures of an EATING DISORDER and yet still make joke about… that very disease.

“And is it just me or are the actress’ getting THINNER AND THINNER…. I miss the days of RAVEN, and LIZZIE MCGUIRE.

“Dear Disney Channel, EATING DISORDERS ARE NOT SOMETHING TO JOKE ABOUT.”

Raven Symone of Disney's old hit show RAVEN

Disney's SHAKE IT UP teen star, Bella Thorne

Lovato goes on to say: “… and society wonders why there are 7 yr old with eating disorders…yet disney is making jokes about it.”

Later she posted: “Just clearing things up, I have nothing against any specific actress/actor or tv show.. Nor do I think there’s anything wrong with girls who aren’t curvy, I just was stating a fact that there needs to be more variety on television so young girls growing up don’t feel pressured to look one specific way. Tall, thin, curvy, short, whatever you are, you are beautiful. ”

As an adult who has battled eating disorders and my relationship with food since early childhood, I commend Demi from speaking out on this issue. There should absolutely be children and teens of all sizes and shapes on television and when it comes to children’s programming, eating disorders should never be treated as a joke.

Demi Lovato left Sonny With a Chance in April 2011 to concentrate on her singing career.

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GIVING BACK: Join RADIO DISNEY’s Winter Family Festival, Sunday Dec. 4

Posted on 21. Nov, 2011 by Editor Tracy Bobbitt.

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Radio Disney AM 1110 is getting into the holiday spirit with Festival of Giving at Winter Family Festival, where you can bring your charitable gifts all to one place to benefit the community.

The Winter Family Festival is fun for the entire family – play in TONS of snow and enjoy music, crafts, free photos with Santa, classic cars, face painting, food trucks, and the Radio Disney Road Crew, who will keep the party rockin’ with some awesome beats and treats!

It all takes place on Sunday, December 4th from 1:30pm to 5:30pm at Beeman Park in Studio City! Park free and take the shuttle from CBS Studio Center, 4024 Radford Avenue, Studio City, CA 91604. Shuttles run from 1:00pm to 6:00pm. Please visit RadioDisney.com/LosAngeles for details.

Charities benefitting from this event include: Pet Orphans, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Bookends, LAPD North Hollywood Division, North Hollywood Interfaith Food Pantry, St. Charles Borromeo Church Food Pantry and Operation Uplift. Each charity will be on-site to take donations.

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