Actress Shelbie Bruce Talks About Spanglish
From LoveToKnow Celebrity
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Actress Shelbie Bruce of Spanglish has a bright future ahead of her, but she also holds tight to her roots. The young star talked to LoveToKnow Celebrities about her childhood, her life in Hollywood, and her upcoming endeavors.
Meet Shelbie Bruce
LoveToKnow (LTK): How did you become interested in acting?
Shelbie Bruce (SB): My parents had several friends that kept telling them that they should put me into acting, so finally, when I was about six, they decided to try modeling and see how that went. I did pretty well, and so my parents decided to talk to an agent about acting.
LTK: Growing up, did you ever want to be anything other than an actress?
SB: I did all the normal things as a young child and loved them all. I played T-ball, basketball, and tennis and enjoyed them. When I started acting, it just seemed to be everything I wanted to do. I also love singing and hope to have a singing career as well.
About Spanglish
A relative newcomer, Shelbie Bruce was thrilled to earn a starring role in Spanglish, a bittersweet drama that explores the culture clash between the rich and the poor, as well as between a Mexican housekeeper and her American employers. Shelbie plays Cristina, daughter of the housekeeper and designated translater. The story is told through her eyes.
LTK: How did it feel to be cast in the central role of Spanglish?
SB: I was thrilled. Getting a role in any movie is a treat, but to get a lead role in a James L. Brooks film was very special for my first movie.
LTK: Do you see any similarities between yourself and Cristina?
SB: Yes, there are a couple of similarities. I have grandparents who don’t speak English, so I have spent a lot of time translating for them. I also had to move from our simple life in Texas to LA, so I can relate to how Christina felt.
LTK: You worked with some big stars in Spanglish. Were you at all intimidated by that?
SB: At first I was, but when we started to work together, I relaxed right away. They were all so easy to be around, and that helped me a lot. They are not only great actors but are wonderful people. They made it a lot of fun to be on set everyday.
LTK: Working with Adam Sandler must have been fun.
SB: The funniest moment for me as an actress was on the set of Spanglish, when after a long day of shooting the translating scene, Adam started singing the Star Spangled Banner and everyone joined in. When we finished the song, I stood up and saluted him! He was always doing stuff like that to keep us energized.
LTK: What was the most difficult part of acting in Spanglish?
LTK: What has been your proudest moment so far?
SB: My proudest moment was when I won the Imagen Award for Best Supporting Actress for Spanglish last summer. I never thought it would happen, and I was just happy to have been nominated. I got to meet so many incredible people like George Lopez and Jimmy Smits. What a thrill!
Life as an Actress
LTK: Was it difficult leaving San Antonio for life in California? Did your family ever have any concerns about the Hollywood lifestyle, values, and morals?
SB: Yes, it was difficult leaving San Antone because we had lived there for nine years and had lots of friends in our neighborhood. I know my parents worried about the move, but in the end decided it was what my brother and I wanted. They gave us the opportunity to continue our acting. My mom gave up her career as a teacher so that she could home school us, and my dad found a new job as well. We do everything together as a family, and I think that is why we have been able to continue to live the same way we did in Texas.
LTK: Is it difficult to have a "normal" life while working as an actress?
SB: Not really, because my parents help me stay grounded. I live and play just like any other kid in our neighborhood. I am not an actress to my friends, just Shelbie.
LTK: Who is your hero, and why?
SB: My hero and my inspiration is Jaci Velasquez. She has been a great role model for me. Someday I would love to be a great singer like she is.
Community Involvement and Future Endeavors
LTK: How did you become involved with the Children Affected by AIDS Foundation?
SB: I became involved with the Children Affected by AIDS Foundation this year when they asked me to be the honorary chair of their Junior Committee, which is a committee of young adults who want to make a difference in the lives of children affected by HIV and AIDS.
I am thrilled and looking forward to attending the Foundation’s Dream Halloween event this October. It’s a huge Halloween party and the Children Affected by AIDS Foundation’s largest fundraiser. It’s really fun because everyone, kids and adults, get to dress up in Halloween costumes while raising millions of dollars for children in need.
LTK: What does your future hold?
SB: I think that I have an exciting future ahead of me. This school year was tough but rewarding, and I am looking forward to a fun summer with my family. I have a contract with Claire’s, for my own accessory line and Revelation Fragrances, for my own perfume. I am reading several scripts and pilots, so I know I will be very busy in the months to come.
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Comments
hey shelbie you were really good in the film spanglish you know my family and freinds sometimes say that i look just like you i guess that means that we have a lot in commen too then. P.S i wish i could be just like you and go to acting school but my parents say that it is a lot of money oh well!but good luck and take care from one of your biggest fans Cydney Mellor.
-- Contributed by: CydneyMellorhi Shelbie, i like your role in the spanglish. ARE YOU AN INDIAN BORN IN USA................. You look like an Indian
-- Contributed by: ranii think i fell in love with u shelbie bruce.... u so so beautiful like a star.... i love u
-- Contributed by: alonThis page has been accessed 3,883 times. This page was last modified 03:03, 1 October 2006.
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