How to Win an Oscar: be a Child Actor BizParentz Announces the A+ List of Former Child Actors
With a constant stream of child actors-gone-bad in the news, one organization wants the world to know that most former child actors are doing just fine. BizParentz Foundation releases the "A+ List" of former child actors, several of whom are nominated for Oscars this Sunday.
Los Angeles, CA, February 25, 2011 --(PR.com)-- With a constant stream of child actors-gone-bad in the news, one organization wants the world to know that most former child actors are doing just fine. In fact, it appears that the road to Oscar (r) is often traveled by former child actors. They may not win while they are children, but they certainly get plenty of nominations as adults.
BizParentz Foundation, a non-profit charity based in Los Angeles, has just published their "A+ List". The List contains the names of over 150 former child actors who have grown to adulthood in positive ways. There are 24 Oscar nominees on the A+ List including this year's nominees, Nicole Kidman, Natalie Portman, and Christian Bale, along with Oscar show host Anne Hathaway. The complete list can be found at www.bizparentz.org/resources/thealist.html.
Interestingly, most of the Academy Award nominees had moderately successful child careers, but weren't recognized by the Academy until adulthood. Think Ben Affleck (win for Good Will Hunting), Ron Howard (win for A Beautiful Mind), Diane Lane (nomination for Unfaithful) or Christopher Walken (win for The Deer Hunter). It is rare that the Academy acknowledges a current child actor. This year's nominee, Hailee Steinfeld (age14, True Grit) is an example of such a rarity. Bizparentz looks forward to adding her to the A+ List in 11 years.
"I really believe this can be attributed to the 10,000 hour Rule," said Anne Henry, Co-Founder of BizParentz. Henry is referring to The Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell, the bestselling book that analyzes extreme success. "Show business is very sporadic employment-wise, so it would be difficult to amass 10,000 hours of practice unless you started as a child. Most of the child actors who were very successful as adults have been working non-stop in all kinds of venues for many, many years. They have paid their dues. "
The "A+ List" is almost as exclusive as an Oscar after-party. To be included, and actor must have started their career as a child, but be at least 25 years old now, have recognizable credits, be devoid of controversy (no arrests, rehab or ugly court battles with parents here), and they must be respected members of their community, no matter what field they chose as adults. The list not only includes adult actors, but stars who grew up to be veterinarians, writers, professors and lawyers. More than a few Ivy League grads populate the A+ List as well. In other words, these are kids who "make mom proud" -- they get an A+ in life. The list makers are actively looking for additional child actors to add to the list, knowing that most are now living out of the public eye.
BizParentz Foundation also honors current professional child actors via the CARE Awards (Child Actor Recognition Event) which is scheduled for April 30 at Universal Studios Hollywood. Similar to the "A+ List", the emphasis for the CARE Awards is on academics, community service and family.
BizParentz Foundation is a non-profit charity offering education, advocacy and charitable support to families with children in the entertainment industry. Founded in 2004, BizParentz is now the largest organization of its kind. The organization promotes a positive public image regarding child performers and educates the public regarding safety, child labor laws, and other performer issues.
For more information about BizParentz Foundation or the A+ List, please visit the BizParentz website at www.bizparentz.org.
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BizParentz Foundation, a non-profit charity based in Los Angeles, has just published their "A+ List". The List contains the names of over 150 former child actors who have grown to adulthood in positive ways. There are 24 Oscar nominees on the A+ List including this year's nominees, Nicole Kidman, Natalie Portman, and Christian Bale, along with Oscar show host Anne Hathaway. The complete list can be found at www.bizparentz.org/resources/thealist.html.
Interestingly, most of the Academy Award nominees had moderately successful child careers, but weren't recognized by the Academy until adulthood. Think Ben Affleck (win for Good Will Hunting), Ron Howard (win for A Beautiful Mind), Diane Lane (nomination for Unfaithful) or Christopher Walken (win for The Deer Hunter). It is rare that the Academy acknowledges a current child actor. This year's nominee, Hailee Steinfeld (age14, True Grit) is an example of such a rarity. Bizparentz looks forward to adding her to the A+ List in 11 years.
"I really believe this can be attributed to the 10,000 hour Rule," said Anne Henry, Co-Founder of BizParentz. Henry is referring to The Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell, the bestselling book that analyzes extreme success. "Show business is very sporadic employment-wise, so it would be difficult to amass 10,000 hours of practice unless you started as a child. Most of the child actors who were very successful as adults have been working non-stop in all kinds of venues for many, many years. They have paid their dues. "
The "A+ List" is almost as exclusive as an Oscar after-party. To be included, and actor must have started their career as a child, but be at least 25 years old now, have recognizable credits, be devoid of controversy (no arrests, rehab or ugly court battles with parents here), and they must be respected members of their community, no matter what field they chose as adults. The list not only includes adult actors, but stars who grew up to be veterinarians, writers, professors and lawyers. More than a few Ivy League grads populate the A+ List as well. In other words, these are kids who "make mom proud" -- they get an A+ in life. The list makers are actively looking for additional child actors to add to the list, knowing that most are now living out of the public eye.
BizParentz Foundation also honors current professional child actors via the CARE Awards (Child Actor Recognition Event) which is scheduled for April 30 at Universal Studios Hollywood. Similar to the "A+ List", the emphasis for the CARE Awards is on academics, community service and family.
BizParentz Foundation is a non-profit charity offering education, advocacy and charitable support to families with children in the entertainment industry. Founded in 2004, BizParentz is now the largest organization of its kind. The organization promotes a positive public image regarding child performers and educates the public regarding safety, child labor laws, and other performer issues.
For more information about BizParentz Foundation or the A+ List, please visit the BizParentz website at www.bizparentz.org.
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Contact
BizParentz Foundation
Anne Henry
818-731-9897
www.bizparentz.org
Anne Henry
818-731-9897
www.bizparentz.org
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