An established actress, singer, surfer, author and designer— Madison Davenport is just 12 years old. And her infectious energy suggests she’s just getting started.

The native Texan turned Californian co-starred with Abigail Breslin in the summer blockbuster Kit Kittredge: An American Girl. Based on the popular book series, the movie follows young Kit (Breslin) as she learns to thrive in Cincinnati during the Great Depression and solve a crime mystery plaguing the city. Kit’s best friend in the film is Ruthie Smithens (Davenport), who helps uncover the culprits responsible for a string of robberies.

“It was really fun,” Davenport says of the chance to act with Oscar nominee Breslin. “She was so sweet. I think she’s a really great actress, too.”

The experience allowed Davenport to rub elbows with other well-known actors, such as Chris O’Donnell, Joan Cusack and Julia Ormand.

“My favorite part was just getting to meet all the great people who worked on [the movie],” Davenport says.
The actress also enjoyed wearing the 1920s and 1930s vintage costumes on set, as one of Davenport’s hobbies is to sketch clothing designs and bring them to reality with the help of a seamstress. Davenport actually wore one of her fashionable creations to the movie premiere for the 2006 animated film Over the Hedge, in which she performed the voice of a young porcupine named Quillo.

Davenport’s acting career started at age 5, when she participated in plays and musical theater. It became official when, at age 7, Davenport and her family moved to Hollywood, partly to nurture her love for acting. Davenport soon began appearing on TV shows like Bones, Numb3rs, CSI: NY, Close to Home and Hot Properties. She also appeared on an episode of ER last month and played a lead role in the Lifetime television movie While the Children Sleep.

Making the transition into the world of film, Davenport appears in recent indie movies Humboldt County (2008) and A Monster in the Attic (2008).

Davenport’s voice-over work includes playing the main character in the animated TV feature Christmas is Here Again (2007). The movie gave her a chance to sing with Shirley Jones, whose voice and acting abilities Davenport admires.

“I absolutely love her,” Davenport says. And though the tween actress is not one to go giddy for the stars, Davenport notes this time was different: “I got star struck; I couldn’t talk or anything.”

If this ambitious young actress could one day work with another hero, she would pick Drew Barrymore.
“I love all of the movies she’s in,” Davenport gushes.

Acting for Davenport means fun. Her favorite part about the profession is “being able to become the character,” even when it means stepping outside of her comfort zone. When she debuted on ER, Davenport had to assume the role of a psychotic girl.

“It was kind of challenging,” says Davenport. “I’m not a method actor so I didn’t actually become crazy.”

When she’s not on set, Davenport does everyday things with her Mom, Dad and younger brother, who is also getting into acting thanks to big sister’s influence, and attends public school. Impressed with her acting, Davenport’s peers “freaked out” about her appearance in Kit Kittredge.

“My friends all think it’s really cool,” says Davenport. “They all say they’re really proud of me.”

It’s no surprise that this role model’s enthusiasm and professional attitude has led to the development of a book series for children.

“[I] came up with it one day when I was writing in my journal.”

The educational books follow the tale of Sunshine Star, who has a secret yet to be told, according to Davenport.

“I hope that it will teach [children] how to deal with everyday problems,” she says, “and also their shapes and numbers and colors.”

Davenport strives to keep up with her writing, acting, singing and even surfing— without ever missing a beat.
When asked how she balances the many activities in her loaded schedule, Davenport simply replies, “I just love doing them all.”

 

Rachel Kalina is an assistant editor.

• For more on the movie Kit Kittredge: An American Girl, check out www.kitkittredge.com. The DVD is now in stores, and Christmas is Here Again gets released on DVD on November 4.