An All-American
Girl
At age 11, Madison Davenport is already a
queen of the screen.
by Rachel Kalina
This native Texan turned Californian’s
most recent venture is co-starring with Abigail
Breslin in Kitt Kittredge: An American Girl.
Based on the popular book series, the movie
follows young Kitt (Breslin) as she learns
to thrive in Cincinnati during the Great Depression
and solve a crime mystery plaguing the city.
Kitt’s best friend in the film is Ruthie
Smithens (Davenport), who helps uncover the
culprits responsible for a string of devastating
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
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. She even wore
one of her creations to the movie premiere
for the 2006 animated film Over the Hedge,
in which Davenport voiced the role 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 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
truly 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.
In an upcoming role on ER, Davenport had to
take on the part 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 is
doing everyday things with her Mom, Dad and
younger brother, who is also getting into
acting thanks to big sister’s influence,
and attending public school. Also impressed
with her acting, Davenport’s peers are
"freaking out" about her appearance
in Kitt 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 younger
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 Davenport mentions has
a secret yet to be told.
"I hope that it will teach [children]
how to deal with everyday problems,"
says Davenport, "and also their shapes
and numbers and colors."
Davenport hopes 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 Kitt Kittredge: An American
Girl, check out www.kitkittredge.com. And
look out for Davenport in Kitt Kittredge,
hitting theaters July 2, as well as on an
upcoming episode of ER.
