Brie Larson
Brie Larson
Brianne Sidonie Desaulniers, born on October 1, 1989, is professionally known as Brie Larson, an esteemed American actress renowned for her versatility across various genres. Initially recognized for her supporting roles in comedies during her teenage years, Larson has since transitioned into leading roles in both independent films and blockbuster hits. Her talent has earned her numerous accolades, including an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award, and a Primetime Emmy Award. In 2019, Time magazine honored her as one of the 100 most influential people in the world.
Larson's journey in acting commenced at the tender age of six when she became the youngest student admitted to a training program at the American Conservatory Theater. Her television debut occurred in 1998 with a comedy sketch on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Larson gained prominence as a regular cast member on the 2001 sitcom Raising Dad. She briefly explored a music career, releasing the album Finally Out of P.E. in 2005. Throughout her early career, she portrayed supporting roles in comedy films such as Hoot (2006), Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010), and 21 Jump Street (2012), while showcasing her talent as a sardonic teenager in the television series United States of Tara (2009–2011).
Larson's breakthrough arrived with her compelling performance in the independent drama Short Term 12 (2013). She continued to impress with supporting roles in films like The Spectacular Now (2013) and Trainwreck (2015). However, it was her portrayal of a kidnapping victim in the critically acclaimed drama Room (2015) that earned her the Academy Award for Best Actress. Larson's transition to blockbuster films began with the 2017 adventure flick Kong: Skull Island, leading her to star as Captain Marvel in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, starting with Captain Marvel (2019). Additionally, Larson starred in the miniseries Lessons in Chemistry (2023).
In addition to acting, Larson has ventured into writing and directing, co-writing and co-directing two short films and making her feature film directorial debut with the independent comedy-drama Unicorn Store (2017). For her contribution to producing the virtual reality series The Messy Truth VR Experience (2020), she received a Primetime Emmy Award. Beyond her artistic endeavors, Larson is an advocate for gender equality and sexual assault survivors, actively using her platform to address social and political issues.
Brianne Sidonie Desaulniers, known professionally as Brie Larson, was born on October 1, 1989, in Sacramento, California, to Heather and Sylvain Desaulniers, both homeopathic chiropractors who managed a practice together. Raised alongside her sister Milaine, Larson's upbringing was enriched by her Franco-Manitoban heritage, with French being her first language. She holds dual citizenship of Canada and the United States. Larson's early education was primarily through homeschooling, which she credits for fostering her exploration of innovative and abstract experiences.
Reflecting on her childhood, Larson describes herself as "straight-laced and square," revealing her close bond with her mother but also acknowledging her shyness and social anxiety. Despite these challenges, she exhibited a passion for creativity from a young age, writing and directing home movies during the summers, starring her cousins. At the age of six, inspired by Jennifer Lopez's performance in Selena (1997), Larson expressed her desire to pursue acting. Subsequently, she auditioned for a training program at the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco, becoming its youngest student.
Larson's parents' divorce when she was seven brought about a strained relationship with her father, leading her and her mother to relocate to Los Angeles to pursue Larson's acting aspirations. Despite facing financial constraints and living in a modest apartment near Hollywood studio lots, Larson fondly recalls this period, crediting her mother for their resilience.
To simplify her surname, Larson adopted the stage name from her Swedish great-grandmother and an American Girl doll named Kirsten Larson. Her professional career began with a commercial parody for Barbie on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno in 1998. Larson subsequently appeared in various television series, including Touched by an Angel and Popular. In 2000, she was cast in the Fox sitcom Schimmel, which unfortunately never aired due to its star's cancer diagnosis.
Throughout her journey, Larson's resilience and passion for acting have propelled her forward, laying the foundation for her remarkable career in the entertainment industry.
Larson's early career in television began with her major role as Emily, the younger daughter of Bob Saget's character, in the WB sitcom Raising Dad. However, the show only lasted for one season and received criticism for its lighthearted tone. Following this, Larson was cast in the ABC sitcom Hope & Faith, but her role was recast after the unaired pilot.
Transitioning to film, Larson starred alongside Beverley Mitchell in the Disney Channel movie Right on Track in 2003 and had minor roles in the comedies Sleepover and 13 Going on 30 in 2004.
Alongside her acting pursuits, Larson developed an interest in music at the age of eleven, learning to play the guitar. Encouraged by a music executive, she began writing and self-recording songs, eventually signing a record deal with Casablanca Records. In 2005, she released her debut album Finally Out of P.E., which received modest success. Despite performing on tour and opening for Jesse McCartney, the album sold only 3,500 copies, leading Larson to become disillusioned with her music career due to creative differences with her recording company.
Continuing her acting career, Larson appeared in the comedy film Hoot in 2006 and the drama Remember the Daze in 2007. During this time, she also launched an arts and literature magazine called Bunnies and Traps.
Facing difficulties in finding substantial acting roles and experiencing rejection for key film roles, Larson contemplated quitting acting. To support herself, she worked as a club DJ. Despite these challenges, Larson's perseverance and talent would eventually lead her to breakthrough roles and critical acclaim in the years to come.
References
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- ^ Noël, Jacques (March 4, 2018). "Brie Larson, une Desaulniers d'Amérique oscarisée". HuffPost (in French). Archived from the original on March 4, 2018. Retrieved May 17, 2018.
- a b Graham, Bill (September 5, 2013). "Brie Larson Talks 'Short Term 12' in San Francisco, Her First Language and the Only Film of Hers She'll Rewatch". The Film Stage. Archived from the original on March 14, 2014.
- ^ "Brie Larson Talks Dual Citizenship At TIFF". ETCanada.com. October 1, 2022. Archived from the original on January 29, 2023. Retrieved January 29, 2023.
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- ^ DeSalvo, Robert (June 25, 2012). "Q & A: Brie Larson continues to 'jump' forward". MTV. Archived from the original on July 23, 2018. Retrieved July 23, 2018.
- ^ Wayland, Sara (March 23, 2010). "Brie Larson Interview: United States of Tara and Scott Pilgrim vs. the World". Collider. Archived from the original on July 23, 2018. Retrieved July 23, 2018.
- ^ Erbland, Kate (September 11, 2017). "Brie Larson Hopes Her Whimsical Directorial Debut 'Unicorn Store' Will Inspire Other Artists, Even If They Hate It". IndieWire. Archived from the original on June 18, 2018. Retrieved August 1, 2018.
- a b Radloff, Jessica (January 14, 2014). "Meet Brie Larson, the Rising Star You Need to Know About in 2014". Glamour. Archived from the original on January 14, 2018. Retrieved July 21, 2018.
- Millea, Holly (February 26, 2016). "Brie Larson's World Is About to Change. Just Don't Tell Her That". Elle. Archived from the original on May 3, 2018. Retrieved May 22, 2018.
- ^ Thomas, Carl (January 27, 2024). "Brie Larson Gets Emotional Meeting Jennifer Lopez for First Time at Golden Globes: "It's Been a Dream of Mine"". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved January 23, 2024.