It’s hard to believe that someone born in the mid-nineties has achieved more success than many do in a lifetime, but such is the case with Hollywood actress, designer, and overall powerhouse Dakota Fanning. Born on February 23, 1994, in Conyers, Georgia, Fanning landed her first commercial at 5 years old — before she even started kindergarten. That wasn’t the end, either. She went on to become a Hollywood sensation at age seven, then appeared in countless television shows and movies over the years. She also brought along her younger sister, Elle, who has reached her own level of fame as an actress. And even if you’re a fan of her movies, you might not know much about how this young woman got her start, what she likes to do with her down time, and where she wants to go from here. Learn more about this ambitious, interesting actress below.Dakota’s first name is actually Hannah, but goes by her middle name. Her younger sister, Elle, does the same thing — her first name is Mary.
She starred in “I Am Sam” when she was seven years old. The film led to her becoming the youngest person to ever be nominated for a Screen Actors Guild Award.
Her performance in the movie won her the Best Young Actor/Actress award from the Broadcast Film Critics Association. Adorably, she was too short to reach the mike during her acceptance speech, so she was lifted up by none other than Orlando Bloom.
Her first kiss was while filming “Sweet Home Alabama” at the tender age of seven. Her costars said she handled the whole thing with grace.
She was cast for her charisma, and because the character took ballet — something Fanning had been doing for years.
She often wore what’s called a “flipper.” It was a dental device that would cover up the spaces where her baby teeth fell out. They’re also often used by pageant kids and other child stars.
She knit a scarf for Tom Cruise after they worked together on “War of the Worlds,” and she also knit scarves for Robert De Niro, Steven Spielberg, Denzel Washington and Oprah.
She was so young back then, but she still gave a memorable performance.
Inexplicably, it’s been said that she randomly carries around a baby name book wherever she goes.
In addition to lighting up the big screen, Fanning loves horseback riding, playing violin, and practicing the piano. She really is a jill-of-all-trades.
They starred in The Runaways and The Twilight Saga together, and really hit it off.
The truth of the matter is that while Dakota and her little sister Elle have appeared in the same movies, they’ve never actually had a scene together.
Dakota was actually a cheerleader, and she also won homecoming queen.
“I’m not going to school for a career,” she says. “I’m going for my own interest, for myself. I already know what I want to do forever.” Think about it: She doesn’t have to go to school for her career, because it’s already going really well.
She’s learned a lot from watching directors and has said that she would love to direct a movie of her own one day.
Not many child stars transcend their youthful performances and become Hollywood powerhouses as adults, but Dakota Fanning will definitely be one of them.
