“ I wish to ... be an actress in a movie”
Kayla , age 16
Idaho Chapter

Sixteen-year-old Kayla longed to see herself on the big screen. When wish granters with the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Idaho told the teenager she qualified for a wish, Kayla explained her desire to act in a movie. With sponsorship by Jewelers Charity Fund for Children, volunteers set about turning her dream into a reality.

When the details were ironed out and proper opportunity picked, Kayla was ready to become a star. The aspiring actress – along with her mother, aunt, and best friend – flew to Los Angeles, where they spent two days on location in Malibu. Kayla was written into the Disney feature "The Princess Diaries," directed by Garry Marshall of "Runaway Bride" and "Pretty Woman" fame.

Just like any other star, Kayla was given her own dressing room, makeup and wardrobe person, and personal assistant. During her two days of filming, she had many scenes on the beach with stars Mandy Moore and Anne Hathaway. Kayla even had a speaking part. When her work was done, Director Garry Marshall personally invited her back to Los Angeles for the "wrap party."

To find Kayla during "The Princess Diaries," keep an eye out for the petite blonde during the beach scene and the banana dance. With Kayla now having an impressive project on her résumé, don't be surprised if you see her name in lights some day.

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Inspired Thoughts

  • I saw you in the Princess Diaries! You look like you had a lot of fun
    - Chelsea 12/11/2006 16:15
  • I think it was the greatest wish she could have ever made. I hope that I accomplish my dream of acting. (Kayla, you go girl!!!!!!!!!!!!)
    - Ashana 01/09/2007 20:12
  • Way to go Kayla!
    - Kelly 02/07/2007 11:54
  • Way to go! You rock! I am here for you!
    - Kendall 07/06/2007 22:06
  • You go, girl! You are totally cool!!
    - Sarah 05/03/2007 6:32
  • Wow, sounds like a blast! My daughter loved that movie. You look like a STAR!!!
    - Joseph 04/10/2007 2:36
  • Oh my God, this is sooo wonderful...I'm proud for you!!! I'm 17 and I'm battling Colon Cancer. So far I'm going through chemo at Texas Childrens Hospital. The staff there is very nice and they make me feel so special. I'm 17, but when I got diagnosed I was 16. I just want to tell you to keep your head up. You may not know me, but YOU have inspired me to keep on pushing each and every day to fullfill my dreams. I no longer think about how long I'm going to live...I dream and think about fullfilling my dreams. Thanks
    - Niocca 04/09/2007 9:27
  • Hey there...looks like you did a great job. Way to go. You seem to be perfect for the camera. No one would ever want *me* to be in front of the cam, b/c I am simply too boring...lol. I hope that made you laugh.. Best Wishes, Christopher Hank Bohannon
    - CHB 04/14/2007 19:49
  • Wow, that is amazing!! I hope you become a great actress when you grow up....I will be watching your future movies! (Keep reaching for the stars!)
    - Clare 04/15/2007 16:35
  • You were awesome! I love that movie! You could be a movie star!
    - Kaylee 08/10/2007 13:12
  • I thought that it was so cool to see you in the movie...you looked liked you had lots of fun! Keep up the great work!
    - Tiffany 03/29/2007 9:33
  • You go girl! I want to be an actress, but I am only 11 years old. I don't know if I will be a star. You are my idol.
    - Samantha 03/01/2008 8:35
  • Way to go Kayla!!!! Congrats!!! Keep up your dream! Shoot for the stars!!!
    - Emma 01/21/2008 21:07
  • I saw that movie! You where really good! I hope your dream come true!
    - Kaylee 03/11/2008 7:12
  • My name is Kayla too! And I also want be a movie star! Cool!
    - Kayla 12/18/2007 18:58
  • You rock Kayla!!!!!!!!!!!
    - Alexis 12/05/2007 17:47
  • You're amazing!
    - Katie 11/30/2007 20:07
  • Wow! That is one of my favorite movies, I can't believe you got to be in it. I saw you dancing and I thought you were so pretty.
    - Marin 11/29/2007 10:21
  • Wow! What an awesome thing to get to do! You are an inspiration to many to keep on pushing through their own problems. God bless you!
    - Shannon 06/09/2008 18:10
  • AWESOME! I saw you in the movie. You looked so happy! The camera really loves you. May God bless you! I'll be waiting for when you're a huge hit in Hollywood!
    - Lauren 07/02/2008 6:51
  • You are so pretty! And I know that you can make it big Kayla...never stop trying hard for your dreams!........ P.S. My name is Kayla too only spelled like Calla...:)
    - Calla 07/23/2008 17:16

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This page can be found at http://www.wish.org/stories/hitech/careers/kayla_actress

©2006 Make-A-Wish Foundation®