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Posted: 06.05.09 @ 5 a.m.
Q&A: Berry Lights Up ‘Terminator Salvation’

 

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Nine-year-old Jadagrace Berry co-stars in the action feature film "Terminator Salvation."

Photo © Warner Bros.


MOVIE INFORMATION
Terminator Salvation
(Warner Bros.- domestic)
114 mins.
Rated PG-13 (intense sequence of sci-fi violence, action and language)
Stars: Christian Bale, Common, Moon Bloodgood, Jadagrace Berry
Directed by: McG
Official Site
MORE INFO

Aspiring actress Jadagrace Berry doesn't utter one word in the new movie "Terminator Salvation," but the nine-year-old actress, lights up the screen and proves to be a resourceful ally for Christian Bale, aka, John Connor, the man fated to lead the human resistance against Skynet and its army of Terminators.

"Terminator Salvation" openned nationwide May 21 and Berry has been busy promoting the movie and enjoying her newfound celebrity in the process. She's appeared on various television talk shows in her hometown of Los Angeles. The bubbly actress was recently invited as a V.I.P. to the Magic Mountain amusement park to flip the switch on the new "Terminator" ride which is opening in conjunction with the movie.

In addition to her budding movie career, Berry is also honing her singing and dancing skills.

The young and talented triple threat who is the daughter of a Japanese American mother and African American father, talked about working alongside Bale in "Terminator Salvation," her audition before the film’s director McG, why she wasn't intimated by the cast, taking dance lessons from actress/dancer Debbie Allen, and what she does for fun.

Lana K. Wilson-Combs: Prior to starring in "Terminator Salvation," had you done any movies or television work?

Jadagrace Berry: I starred in an AFI movie called "Three Verses," but "Terminator Salvation" is my first major motion picture. I also did a real estate commercial two years ago.

LWC: How did you hook up in one of the biggest movies of the summer?

JG: My manager and agent thought I'd be perfect for the role of "Star" and they got me an audition. I had practiced and practiced for it. And when I walked in to do some of the scenes for the director McG, he liked me so much that I got the part.

LWC: Can you tell me about your character Star?

JG: "Star" is a dirty, yet adorable little girl who lives on the streets. She's a bit of a tomboy and is really tough and not easily scared. She's working with John Connor to help save mankind.

LWC: What stunts did you do in the movie or did you have a double?

JG: I did all my own stunts. The stunts were so much fun. I had to jump off a moving truck into a transporter. The crew made sure that I was safe and secure. Because I am adventurous and athletic, doing this was fun for me and came pretty naturally.

LWC: So you weren't scared to do any of the stunts?

JG: No. But what freaked me out was the Terminator with his fiery, red eyes. When that thing comes to life he's really scary. (Lots of laughter).

LWC: What was it like working with Christian Bale?

JG: He was so great. He was so protective of me. He helped me with a few scenes and showed me how to get the most out of my scenes. He never treated me like a kid and was just so supportive of me being in the movie.

LWC: You weren't intimidated to be among all those big stars?

JG: I had no idea who any of them were initially. Then once I was introduced to them it sunk in. I was like 'wow, this is so fun and cool.' I never felt intimidated because they all made me feel comfortable on the set.

LWC: What do your friends at school think of you being in "Terminator Salvation."

JG: They were all asking me to take them to the premiere. They plan on going to see the movie anyway when it opens. Some even asked if I could get them in my next movie.

LWC: What did you tell them?

JG: I told them I could only do what I can do. (Lots of laughter).

LWC: How much time did you have to take off from school to make this movie?

JG: I was away from school for two months.

LWC: Do you consider yourself an actress first, then dancer and singer?

JG: I just like saying entertainer. That takes care of it all, but now that I have done this big movie, I really like acting and definitely want to pursue other roles.

LWC: You are also a dancer. How long have you been dancing professionally?

JG: For five years now. I'm a student at Debbie Allen's Dance Academy. She taught me how to dance. She's my idol.

LWC: Is it true you're also a big Hanna Montana fan?

JG: I love Hanna Montana. I went to the premiere of her new movie, but I didn't get a chance to meet her.

LWC: You also sing and recently recorded a new record. Can you talk about that and would you like to one day collaborate with Hannah Montana or do something musically for Disney?

JG: The song I recorded is called "Express Yourself." It's a dance song that I co-wrote. I would love to do something with the Disney Channel with it. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

LWC: You're also a big animal lover. Do you have a lot of pets?

JG: Yes, I love animals. I have six dogs and six cats and all of them are ones that I rescued. The one I am holding in the picture is Mochi. I actually brought her on the set of "Terminator Salvation" and she behaved, but I decided to take her away so she wouldn't be a distraction for anyone. Where we live is like a farm because we have so many animals. I even have a couple of raccoons as pets.

LWC: Who are some of the actors you admire and would like to work with?

JG: Raven Symone, Martin Lawrence, Eddie Murphy and Jaden and Will Smith.

LWC: What are some of the other things you enjoy doing in your spare time?

JG: I like to hang out with my friends, play soccer and basketball. I'm into silk rope climbing. I love to design clothes. I actually designed my dress - along with another designer named Sally Miller - to wear to the "Terminator Salvation" premiere.

LWC: How big of a star would you like to be?

JG: I would like to have my own show on the Disney Channel or at least guest star on a regular show. And I would love to sing with Hannah Montana. That's how big.

Be sure and check out Jadagrace in her big screen debut in "Terminator Salvation" which is in theatres now. And if you want to know even more about Jadagrace and hear her new music, log on to her Web site at .

 

 
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