Disney's Next Miley Cyrus
Selena Gomez, Disney's latest teen prodigy, was born in New York City on July 22, 1992 but raised in Grand Prairie, Texas. She began her acting career at the young age of 7, when she landed her first big role as "Gianna" on Barney and Friends. Selena was let go from Barney after just two seasons, but credits the show for teaching her everything she knows about acting. In an interview with People magazine Selena stated that,
I was very shy when I was little. I didn't know what 'camera right' was. I didn't know what blocking was. I learned everything I know from Barney.
When Selena was 12 years old she was discovered by Disney in a nation wide Disney talent search. In 2006 she did a guest appearance on two episodes of The Suite Life of Zack and Cody and in 2007 she was on two episodes of Hannah Montana. In October 2007 Selena landed a starring role for Disney as "Alex Russo" on Wizards of Waverly Place. Selena has also recorded three songs for Walt Disney Records and in 2008 she released her "Cruella De Vil" music video for the February premiere of 101 Dalmatians.
Selena's latest role , Mary, is the main character in her upcoming DVD movie Another Cinderella Story and this September she will co-star with, her best friend, Demi Lovato in Princess Protection Program.
People magazine sat down with Selena's mom, Mandy Teefey, for a little Q&A on keeping Selena Grounded.
People: On Her Chores
Mandy: She has to do her own laundry. If she cooks, I clean. If I cook, she cleans. She has to help feed the dogs. There are really no set chores. We all just pitch in when needed.
People: On Her Curfew
Mandy: It depends on who she is with and where they are going, but 90 percent of the time it's 11:30 p.m. She never goes to movie premieres, wrap up parties or anything related to the business without a parent. Period. That rule is not changing until she is 21!
People: On Growing Up In Hollywood
Mandy: I was never really concerned about Selena. She is a very headstrong and driven girl. I really haven't changed any rules for her. If she wasn't allowed to do it in Texas, she's not allowed to do it here. Selena knows who she is, and I am around to make sure she doesn't change.
Like we haven't heard that before. Curfews, allowances, and chores, all the moms say the same thing and all the stars turn out the same way. Have they come out with a Raising a Child Star for Dummies yet?
