Sierra McCormick
Sierra McCormick | |
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Born | |
Occupation | Actress |
Years active | 2007–present |
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Sierra McCormick (born October 28, 1997[1][2]) is an American actress. She first became known for participating on the game show Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? (2007–2008) before making her acting debut with a recurring role as Lilith on the television series Supernatural (2008). She also starred as Scout Thomas on the comedy television series Romantically Challenged (2010), voiced Alice in the direct-to-DVD film Spooky Buddies (2011), for which she won a Young Artist Award, and received recognition for her role as Susan Kushner in the comedy film Ramona and Beezus (2010).
McCormick had her breakthrough starring as Olive Doyle on the Disney Channel series A.N.T. Farm (2011–2014). She has since transitioned to more mature film roles, receiving praise for starring as Moira in the horror indie film Some Kind of Hate (2015) and earning critical acclaim for her roles as Fay Crocker in the science fiction film The Vast of Night (2019), which earned her a nomination from the Critics' Choice Super Awards, and as Melissa in the horror film We Need to Do Something (2021). She returned to television playing Scarlett in three episodes of the Hulu series American Horror Stories (2021).
Early life[]
McCormick was born on October 28, 1997 in Asheville, North Carolina.[3] She moved to Los Angeles, California, in 2006, after expressing an interest in acting.[3]
Career[]
2007–2014: Child acting and Disney breakthrough[]
McCormick first began acting in 2007 at the age of nine, making an uncredited cameo on the television series 'Til Death.[4] In 2007, she was cast in the second season of the game show Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? as one of the students.[5] Following a guest appearance on the Disney Channel series Hannah Montana in 2008,[4] she co-starred with China Anne McClain in the film Jack and Janet Save the Planet, an unaired pilot. In the same year, she appeared as Lilith on two episodes of the fantasy television series Supernatural.[6][7]
In 2010, McCormick starred in the comedy film Ramona and Beezus as Susan Kushner, the rival of the title character, Ramona Quimby. The film was received positively, with the acting ensemble being praised for their performances.[8] In the same year, she was cast as Scout Thomas, the daughter of Rebecca Thomas, in the comedy television series Romantically Challenged, which was cancelled after a season.[9]
In 2011, she appeared in the television film A Nanny for Christmas. In the same year, she voiced Alice in the Disney direct-to-video film Spooky Buddies.[10] McCormick, along with the cast of the film, won a Young Artist Award for their performances.[11] Also in 2011, McCormick had her breakthrough when she was cast in the role of Olive Doyle, a girl with an eidetic memory, in the Disney Channel series A.N.T. Farm.[12] She was chosen after an audition where she continuously spoke about tigers. Dan Signer stated: "And as I heard her continually talking about tigers, I thought, 'That's just how Olive would sound.' Which is how Sierra got that part." According to an interview with McCormick, getting the role was easy because she and McClain were already friends from their previous work experience.[2] The show ran for three seasons, ending in 2014.[13] From 2011 to 2014, McCormick had a recurring role on the Disney Channel sitcom Jessie as Connie, a girl obsessed with one of the main characters, Luke.[14]
2015–present: Transition to mainstream roles[]
In 2015, McCormick starred in the horror film Some Kind of Hate as Moira.[15] She had been hired by director Adam Egypt Mortimer to appeal to her then younger fanbase, stating that the film would be "the first intense horror movie experience that some of these kids will ever have".[16] Although the film received mixed reviews, McCormick’s performance, along with the rest of her cast members was received positively, with Bloody Disgusting writing "The acting is largely well done, and the script by Mortimer and DeLeeuw definitely attempt to give the characters more dimension than what you’d normally expect from a film like this."[17] McCormick earned a Fright Meter Award nomination for the role.[18]
From 2016 to 2018, McCormick worked in a series of short films and television films; these include her roles as Sarah in the 2016 Lifetime television film Sorority Nightmare,[19] and as Kara Gentry in the 2017 film Christmas in the Heartland, which was originally made for television, but was later released direct-to-video.[20]
In 2019, McCormick co-starred with Jake Horowitz in the science fiction film The Vast of Night,[21] based on the Kecksburg UFO incident and the Foss Lake Disappearances. She starred as Fay Crocker, a young switchboard operator in high school in the fictional town of Cayuga, New Mexico.[22] McCormick said that she was convinced to play the role after reading the script, where she then met with the film's director Andrew Patterson and auditioned.[23] To prepare for the role, she had to learn how to use a switchboard, which she practiced in her hotel room.[24] The film and McCormick's performance were acclaimed,[25][26] with critics particularly praising her consistency in long single takes.[27] Paste included her among the "10 Breakout Film Performances of the Year", additionally writing that "Sierra McCormick does some work in The Vast of Night that’s competitive with the best acting of the year."[27] Salon also listed her performance as one of "6 great film performances missed in 2020", comparing her to a "young Sissy Spacek."[28] For her role, she received a special mention from the Jury Awards at the Hamptons International Film Festival,[29] as well as a nomination for Best Actress in a Science Fiction/Fantasy Movie at the Critics' Choice Super Awards.[30]
Also in 2019, McCormick appeared in the horror film VFW, where she portrayed Lizard. She commented on her experience with the role, stating "I was really excited to do something different. People got to see me being really crass and bloody and kicking some ass..."[24] She also starred in the Lifetime television film Who Stole My Daughter? as Katie Sullivan, the eponymous daughter of Samaire Armstrong's character.[31]
In October 2020, it was announced McCormick would star alongside Vinessa Shaw in the upcoming thriller film We Need to Do Something;[32] she was cast as Melissa, who is part of a family that is trapped in their bathroom during a tornado.[33] On the role, she stated that "I felt really antsy being cooped up in my apartment, and I’m sure everyone can relate to that feeling ... when I read the script, I was struck by the nihilistic tone the movie takes, and I’m a big fan of that."[34] The film was theatrically released in September 2021,[35] and earned generally positive reviews from critics.[36][37] McCormick's performance was lauded, with Chicago Reader describing her as "captivating".[38] IGN wrote that "Sierra McCormick brings wide eyes and a sulking snarl to teen daughter Melissa, whose internal drama is signaled by a goth wardrobe topped by a bubblegum pink wig."[39]
From July to August 2021, McCormick appeared in three episodes of American Horror Stories on FX on Hulu.[40]
Filmography[]
Film[]
Year | Title | Role | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
2009 | Land of the Lost | Tar Pits Kid | |
2010 | Ramona and Beezus | Susan Kushner | |
2010 | A Nanny for Christmas | Jackie Ryland | |
2011 | Spooky Buddies | Alice | |
2015 | Some Kind of Hate | Moira | |
2018 | The Honor List | Charlotte | |
2018 | The Neighborhood Watch | Allie | |
2018 | Pretty Little Stalker | Bridget | |
2019 | The Vast of Night | Fay Crocker | |
2019 | VFW | Lizard | |
2021 | We Need to Do Something | Melissa | Post-production[32] |
Television[]
Year | Title | Role | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
2007 | 'Til Death | Kid | Episode: "Summer of Love" |
2007–2008 | Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? | Herself | 5th grade classmate (season 2) |
2007–2009 | Curb Your Enthusiasm | Emma | Episodes: "The Bat Mitzvah", "The Reunion", "The Table Read" |
2008 | Boston Legal | Daniella | Episode: "Dances with Wolves" |
2008 | Supernatural | Lilith | Episodes: "No Rest for the Wicked", "Yellow Fever" |
2009 | Jack and Janet Save the Planet | Molly | Unsold TV pilot |
2009 | Criminal Minds | Lynn Robillard | Episode: "Bloodline" |
2009 | Hannah Montana | Gillian | Episode: "Welcome to the Bungle" |
2009 | Monk | Anne Marie | Episode: "Mr. Monk and the Dog" |
2009 | The Dog Who Saved Christmas | Kara Bannister | Television film |
2010 | Medium | Allison (Young) | Episode: "There Will Be Blood... Type A" |
2010 | CSI: Crime Scene Investigation | Gracie Layman | Episode: "Irradiator" |
2010 | Romantically Challenged | Scout Thomas | Main role |
2011–2014 | A.N.T. Farm | Olive Doyle | Main role |
2011–2014 | Jessie | Connie | 3 episodes |
2013 | The Breakdown | Little Girl | Television film |
2016 | Sorority Nightmare | Sarah | Television film; originally titled Twisted Sisters |
2017 | Christmas in the Heartland | Kara Gentry | Television film |
2019 | Who Stole My Daughter? | Katie Sullivan | Television film |
2021 | American Horror Stories | Scarlett | 3 episodes[41] |
Music videos[]
- "Dynamite" (2011), by China Anne McClain
Awards and nominations[]
Year | Award | Category | Work | Result | Ref |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2012 | Young Artist Awards | Best Performance in a DVD Film – Young Ensemble Cast | Spooky Buddies | Won | [11] |
2015 | Fright Meter Awards | Best Supporting Actress | Some Kind of Hate | Nominated | [18] |
2019 | Hamptons International Film Festival | Jury Awards | The Vast of Night | Special Mention | [29] |
2021 | Critics' Choice Super Awards | Best Actress in a Science Fiction/Fantasy Movie | The Vast of Night | Nominated | [30] |
References[]
- ^ "HappyBirthdaySierra!!!". Radio Disney twitter. October 28, 2011. Retrieved December 30, 2011.
"Happy birthday". China Anne McClain twitter. October 28, 2011. Retrieved December 30, 2011. - ^ Jump up to: a b "The Meet & Greet: Disney Star Sierra McCormick From 'A.N.T Farm'". Celebuzz!. June 24, 2011. Retrieved December 25, 2011.
- ^ Jump up to: a b "SIERRA MCCORMICK "Olive Doyle"". Disney Channel Medianet. Archived from the original on October 18, 2012. Retrieved February 21, 2017.
- ^ Jump up to: a b "NYFA High School Students Receive Guest Talk from Disney Star Sierra McCormick". New York Film Academy Summer Camp. May 12, 2015. Retrieved April 6, 2020.
- ^ "Disney Star Sierra McCormick is Super Smart on 'A.N.T. Farm'". Backstage. August 21, 2012. Retrieved April 6, 2020.
- ^ Charles, Tina (May 16, 2008). "Episode Recap of Season 3 Finale: "No Rest for the Wicked"". TV Guide. Archived from the original on August 23, 2010. Retrieved April 6, 2020.
- ^ Seddon, Dan (August 3, 2021). "First trailer for Supernatural and Station 19 stars' new horror movie". Digital Spy. Retrieved September 5, 2021.
- ^ "Ramona and Beezus: A family film with a dose of reality". Toronto Star. July 23, 2010. Retrieved April 6, 2020.
- ^ "Romantically Challenged cancelled, no season two". TV Series Finale. May 16, 2010. Retrieved April 6, 2020.
- ^ "'Spooky Buddies' Blu-ray Announced". High-Def Digest. Retrieved April 6, 2020.
- ^ Jump up to: a b "33rd Young Artist Awards". Archived from the original on April 4, 2012.
- ^ Hibberd, James (November 11, 2010). "Disney Orders Live Action Comedy 'Ant Farm'". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on April 24, 2011. Retrieved October 25, 2015.
- ^ "Disney Channel Renews 'A.N.T. Farm' for Third Season". The Hollywood Reporter. October 2, 2012. Retrieved January 3, 2021.
- ^ "Disney's 'What the What?!?' Guest Star Weekend Sneak Peek: 'Jessie's' Luke Has a New Admirer, Lindy Gets an 'I Didn't Do It' Arch Nemesis, More". Yahoo.com. Retrieved April 6, 2020.
- ^ McNary, Dave (April 28, 2014). "Disney Star Sierra McCormick Set for Horror Movie 'Some Kind of Hate'". Variety. Retrieved May 18, 2020.
- ^ "Horror Feature: Interview With Adam Egypt Mortimer Director Of Some Kind Of Hate". www.horrorchannel.co.uk. Retrieved January 5, 2021.
- ^ Wilson, Mike (October 12, 2015). "[Review] 'Some Kind Of Hate' is Conflicting With its Subject, Characters". Bloody Disgusting!. Retrieved January 5, 2021.
- ^ Jump up to: a b "2015 Fright Meter Awards Winners". Retrieved April 6, 2020.
- ^ "Lifetime Review: 'Sorority Nightmare'". Geeks. Retrieved May 18, 2020.
- ^ "Film Review: 'Christmas in the Heartland'". Geeks. Retrieved May 18, 2020.
- ^ "Texas Is Inextricable From Film Festival Darling 'The Vast of Night'". Texas Monthly. September 27, 2019. Retrieved April 6, 2020.
- ^ Thompson, Anne (June 1, 2020). "Amazon's 'The Vast of Night': Inside Oklahoma Indie Andrew Patterson's Dazzling Debut". IndieWire. Retrieved August 19, 2020.
- ^ "The Vast Of Night: Interview with Sierra McCormick". SciFiNow. June 5, 2020. Retrieved January 15, 2021.
- ^ Jump up to: a b Conjurings, Follow MeShannon McGrewFounder/Editor-in-Chief at Nightmarish ConjuringsShannon is the Founder of Nightmarish; Horror, A. Lover of All Things; related, haunt related When she's not obsessively collecting all things "Trick 'R Treat"; made, or trying to convince everyone that "Hereditary" is one of the greatest horror films ever; fan, you can find her designing interiors for commercial restaurants An avid haunt; haunts, Shannon spends the entire year visiting; area, immersive experiences throughout the Southern California; Attraction, Hopes to One Day Design Her Own Haunted (May 28, 2020). "[Interview] Actress Sierra McCormick for THE VAST OF NIGHT". Nightmarish Conjurings. Retrieved January 15, 2021.
- ^ Hemphill, Jim (March 17, 2020). "There's Something in the Air: With The Vast of Night, Director Andrew Patterson Reinvents the UFO Movie". Filmmaker Magazine. Retrieved April 6, 2020.
- ^ Wilner, Norman (September 8, 2019). "TIFF review: The Vast Of Night". NOW Magazine. Retrieved April 6, 2020.
- ^ Jump up to: a b "The 10 Breakout Film Performances of the Year". pastemagazine.com. December 31, 2020. Retrieved January 7, 2021.
- ^ "Here are 6 great film performances you missed in 2020 – and how to watch them". Salon. December 16, 2020. Retrieved January 3, 2021.
- ^ Jump up to: a b "HIFF27 Award Winners". hamptonsfilmfest.org. Retrieved April 6, 2020.
- ^ Jump up to: a b Hammond, Pete (November 19, 2020). "'Palm Springs', 'Lovecraft Country' Top Movie And Series Nominations For Inaugural Critics Choice Super Awards; Netflix Lands 35 Nods". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved December 17, 2020.
- ^ "Lifetime Review: 'Who Stole My Daughter?'". Geeks. Retrieved May 18, 2020.
- ^ Jump up to: a b Vlessing, Etan (October 29, 2020). "Sierra McCormick, Vinessa Shaw, Pat Healy Star in 'We Need to Do Something' (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter.
- ^ Miska, Brad (October 29, 2020). "'We Need to Do Something' Brings the Horror on a Family Sheltered in a Storm". Bloody Disgusting!. Retrieved January 3, 2021.
- ^ "We Need to Do Something: Interview with star Sierra McCormick". 1428 Elm. September 3, 2021. Retrieved September 5, 2021.
- ^ "Variety Insight: Entertainment Data • Research Tools • Industry Directory • Film in Development • TV & Streaming Pilots • Ratings & Box Office". www.varietyinsight.com. Retrieved September 5, 2021.
- ^ Navarro, Meagan (June 15, 2021). "[Tribeca Review] Single-Location Horror 'We Need to Do Something' Stretches Imagination and Plausibility". Bloody Disgusting!. Retrieved September 5, 2021.
- ^ Tallerico, Brian. "We Need to Do Something movie review (2021) | Roger Ebert". https://www.rogerebert.com/. Retrieved September 5, 2021. External link in
|website=
(help) - ^ James, Becca (August 31, 2021). "We Need to Do Something". Chicago Reader. Retrieved September 5, 2021.
- ^ "We Need to Do Something Review". IGN Southeast Asia. September 1, 2021. Retrieved September 5, 2021.
- ^ Morano, Nick (July 16, 2021). "Rubber Woman unmasked: American Horror Stories star Sierra McCormick breaks down spin-off's premiere". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved July 16, 2021.
- ^ "American Horror Story Updates: Ryan Murphy Shares Creepy Art & More". April 19, 2021.
External links[]
- 1997 births
- 21st-century American actresses
- Actresses from North Carolina
- American child actresses
- American film actresses
- American television actresses
- Living people
- People from Asheville, North Carolina