South Forida
FLIFF award winner Bailee Madison talks about her Bette Midler moment
October 20, 2012
Young Fort Lauderdale actress Bailee Madison is home this weekend to take part in the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival, where she will host a 3 p.m. Sunday screening of her family-friendly rodeo drama “Cowgirls and Angels.” The event, which takes place at the Sunrise Civic Center Theatre, includes a post-film presentation of the festival’s Star on the Horizon Award.
“I’m incredibly humbled and so honored,” Bailee says. “It’s such a great feeling to have your hometown behind you.”
Bailee, who turned 13 last week and still takes classes at Christ Church School in Fort Lauderdale, continues her impressive rise up the marquee, from Disney’s “Bridge to Terabithia” and TV’s “Wizards of Waverly Place” to the Adam Sandler-Jennifer Aniston comedy “Just Go With It” and last year’s not-for-the-squeamish “Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark.”
And in a couple of months she’ll reach another milestone: the star-laden, publicity-heavy holiday release. “Parental Guidance” is set for a Christmas premiere, with stars including Billy Crystal, Bette Midler and Marisa Tomei.
The movie (see trailer, below) follows the high jinks that ensue after a harried mom leaves her kids in the care of her parents. Bailee says it is filled with humanity and universal real-life experiences, plus there is plenty of Bette Midler and Billy Crystal.
“I love this movie from the bottom of my heart,” she says.
Especially rewarding, she says, was working with Midler, who was compelled to educate Bailee on what young actresses need to know.
“She’d be like, ”˜Have you seen this movie?’ and I’d be like, ”˜No.” And she’d say ”˜Have you heard this song?’ and I’d say ”˜No,’” Bailee recalls, with a laugh. “And she’d whip her head around to Mom and say, ”˜What have you done to this child?!’”
The next morning Bailee woke up to a stack of DVDs and CDs on her bed, ranging from the 1948 British ballet film “The Red Shoes” to the Broadway soundtrack for “The King and I.”
“She definitely took care of me,” Bailee says. “I have a lot of catching up to do before I see her next.”
IF YOU GO: “Cowgirls and Angels” screens at 3 p.m. at the Sunrise Civic Center Theater, 10610 W. Oakland Park Blvd., Sunrise (954-747-4600). More info: FLIFF.com.
