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When Hallee Hirsh says she's looking for roles that expand her horizons, you have to wonder just how broad her field of vision is.
In the past year alone, the 18-year-old actress has played a rich girl seeking a nose job on FX's racy hit NIP/TUCK, the teenage version of Lisa Kudrow's character in the dark comedy HAPPY ENDINGS, and the recurring character Mattie Grace on CBS' JAG.
Then, of course, there's Hirsh's work on Discovery Kids' top-ranked FLIGHT 29 DOWN shot on the North Shore of O'ahu. Hirsh plays the well-intentioned, occasionally bossy Daley, one of a group of high school kids stranded on a deserted island in the Pacific.
"I like strong characters," she says. "But I think it would be interesting to play someone who is a little pathetic some time. It's important as an actor to put yourself out of your comfort zone."
Hirsh turned 18 in December, an important milestone for young actors.
"It's hard to get roles when you're between 15 and 18," she said. "(Producers) ask you if you have your GED or if you're emancipated, because there are issues like tutors and employment rules that they have to consider."
Hirsh's age and her impressive track record suggests that audiences will be seeing a lot more of her in the next few years. With nearly 40 TV and film credits to her increasingly recognizable name, Hirsh is still seeking out new challenges.
She's planning a move to New York, where she hopes to hone her theatrical skills.
"Not to discount film or television — I've been very lucky to have worked in both — but with theater it's just you and the audience. On camera, you can bring everything in smaller, but you don't have to project."
Hirsh recently completed the Hallmark TV movie WILD HEARTS with Richard Thomas and Nancy McKeon, in which Hirsh plays Thomas' daughter. Hirsh said working with the two veteran actors was "extremely inspirational."
"Nancy talked to me a lot about the transition from being a child actor and how she was able to keep her balance. She has a life that is still hers; she didn't have to sell it."
Hirsh credits much of her development as an actor to the generosity of actors like Anthony Edwards (ER) and Tom Hanks (YOU'VE GOT MAIL). It's a generosity she hopes to pass on.
"I've been blessed to work with amazing people who showed me the ropes and helped me to climb," she says. "I think about that, especially with Allen (Alvarado, who plays Daley's younger brother Lex on the show). When I see him, I remember being in the same place."
Written by Michael Tsai, Honolulu Advertiser
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