From Child Star to High School Heroine: Maisy Stella's Journey to Stardom

Maisy Stella, the former child actor known for her role in the hit TV series "Nashville," has found her true calling in the world of film. After a four-year hiatus to attend high school, Stella has returned to the screen with a powerful performance in the coming-of-age film "My Old Ass." In this exclusive interview, the 20-year-old actress shares how her high school experience has shaped her approach to acting and her newfound appreciation for the complexities of adolescence.

Embracing the Realities of Teenage Life

From Childhood Fame to High School Normalcy

Maisy Stella's path to stardom began at a young age when she and her sister, Lennon, gained viral fame for their cover of Robyn's "Call Your Girlfriend." This early success led to a role in the popular TV series "Nashville," where Stella honed her acting skills for six years. However, it was her decision to take a break from acting and attend high school that ultimately prepared her for her most challenging role yet.

Stella admits that her time in high school was a crucial turning point in her career. "My prep for 'My Old Ass' was those four years," she says. "I can't imagine how different I would have been in the movie if I had been working consistently since the time I was eight." The experience of navigating the ups and downs of teenage life, from backpacks and lockers to prom, provided Stella with a newfound understanding of the complexities of adolescence.

Stella's high school sojourn allowed her to shed the romanticized notions of teenage life that she had gleaned from watching movies. Instead, she was able to immerse herself in the authentic experiences of her peers, gaining a deeper appreciation for the challenges and triumphs that come with growing up.

Bringing Authenticity to the Screen

With her high school experience under her belt, Stella was able to bring a level of authenticity to her portrayal of Elliott, the restless teenager at the heart of "My Old Ass." The film, written and directed by Megan Park, explores the juxtaposition of youthful idealism and the hard-earned wisdom of adulthood, a theme that resonated deeply with Stella.

Stella's ability to tap into the emotional complexities of adolescence was a key factor in her success in the role. "I can't imagine how different I would have been in the movie if I had been working consistently since the time I was eight," she reflects. "Those four years of high school were invaluable in shaping my understanding of the character and the world she inhabits."

The film's exploration of the mushroom-fueled journey that propels Elliott into a confrontation with her 39-year-old future self, played by Aubrey Plaza, presented Stella with a unique challenge. However, her grounding in the realities of teenage life allowed her to navigate the film's surreal elements with a level of authenticity that has earned her critical acclaim.

Embracing the Complexities of Adulthood

As Stella transitions from her childhood acting roles to more mature and complex characters, she has found herself grappling with the nuances of adulthood. The experience of attending high school has not only informed her acting but has also shaped her personal growth and understanding of the world around her.

Stella's journey from child star to high school student to leading lady has been a transformative one, and she is eager to continue exploring the complexities of the human experience through her craft. "I feel like I've grown up in so many ways, both as an actress and as a person," she says. "High school was a crucial part of that journey, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to bring that authenticity to my work."

As Maisy Stella continues to captivate audiences with her powerful performances, it's clear that her high school experience has been a pivotal part of her evolution as an artist. By embracing the realities of teenage life, she has found a new depth and nuance in her acting, and her fans eagerly await to see what she will accomplish next.