A Star Among Us
Justine Tomon
Issue date: 2/22/07 Section: Entertainment
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Kirsten Babich is a typical college student who goes to classes and work. Except when she goes to work, she's working alongside Steve Carrell, Dane Cook or Nissan cars. That's right, the college junior by day, aspiring actress and model by night, has quite the impressive resume and she's only 21 years old.
You would expect that a girl constantly dolled up in Lilly Pulitzer with stunning features would be destined for superstardom, but would you also expect that she is a Dean's List student at Salve Regina University? The East Granby, Conn. native explains that school is begrudgingly her priority right now. On mom's orders.
"My mom is my best friend, but when we fight, it's about how I need to be as focused on school as I am on getting to my next auditions," says Babich with a laugh and roll of her eyes. The Early Childhood Education major is famous in her network of friends for saying that teaching is her fallback plan, which is smart given how unsteady showbiz can be.
From a young age, Babich knew she wanted to act. It's in her blood. Big sister Cara, 22, is a graduate from Emerson College with a degree in musical theater. It was Cara who inspired Babich's love for performing when she was an infantile 4 years old.
Most parents thrust their young daughters into dance lessons, but Babich's parents must have seen something special spark in their daughter's eyes because next came community theater. "I would tag along to Cara's auditions and get little roles in the background as an extra or something," said Babich. One of her first roles was a singing and dancing orphan in the smash musical Annie in a local theater.
But in no time, Babich flew up the ranks of fellow thespians landing roles as leads in Grease, 42nd Street and every little girls' dream, The Little Mermaid. "I think every little girl wants to be Ariel, right? I was in an adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen's original version so I was Marina, but hey, close enough!" said Babich with a proud giggle.
The Little Mermaid went on a statewide tour through all of Connecticut in 2004, Babich's senior year in high school. "I was given a choice: attend pep rally and prom, or be an actress," said Babich matter-of-factly. And she has never looked back with regret.
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