Birthdate: August 9, 1985
Birthplace: Portland, Maine
Education: Attended Deering High School
Family: Michael Cooke Kendrick (Brother - also an actor)

 

"[I was] one of those hyperactive kids who wanted to jump around and sing and dance and scream and be on stage."

Born in Portland, Maine, on August 9, 1985, Anna Kendrick attended Deering High School in Portland, Maine. Her older brother, Michael Cooke Kendrick is also an actor.

She caught the acting bug early and by age 10, had already signed with a talent agency - Online Talent Group, with whom she remains today.

In 1998, when she was just 13, Anna originated the role of Dinah in High Society and was subsequently nominated for a Tony Award (second youngest ever), a Drama Desk Award and Fany Award. Her spectacular performance also landed her the Drama League and Theatre World Award.

She was a lead performer with Cabaret's Kit Kit Club at Carnegie Hall Live in My Favorite Broadway: The Leading Ladies. She also had the privilege of working with director Scott Ellis and choreographer Susan Stroman at the New York City Opera House with Jeremy Irons amongst many more celebrity status actors, playing the role of Fredika in A Little Night Music.

Anna has also workshopped Jane Eyre and The Little Princess for Broadway.

In 2003 Anna made her feature film debut in the independent musical Camp. The film was nominated for the Grand Jury Prize at the 2003 Sundance Film Festival, and Kendrick's turn as Fritzi, who slavishly serves a glamour girl (played by Alana Allen), earned her Best Debut Performance nomination at the 2004 Independent Spirit Awards and Best Supporting Actress nomination at the 2004 Chlotrudis Awards.

When asked about the difference between herself and her "Camp" character, Kendrick said, "I do have a passion for theater. But I try my best not to stalk people."

She also made her second film, "Rocket Science" (2007), writer/director Jeffrey Blitz's comedy-drama film concerning high school debate in which she starred opposite Reece Thompson, playing Ginny Ryerson, his love interest and the high school debate team star. Her performance earned her another Independent Spirit Award nomination, this time for Best Supporting Female.

About her character in the film, Kendrick commented, "The great thing for me about Ginny was what a surprise she was, in that she's this teenage girl who is the most articulate and confident and powerful character maybe in the whole movie. So often, when you read teenage girl [characters], they're very vapid and flighty and are just there to look pretty."

Kendrick has also completed a crime/thriller called "Elsewhere", directed and written by Nathan Hope, in which she stars as a star pupil and athlete who investigates when her lifelong best friend (played Tania Raymonde) goes missing.

In 2008, Anna gained national attention for her scene-stealing turn as Jessica Stanley in the hugely successful "Twilight". The small role of Bella's friend at school turned into a breakout moment for Anna, with many critics and moviegoers alike singling out her tremendous performance.

In 2009, Anna could be seen in at least 3 highly anticipated filmes, starring with some of today's most A-List names; including Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, co-starring Michael Cera, Up in the Air, co-starring George Clooney, and the follow up to Twilight, New Moon.

In 2011, Anna played Katherine McKay in the movie 50/50.

In 2012, she got the role as Rosie Brennan in What to Expect When You're Expecting. In the same year you could hear her voice in the stop-motion film ParaNorman as Courtney Babcock, Norman's 17 year old sister.
Then in a thriller drama film named End Of Watch (Anna as Janet) and the musical comedy film directed by Jason Moore: Pitch Perfect. In that film Anna played Beca Mitchell, a reclusive and rebellious girl who wants to pursue a music career; she joins the Barden Bellas to appease her father and finds herself being caught up in their world.

Coming up movies

2013

The Company You Keep

Get A Job

Rapture-Palooza

Drinking Buddies