Summer Bishil Bio

Summer Bishil was raised in Pasadena (California). The family she was raised with moved to the United States when she was just three. Summer was a student at British as well as American schools, while her family moved abroad. returning to her home town of Pasadena just a few days shy of her birthday of 14. Summer was fascinated by the thought that she would eventually become an actor since the age five years old, took her first acting course at age 14. Nine months after, she signed a contract with an agent/manager, and started her full-time work. In her spare time, she attends college and is striving to complete her degree. Named one of the "Ten Actors to Watch" by Variety (2007). Nominee for Best Actress – Spirit Award. Bishil started taking acting classes when she was 14 years old. In just one year, Bishil was signed to an agreement by a manager or agency. Bishil was first seen in the Nickelodeon television series Just for Kicks. She also appeared on other children's programs. In 2007, she was the lead actress in Alan Ball's film Towelhead, an adaptation of the novel. Slate critic Dana Stevens said, "Her performance is the most genuine thing in a movie that, despite its best intentions, comes off as phony and somewhat embarrassing, as an extended PSA about inappropriate touching." Bob Strauss, who writes for various Los Angeles newspapers, states that Bishil, "...is one of the best natural film actresses to emerge in recent years." Gary Goldstein in a September 12 Los Angeles Times review of the film Towelhead stated that "...newcomer Summer Bishil turns in a strong, nimble, riveting performance as Jasira. "In 2009, she was a part of Wayne Kramer's project Crossing Over, starring Harrison Ford, Ray Liotta and Ashley Judd, a portrayal which received some praise from Associated Press's Jay Reiner. She was chosen to portray Azula in M. Night Shyamalan's 2010 film The Last Airbender, and was planned to be the main focus of the planned , but not yet produced sequel.