A star in Selma
Published 12:00 am Thursday, June 9, 2005
The Selma Times-Journal
A slight, big-eyed little girl came through Selma last week, decked out in her favorite color – pink –
and declared her modest dream.
“I always wanted to be a superstar,” 7-year-old Aria Wallace said, whose godmother is a Selmian.
If everything goes according to her plans, it won’t be long.
Aria stars in “The Perfect Man”- alongside better known talents Heather Locklear and Hilary Duff – as the 9-year-old Zoe.
While she’s been doing television episodes for several years, the movie could be Aria’s big break.
Aria’s plays the younger sister of Hilary Duff’s character in the film. Locklear plays the pair’s mother.
After living through their mothers failed relationships, Zoe and Holly – Duff’s character – concoct a plan to find their mother the perfect man.
Zoe – an avid speller in the film – was a perfect fit for Aria.
“I really am a good speller,” Aria said.
In fact, because of multiple takes during a spelling bee scene in the film, Aria can precisely and promptly spell “combustible.”
While the movie fits in perfectly with the ambitious child’s career plans, it wasn’t all work.
“It was tons of fun,” she said.
Her mother, Alison Wallace, said she’s happy for Aria, and does all she can to encourage her.
Wallace said there wasn’t much stopping her. Aria decided she was going to be an actress at the advanced age of two.
“It’s whatever she wants to do,” Wallace said, smiling.
The rest of her family, based in Georgia, support Aria to the fullest.
Her godmother is equally proud.
Casey Denmark, who lives in Selma, said she is pleased that Aria is taking advantage of her talents.
“She’s a natural,” Denmark said proudly.
When Aria isn’t busy filming, studying on the set with her tutor or getting ready for the next film, she likes to play softball, bike riding, swimming and walking her dog.
She’s also got plans to be a singer.
Aria takes voice lessons and will perform Alicia Keyes songs for anyone who will listen.
For now, Aria is busy planning for her big red carpet debut, when “The Perfect Man premiers July 13.
“Oh my gosh!” she said. “I have a so cute dress.”
Aria will be decked out in pink for the party and wearing her favorite shoes: A pair of hot pink Chuck Taylor All-Stars Converse sneakers.
“Of course,” her mother said.