Israeli is Hollywood’s Teen Choice
‘The Giver’ lead Odeya Rush may have a Hebrew name, but she sounds very American
Jessica Steinberg, The Times of Israel's culture and lifestyles editor, covers the Sabra scene from south to north and back to the center
Hollywood hasn’t been offering a whole lotta love for Israel of late, but it’s pleased with Odeya Rush, Israel’s latest export to the film industry.
The 17-year-old actress, star of the recently released “The Giver,” the science-fiction film based on Lois Lowry’s classic novel, was a winner at this week’s 2014 Teen Choice Awards held Sunday in Los Angeles.
Rush accepted the Olay Fresh Effects Breakout Star Award at the show.
According to “Good Evening With Guy Pines,” the Israel-born Rush is more accustomed to speaking English than Hebrew, but was still asked by reporters after the ceremony about her reactions to Israel’s incursion in Gaza.
“What could she have to say to them?” exclaimed Pines.
Rush was born in Haifa, but has lived in the States since she was nine years old.
She stars as Fiona, the best friend of Jonas (Brenton Thwaites), the main character in the film about a utopian society that gradually disintegrates.
“The Giver” won the 1994 Newbery Medal and is on many middle school reading lists in the US, Canada and Australia. The film stars Jeff Bridges, Meryl Streep, Katie Holmes, Alexander Skarsgård and Taylor Swift.
Rush acted in commercials, short films and television series before landing the role in “The Giver.” Her next role is the female lead in the adaptation of the popular book series “Goosebumps.”
