"DOLORES CLAIBORNE" marks the film debut of 13 year-old Ellen Muth. Taking the lead of her alter-ego, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Ellen immersed herself in researching the disturbing adolescence of Selena St. George, including writing a journal and poetry in the persona of her character.
Ellen considered becoming an actress in second grade. In fourth grade she had grown so determined about her future that her parents allowed her to take extra-curricular acting classes in grade five. By the time she completed elementary school, she proved herself sufficiently talented -- and fortunate -- to land a professional agent in Manhattan who quickly booked her onto an episode of "All My Children" as well as into a commercial for Milton Bradley and a promotional film for Parker Brothers.
Ellen won her role in "DOLORES CLAIBORNE" over a series of months in early '94, through numerous call-backs and, finally, a screen-test in Los Angeles, wherein the competition was narrowed to four finalists. Upon winning the part, she joined her screen parents, Kathy Bates and David Strathairn, and director Taylor Hackford for rehearsals on location in Nova Scotia for three weeks in April, and she enjoyed hair and make-up tests with Jennifer Jason Leigh, whom she would portray as a youth.
When "DOLORES CLAIBORNE" is released, Ellen Muth will be halfway through the seventh grade in her home town of Milford, CT.
