Mary-Kate and Ashley Olson aren’t the only actresses who started out young. Fourth grader Heather Peace is already making television appearances and modeling for big-name companies such as Rich’s, Macy’s and Six Flags.
“Heather has always loved being on stage and having her picture taken. She smiled in her infant newborn picture at the hospital. The nurse said, ‘She’s going to be a supermodel,’” said Dena Peace, Lower School kindergarten teacher.
Most recently, the 10-year-old was selected to appear on Cartoon Network’s “Fridays,” which features a five-hour block of episodes from shows such as “Code Name: Kids Next Door,” “What’s New Scooby Doo?” and “The Powerpuff Girls.” The weekly series, hosted by Nzinga and Tommy, also features live-action sketches and the antics of Milkman Fred, Diner Lady and other original characters.
Selected out of a pool of 700 young actors and actresses, Heather was given a casting date after producers viewed her model card. At auditions, she filled out a three-page application, and her picture was taken. She, then, had to read a script for the producers.
“She never gets nervous,” said Dena, “but I do enough for both of us.”
Heather first appeared on the Aug. 6 show, dancing and singing with the hosts and puppets, and is slated to appear in upcoming episodes.
“They will use clips and still pictures all through the year on different episodes,” she said. “It was fun watching myself [on television]. I look back and laugh at myself, because I was acting funny.”
“Fridays” is filmed at Turner Studios in Atlanta, and, according to Dena, the young actors and actresses are treated like little movie stars.
“They always treat them to lunch, snacks and lots of gifts to take home,” she said. “Heather always has to be ready at an hour’s notice with a model bag and shoe bag packed and ready. Because all shoots are out of town, sometimes that means getting up very early … It is a ‘hurry up and wait’ kind of business. We may have to wait for a casting for several hours at a time.”
But both mother and daughter agree that it is worth it.
“I am very proud of her hard work. It is very good for her self esteem,” said Dena. “This is something we can do together. I love to take her to castings and shoots. We always plan a shopping trip and dinner together afterwards.”
Heather began modeling with Atlanta’s Young Faces six years ago; however, she already had a good bit of on-stage experience.
“Heather was in beauty pageants when she was very small,” said Dena. “Her agent (Beverly LaChance) spotted her on stage and asked for pictures. One week later, she was videotaped at an interview and accepted. Two after that, she got her first modeling job.”
She has since appeared in advertisements and commercials for Rich’s, Macy’s, ABC Catalog, Lands End, Sears, Dollar General, J.C. Penney, the Cartoon Network, Six Flags and more.
Not only does Heather love being on stage and on camera, she also loves getting dressed up. “You get to be someone else,” she said. “You can wear makeup, great hairstyles and cool clothes.”
Which brings us to Heather’s next endeavor and one more thing she has in common with Mary-Kate and Ashley Olson – fashion design.
“Someday, I hope to have my own line of clothes called Heather’s Designs,” she said.
Heather is the daughter of Jeff and Dena Peace of Lindale, Ga.
