Summer Bishil Bio

Summer Bishil was a Pasadena, California native. When she turned three years young, her family and she moved to America. Summer was a student at American and British schools, while her family was in Europe. Her return to Pasadena California, just a few days shy of her 14th birthday. Summer was attracted by the idea she would be an actor from the age of five years old, took her first acting course at age 14. Nine months later, she was signed by an agent and manager, and then began her acting career full-time. She is enrolled in college in off days, working towards her degree. The actress was named one of the "Ten Actors To Watch" by Variety (2007). Nominee for Best Actress – Spirit Award. Bishil began acting classes at age 14 years old. Within one year Bishil was offered the contract of a manager or agency. Bishil's first performance was on the short-lived Nickelodeon television show Just for Kicks, followed by appearances in other children's shows.Bishil's first big break came when she played the lead character in Alan Ball's film Towelhead in 2007, a film adaptation of the novel with the same name. Dana Stevens, a critic for Slate who praised Bishil's performance was "the most genuine thing" in an film that had the best intentions, but appeared to be fake and slightly embarrassing. It was something like an extended PSA about inappropriate touching. Bob Strauss, who writes for various Los Angeles newspapers, states that Bishil, "...is one of the most natural film actresses to emerge over the last few years." Gary Goldstein in a September 12 Los Angeles Times review of the film Towelhead said that "...newcomer Summer Bishil turns in a strong, nimble, riveting performance in the role of Jasira. She filmed Wayne Kramer’s Crossing Over project in 2009 and starred Harrison Ford and Ray Liotta. Jay Reiner of the Associated Press liked her portrayal. She was in the role of Azula in M. Night Shyamalan’s film The Last Airbender (2010). The sequel was not released.