At the age of 15, Nikki Reed not only co-starred with Evan Rachel Wood in “Thirteen,” but she co-wrote the screenplay with director Catherine Hardwicke, completing the script in only six days. For that effort, she was nominated for an Independent Spirit Award for Best Feature Screenplay. Since that impressive breakout, Nikki’s fame has come less from the edgier work of “Thirteen” than for her involvement on “The O.C.” and the “Twilight” movies.
Born in L.A. in 1988 to a Jewish father and a mother of Italian and Native American descent, Nikki grew up mostly with her mother following her parents’ divorce, but was emancipated at the age of 14. Catherine Hardwicke, an industry production designer looking to make her debut as a director, was romantically involved with Reed’s father, Seth, and began working on the script for “Thirteen” with Nikki. Hardwicke cast her opposite Wood on the low budget film that launched numerous careers. Later, Hardwicke would bring Nikki aboard for “Lords of Dogtown” and “Twilight” in 2008.
Nikki continued to garner attention portraying offbeat, troubled teenagers in “Mini’s First Time” in 2006, the same year she landed the role of Sadie Campbell on “The O.C.” Joining the “Twilight” franchise ensured her consistent work for a few years, and she served as executive producer and co-lead on “The Last Day of Summer” in 2009.
Interviews
EW Interview
At Comic-Con 2009, Entertainment Weekly talks to Nikki.
Nikki on the Screen
She’s opposite Evan Rachel Wood, Vanessa Hudgens, and Holly Hunter in “Thirteen,” part of the ensemble in the Aric Avelino drama “American Gun,” Sadie Campbell for six episodes on “The O.C.,” Mini Droggs in “Mini’s First Time,” and Rosalie Hale in the “Twilight” movies. “The Last Day of Summer,” which she executive producer and co-starred in, premiered at the Hollywood Film Festival in fall 2009.
Nikki Says
On recognition:
“It’s pretty funny to me how I can walk down the street and people are, like, crying wanting to touch my hair. I’m like, ‘Oh, did you see “Thirteen” and feel a connection?’ ‘No, ‘The O.C.’!’ That’s funny.”