[Editor's Note: Click here for more on Bethany Hamilton.]
Photo by www.noahhamiltonphoto.com.
CL: What was the whole experience of having a film made about you like?
Bethany Hamilton: It was exciting and we — my family and I — all learned a lot, but it was kind of stressful at the same time because we’re trying to make [true to] our life and have the film come out as good as we can. I mean, it was a lot of pressure but at the same time, to see how well it’s turned out, it’s rewarding and exciting to see how it’s going to do in the theaters and stuff.
Being on the set was really fun. Everyone knows everyone by the end of the filming. All the actors were really cool. My brothers and Annasophia [Robb] and Lorraine had fun hanging out. My brothers and sister-in-law (present during the interview) all worked on the set and all my family members have a cameo throughout the film, so it’s just fun. Fun times.
What did you think of Annasophia Robb’s portrayal of you in the film?
Well I think she’s a very good up-and-coming actress and she really just got to know me and picked my brain. She said she wanted to capture the essence in me and I think she did.
We’re pretty different, but she’s kind of like a mini-me now. We have this little joke going. It was fun getting to know each other. It was kind of weird for me, because she’s supposed to be me, even though it doesn’t feel like she is to me ([which isn’t] a shot at her acting). But she did so good that I’m stoked to have gotten to know her. I hope her career goes really well.”
Did you surf with her at all?
Yea, I helped teach her how to surf with my coach. She came over as soon as she found out she got the part. And she’s pretty good. She’s from Colorado so no ocean, but she adapted really well and caught on. But she definitely had stunt surfing for all of her scenes.
This article appears in Mar 31 – Apr 6, 2011.