User:Valdivieso

Chantel Louise Valdivieso, (born June 6, 1994) is an African-American child actress and motivational speaker. She is known professionally as Chantel Valdivieso.

Biography

Chantel Louise Valdivieso was born June 6, 1994 on Lakenheath Air Force Base, Lakenheath, England. While her mother, Teresa was serving in the United States Air Force. Chantel's family was transferred to Tucson, Arizonia when Chantel was only seven weeks old. Some would think this is an odd age to be a frequent flier, but not for a military family! Chantel's family had been approached many times about putting her in the entertainment business but with their military schedules this was never possible.

After her mother's retirement they moved to Joplin, Missouri, where their family lived. Chantel began taking modeling classes at the local YMCA. Her modeling coach Colleen Hayden, helped to prepare her by organizing runway fashion shows, televised interviews as well as building self-esteem through teaching classes on health and beauty. With the support of her family, her coach Colleen and Colleen's husband John, Chantel was off to New York for the summer. With her mother retired, Chantel now four was commuting from their home town of Joplin, Mo., to the Big Apple. She began working in the Fashion and Print Industry. After being in New York for only three days Chantel booked her first commercial for New York College Saving Fund. By the age of six she had already booked jobs with Sears, Imaginarium, Marshalls and Zoey Computer Games.

With Chantel’s dreams of becoming an Actor the family moved to California. By July 2002, she added voice-overs to her resume. Booking a voice-over for Sutter Health Care opened another avenue for her to show case her talents. By mid-2002, she had won leads in three Independent Films. Through her hard work, her dreams were becoming a reality. November 2002, Chantel was given her first SAG job. She received a casting call for a pretty, sweet, hero girl named "Holly" (a young Halle Berry type). Her break came after the third callback for the feature film "The Polar Express."

Chantel continues to keep busy shooting commercials as well as episodes like "Zoey 101,” "The Dog Whisper," and The Ellen Degeneres Show. She became the first child to be an Announcer at the Imagen's 20th Annual Awards Show. Chantel is currently working on a series called "Have Sword Will Travel." For this project she has been taking sword classes working toward her Level 5 Degree. Chantel is working with "Norky" and the PolarBall. Norky is a pen-eagle (penguin/eagle) hybrid and keepers of Santa's naughty and nice list. Chantel is the "Youth Ambassador of Goodwill" and "Celebrity Host" of Norky TV Network. Keep an eye out for the first book in a series of children's books Christmas With Norky being released in September 2007 with a Celebrity Christmas Special to follow.  Chantel’s most resent projects have been “The Santa Clause 3,” “Something Is Killing Tate” and “The Loop.”

Chantel is very passionate about helping others and changing our world one person at a time. She feels it is part of her responsibility as an actress to be a good role model and lead by example. She hopes to work again with Tom Hanks and Robert Zemeckis as well as Halle Berry, Nicole Kidman and Steven Speilberg.

Trivia

She often reads to younger children as a part of SAG and BookPals, Performing Artists for Literacy in Schools, libraries and other special events.

Chantel loves all kinds of animals. She's often seen with her 7 year old rottweiler "King." She has a large aquarium full of fish and has even raised butterflies. She has been known to bring home stray or abandoned animals.

She has cooked since the age of 5. Loves making organic treats for animals. Her favorite food to cook is Organic Cheese Ravioli.

Strongly believes in giving back. Volunteering is very important to her. She is active in her Church and Community Projects such as "The Lords Supper" and "World Impact."

She's a straight A student. A two year returning Captain on her Middle School Cheer Squad. Go LBMS!! She plans to attend USC or Pepperdine University.

She is a proud supporter of Ronald McDonald Houses across the Nation. She often travels to her home town of Joplin, Missouri to help in fund raising.

Chantel volunteers with Pet Rescue Organizations and would like to be a Veterinarian after her acting career.

During her free time she likes to talk on the phone, swim, bike ride and shop till she drops with her friends.

She was the first child ever to be an announcer at the Imagen Awards, opening the 2005 Imagen Foundation's 20th year show representing the future.

She is the "Youth Ambassador of Goodwill" and "Celebrity Host for "Norky" and Norky TV Network.

Filmography

THE SANTA CLAUSE 3,                            Worker Elf # 1

SOMETHING IS KILLING TATE,                     Dottie

THE POLAR EXPRESS,		              Co-Lead w/ Tom Hanks

MEANT TO BE,			              Lead PLAYING SOLITAIRE WITH DEATH,                  Co-Star

HAVE SWORD, WILL TRAVEL,		              Co-Lead

THE UNTITLED WHITE G PROJECT,	              Lead

Television

THE LOOP,				      Hannah

THE ELLEN DEGENERES SHOW,	              Herself ZOEY 101,				      Karen

THE DOG WHISPER,                               Herself

Awards'''

Received Young Artist Award: Special Award to the Young Motion Performance Capture and Voice Artists for the character "Holly" in "The Polar Express." (2004)