Acting is communication. It is the art of transferring ideas, emotions, and experiences to others. Some professionals spend their entire lives trying to master this skill while others, like Molly Belle Wright, seem to have an ability to wield it at the highest level from their earliest days. The nine-year-old Manchester (England) born actress may have rose to international prominence via her “How every child can thrive by five” TED Talk but numerous film and TV productions attest to her thespian skills.
Ms. Wright recently spoke again at Mexico’s El Festival de las Ideas on a roster that also included legendary filmmaker James Cameron (Titanic, Avatar, Avatar: Way of the Water) and renowned psychologist Dr. Jordan B. Peterson, an obvious indication that she is extraordinary. What is it that this young girl, still in her single digit years, has which is so captivating? One need only to witness a few moments of her speaking to perceive it.
Molly possesses the ability to make natural surroundings disappear and place the audience into personal moments with her thoughtful guidance. Remarkable is too often overused but a description which most certainly applies to the talent Ms. Wright wields so confidently.
“Thrive by Five” was directed by acclaimed Australian filmmaker Michael Gracey (of the Oscar nominated The Greatest Showman and Oscar Award–winner Rocketman) for the Minderoo Foundation with Molly cast after an exhaustive international search.
Mr. Gracey was effusive about Molly stating, “Collaboration with Molly wasn’t just rewarding, it was pure joy, a delight. It was impossible not to see her distinct talent, her ability to digest direction, to listen, to understand, and then deliver in a way that felt authentic, real. There’s this depth to her performance, this wisdom in her choices as an actor that goes well beyond her years. As a director, you always hope to hand over material to someone who can lift it up to greater heights. And Molly, she did that, consistently, reliably.”
Molly’s performances in “Thrive by Five” were so striking and authentic that billionaire Minderoo Foundation CEO and philanthropist Nicola Forrest reached out to TED CEO and curator Chris Anderson about a change of direction, to change the short film to an official TED talk. Upon its release, this talk became a viral phenomenon, reaching over two billion people across all platforms and comfortably becoming the most viewed TED talk of 2021 with over nine million views on TED’s website.
Translated into thirty-seven languages, it was supported by UNICEF along with a plethora of international celebrities including pop icon, Shakira, who posted publicly about the talk to her 86 million Instagram followers. It is noted as the most viewed TED in recent history, trailing in popularity only to talks given by Bill Gates and Elon Musk.
Molly’s title as “Youngest Ted Speaker in the World” is the most recent accolade that follows recognitions such as winner of 2022’s Australian Screen Industry Network Tony Bonner Award for Best Emerging Talent. The world at large is learning what so much of Australia has known for some time now; Molly Belle Wright is a rare talent whom elevates every production that she takes part in. Her starring roles in films for AACTA and Logie-award nominated Jaggi Entertainment and with Hoodlum Entertainment points to Molly’s believability and marketability.
Molly’s co-star, Logie-award winning actor Todd Lasance (The Vampire Diaries, Without Remorse) in the thriller Kidnapped (released as Kidnapped in Paradise on Lifetime in the US) was impressed with Molly’s skills on set, despite her tender years, stating “Molly is pure sunshine to have on your set. Her infectious positive attitude towards her work and the way she engages with her fellow actors and crew is incredibly inspiring. She is a lovely example of what it means to not only be an amazing human being, but also to have the talent to match it.
Molly has one of those rare gifts. An innate ability from a very young age to not only break down and analyze a script, but to create an incredibly dynamic character and bring them to life on the screen. Her emotional range is extraordinary and she has proven time and time again across a number of years that she has what it takes. Not only has it been recognized at the top level, but she continues to gain momentum in a very difficult and competitive industry.” Molly’s mother in the film, Logie-award winning actor Claire Van Der Boom, said of Molly “I was blown away by her stamina and commitment. What a treat it is to work with her.”
Taking a lead role as Juniper Hunt in Mistletoe Ranch, alongside Australian and Kiwi actors Mercy Cornwall and Jordi Webber, Molly displayed a level of talent far beyond her single-digit age. A moving story immersed in the holiday atmosphere, this film gave Molly an opportunity to once again prove why so much attention has been focused on her.
Co-star Mercy Cornwall declares, “Molly is an asset to any set. Sometimes she even reminded me of my lines when I forgot them! Molly exhibits an incredible sense of empathy, compassion, and integrity which translates to her characters. There was one scene, an emotional one, where we were watching old family videos of loved ones who had passed away. Totally unscripted, Molly placed her hand in mine and looked up at me with these big eyes as if she was saying, ‘It’s all going to be okay’ and I just melted. It was magic and it was all her and her remarkable instincts. I’ll never forget that.”
All of this international attention has of course included Hollywood. California seems an intuitive next progression for Molly, this remarkable…yes, remarkable young actress who is captivating and fascinating. Communication is the connective tissue of the human spirit and one which Molly Belle Wright employs with astonishing proficiency.
Writer: Mike Winston