From Rising Stars to Hollywood Powerhouses: The Incredible Journey of the 'Little Miss Sunshine' Cast!

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A charmingly dysfunctional family, Little Miss Sunshine quickly gained a devoted following after its release in 2006. The movie, which received an Oscar nomination, follows the Hoovers as they embark on a spontaneous road trip from Albuquerque, New Mexico to California. The reason for this impromptu journey is their daughter Olive (Abigail Breslin), who has qualified for a beauty pageant. However, each family member is grappling with their own personal struggles - from the suicidal Frank (Steve Carell) to the overbearing Richard (Greg Kinnear) and the indulgent grandparent Edwin (Alan Arkin) - making the trip less than smooth. Despite the challenges, they manage to arrive at the pageant just in time, where quirky Olive delivers an unforgettable rendition of Rick James' "Super Freak." To both the concern of the pageant directors and the joy of a few fellow eccentrics in the audience, Olive's family joins her on stage.

The strong bond among the cast of Little Miss Sunshine resulted in a compelling dynamic between the members of the Hoover family. During rehearsal, the directors suggested that the actors get into character and drive in the van to establish a family dynamic. Paul Dano, who portrayed Dwayne, shared this experience during an October 2018 interview on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. As they hit the road, Alan Arkin and Greg Kinnear engaged in an argument about making a pit stop, with Kinnear adamant on waiting until they reached their destination.

"Arkin casually mentioned, 'At the next red light, I'll step out to relieve myself,' kept narrating Dano. "And without hesitation, Greg Kinnear sped past the next red light. He simply refused to give in to the demands of our grandfather, who was clearly in need of a bathroom break, all to provoke him... and that's how our family dynamics played out."

Even though the cast looks back fondly on their experience working on Little Miss Sunshine, Breslin openly shared in July 2021 that she has encountered difficulties in being recognized as more than just Olive. "Sometimes people overlook the fact that I'm 25 years old now, not 9 anymore," she explained to the U.K. news outlet iNews at that time. "People tend to try to categorize you and keep you confined to a particular role."

Breslin went on to express her intentions: "I want to clarify that I have no intention of disrespecting [Little Miss Sunshine]. It holds a certain sweetness because I believe viewers formed a strong emotional connection with the character and the film. They perceive me as Olive, and I understand that. A part of me will always carry some of Olive's essence, but I yearn to explore new horizons."

Continue scrolling to discover the endeavors of Breslin and the rest of the cast following the release of Little Miss Sunshine.

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‘Little Miss Sunshine’ Cast: Where Are They Now? Abigail Breslin, Steve Carell and More

A delightfully dysfunctional family. Little Miss Sunshine quickly became a beloved cult classic after it was released in 2006.

The Oscar-nominated film revolves around the Hoovers, who impulsively embark on a road trip from Albuquerque, New Mexico, to California when their daughter, Olive (played by Abigail Breslin), qualifies for a beauty pageant. However, their journey is far from smooth, as each family member grapples with their own personal challenges. From the suicidal Frank (played by Steve Carell) to the overbearing Richard (played by Greg Kinnear) and the hedonistic grandparent Edwin (played by Alan Arkin), the Hoovers face numerous hurdles along the way. Despite the obstacles, Olive manages to deliver a memorable performance of Rick James' "Super Freak" during the pageant, leading her family to join her on stage, much to the concern of the pageant directors and the delight of a few eccentric audience members.

One of the reasons why Little Miss Sunshine resonated with audiences was the strong bond between the Hoover family, which was effectively portrayed by the cast. Paul Dano, who portrayed Dwayne, shared an anecdote during an October 2018 appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, recalling how the directors encouraged the cast to establish their characters' familial dynamic by immersing themselves in their roles during rehearsal, even going as far as driving in character in a van.

Upon entering the road, Arkin and Kinnear found themselves embroiled in a dispute regarding a bathroom break. Kinnear adamantly insisted on withholding until they reached their intended location, much to Arkin's frustration.

"Dano recounted, 'Arkin declared, "At the upcoming red light, I shall exit for a restroom break." However, Greg Kinnear proceeded to disregard the upcoming red light so as to avoid giving in to our grandfather, who was evidently in desperate need to relieve himself, solely for the purpose of provoking him. ... Thus, illustrating the underlying family dynamics.'"

Even though the cast still holds affectionate memories of their work on Little Miss Sunshine, Breslin admitted in July 2021 that she has faced difficulties in being recognized separately from her character Olive. Speaking to the U.K. news outlet iNews, she expressed, "At times, people overlook the fact that I'm now 25 years old and no longer 9. There is a tendency for people to categorize you in one specific way."

Continuing her thoughts, she conveyed, "I don't mean any disrespect to [Little Miss Sunshine]. It's endearing in a sense because I believe people formed such a deep emotional connection with that role and that film. They want me to be Olive. I understand that. There will always be a part of Olive within me, but I yearn to explore new avenues."

Keep scrolling to see what Breslin — and the rest of the cast — have done since Little Miss Sunshine's release.

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Abigail Breslin

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The New York native earned an Oscar nomination at just 10 years old for her performance as the aspiring pageant queen. Breslin has stayed in the spotlight since, starring in everything from the moving drama My Sister's Keeper in 2009 to blockbuster Ender's Game in 2013. She also appeared in in both 2009's Zombieland and its 2019 sequel, Zombieland: Double Tap, as Little Rock. Breslin made her Broadway debut as Helen Keller in The Miracle Worker in 2010 and starred opposite Meryl Streep in the 2012 Oscar nominated film, August: Osage County. Most notably, The former child star appeared in Ryan Murphy's Scream Queens as Chanel No. from 2015 to 2017. In February 2021, Breslin announced that her father, Michael, had died from complications related to COVID-19. She got engaged to longtime boyfriend Ira Kunyansky in February 2022, and they got married in January 2023.

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The New York native achieved an Oscar nomination at the young age of 10 for her portrayal of an aspiring pageant queen. Since then, Breslin has remained in the public eye, showcasing her talent in a diverse range of projects. From the heartfelt drama My Sister's Keeper in 2009 to the blockbuster Ender's Game in 2013, she has excelled in various genres. Notably, she also appeared in both the 2009 film Zombieland and its 2019 sequel, Zombieland: Double Tap, taking on the role of Little Rock. In 2010, Breslin marked her Broadway debut as Helen Keller in The Miracle Worker, while in 2012, she shared the screen with Meryl Streep in the Oscar-nominated film August: Osage County. However, her most memorable stint was in Ryan Murphy's Scream Queens, where she portrayed Chanel No. from 2015 to 2017. Tragically, in February 2021, Breslin announced the passing of her father, Michael, due to complications from COVID-19. On a happier note, in February 2022, she became engaged to her longtime boyfriend, Ira Kunyansky, and the couple tied the knot in January 2023.

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Toni Collette

Following her acclaimed performance as the matriarch of the Hoover family, Sheryl, a native of Australia, showcased her talent in the television series United States of Tara from 2008 to 2011. For her portrayal of a suburban housewife with dissociative identity disorder, Collette received both an Emmy and a Golden Globe. In subsequent years, Collette appeared in notable films such as The Way, Way Back and Enough Said in 2013, followed by The Boxtrolls, Fun Mom Dinner, and Hereditary. In 2018, she took on the lead role in the BBC One drama Wanderlust, portraying a therapist navigating a troubled marriage.

The following year, Collette received Golden Globe and Emmy nominations for her outstanding performances in Netflix's Unbelievable. She has since joined the cast of two highly anticipated streaming series, Pieces of Her and The Staircase, scheduled for release in spring 2022. Collette tied the knot with musician Dave Galafassi in January 2003 and together they reside in Sydney with their children, Sage and Arlo.

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Greg Kinnear

In the film Little Miss Sunshine, Kinnear portrayed Richard, the ambitious and driven entrepreneur within the Hoover family. During that same year, he acted alongside Mark Wahlberg in Invincible and later played Tina Fey's romantic interest in the 2008 comedy Baby Mama. In 2010, Kinnear took on the role of Miley Cyrus' estranged father in The Last Song, followed by his portrayal of John F. Kennedy in the 2011 miniseries The Kennedys. Additionally, he has appeared in Anchorman 2, Brixby Bear, and Misbehavior. Kinnear tied the knot with British model Helen Labdon in May 1999 and together they have three daughters.

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Steve Carell

In the film, Carell portrayed Frank, Sheryl's troubled brother and a shamed professor. It marked his first notable foray into drama. During the release of "Little Miss Sunshine," Carell concurrently held the lead role as Michael Scott in the television series "The Office," which he continued to star in until 2011 (he also made a cameo appearance in the series finale in 2013). Additionally, Carell showcased his comedic talents in the films "Evan Almighty" (2007), "Get Smart" (2008), and "Date Night" (2010), and he lent his voice to the character of the self-proclaimed supervillain, Gru, in all three installments of the "Despicable Me" franchise. Carell's captivating portrayal of millionaire and convicted murderer John Eleuthère du Pont in "Foxcatcher" earned him an Oscar nomination in 2014. He followed this success with critically acclaimed performances in "The Big Short," "Battle of the Sexes," "Beautiful Boy," and "Vice." In 2019, he took on the controversial role of TV anchor Mitch Kessler in the series "The Morning Show," and in 2020, he starred in the Netflix series "Space Force." Carell tied the knot with Nancy Walls, an alum of "Saturday Night Live," in August 1995. Together, they have two children, Annie (born in May 2001) and Johnny (born in June 2004).

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Paul Dano

Dano's breakthrough into the mainstream came with his remarkable portrayal of Olive's older brother, who chooses to remain silent in Little Miss Sunshine. He further showcased his talent in 2007 by starring alongside Daniel Day Lewis in There Will Be Blood, for which he received a BAFTA nomination. Following this, Dano's career flourished with a series of noteworthy performances in independent films and on stage. In 2012, he garnered attention for his role as an author whose fictional character unexpectedly materializes in the movie Ruby Sparks, written by Zoe Kazan.

That same year, he appeared in the time travel thriller Looper. In 2013, Dano played a supporting role in 12 Years a Slave and later earned a Golden Globe nomination for his portrayal of Brian Wilson in the biopic Love and Mercy in 2014. He ventured into directing in 2016 with Wildlife, a film starring Carey Mulligan and Jake Gyllenhaal. In October 2019, Dano was announced to take on the role of The Riddler in Matt Reeves' The Batman, alongside Robert Pattinson as the iconic superhero. Since 2007, Dano has been in a relationship with Kazan and they joyfully welcomed their daughter in August 2018.

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Alan Arkin

Arkin was lauded with an Oscar for his outstanding portrayal of the profanity-ridden, drug-addicted grandfather in the heartwarming film Little Miss Sunshine, earning him the accolade for Best Actor in a Supporting Role. Hailing from New York, this talented artist enjoyed a distinguished career spanning several decades in the realms of acting, writing, and directing. Following his momentous victory, Arkin went on to captivate audiences in the comedy-drama Marley & Me in 2008 and made a delightful cameo appearance in the beloved film The Muppets in 2011. In 2012, he dazzled once again, securing an Oscar nomination for his remarkable contribution to the critically acclaimed movie Argo. Notably, Arkin lent his distinctive voice to the character of J.D. Salinger in the animated series BoJack Horseman and earned two Emmy nominations for his exceptional performances in the first two seasons of Netflix's The Kominsky Method, a series in which he took center stage from 2018 to 2019. In the personal realm, Arkin entered into matrimony with therapist Suzanne Newlander in the year 1996. Together, they shared the joy of raising three sons: Adam and Matthew from his first marriage with Jeremy Yaffe, and Anthony from his second marriage with Barbara Dana. Tragically, Arkin passed away at the age of 89 in June 2023, leaving behind an indelible legacy in the world of entertainment.

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Bryan Cranston

Cranston gained recognition for his role as Stan Grossman, Richard's business rival, in the film Little Miss Sunshine. However, it was his portrayal of Walter White in the hit series Breaking Bad that truly brought him fame. Throughout the show's five seasons, Cranston received six Emmy Awards.

In addition to his successful television career, Cranston also had notable supporting roles in films such as The Lincoln Lawyer (2011) and Argo (2012). He made a memorable guest appearance as Kenneth's father on 30 Rock.

His talent extended to the stage as well. In 2013, Cranston took on the role of President Lyndon B. Johnson in the Broadway production All the Way, for which he won a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play. He later reprised the role for an HBO film adaptation.

Cranston's versatility and skill were further recognized in 2015 when he received his first Oscar nomination for his performance as blacklisted screenwriter Dalton Trumbo. In 2019, he won his second Tony Award for his role in the stage adaptation of Network.

Cranston released his highly successful memoir, A Life in Parts, in October of 2016 and began starring in the Showtime drama Your Honor in 2020. He tied the knot with Robin Dearden in July of 1989, and together they have a daughter named Taylor Dearden, who has made a name for herself as an actress with notable performances in Sweet/Vicious and American Vandal.