Unveiling Calah Lane: 5 Facts About Timothee Chalamet's Co-star in 'Wonka'
Calah Lane shines as Noodle alongside Timothee Chalamet in the enchanting musical 'Wonka' Discover more about this talented actress, her origins, acting experience, accolades, and the praise she has garnered from the 'Wonka' cast and crew Don't miss out on this captivating article!
Actress Calah Lane is set to make her big-screen debut in the upcoming movie musical Wonka, where she will star alongside some of Hollywood's most prominent actors.
Expressing her excitement and gratitude via Instagram in November 2021, Lane announced her role as Noodle in the Paul King-directed film. She expressed her enthusiasm for the opportunity to work with the incredibly talented cast and director, stating, "The holidays just got sweeter! So grateful and so excited for this opportunity! God is truly amazing. #LetsGoooooo."
The film "Wonka," released on December 15, is an origin story of the iconic fictional chocolatier played by Timothée Chalamet. Other notable stars in the film include Hugh Grant, Olivia Colman, Rowan Atkinson, Sally Hawkins, Matt Lucas, Natasha Rothwell, and Keegan-Michael Key.
Lane expressed her enjoyment working with Chalamet and the cast, mentioning fun activities like doing the "Thriller" dance and celebrating Thanksgiving together.
Keep scrolling for five things to know about Wonka’s Calah Lane:
1. Who Does Calah Lane Play in ‘Wonka?’
Lane plays the role of Noodle, an orphan who befriends Chalamet’s Willy Wonka and aids him in his quest to become a master chocolate maker. She described her character to Teen Vogue in December 2023, saying, "She’s very observant, optimistic, and strong. I like how confident she is. All she wants is a mom. But she’s been through so much that she knows it can’t get any worse than this. She’s just so confident and does not care what anybody says about her."
In the film, Paterson Joseph’s character, Slugworth, describes Noodle as the “brains” of Wonka’s operation. Lane agrees with this, saying, “The director said it feels like Willy’s the child and Noodle’s the mom. She’s taking care of him and telling him what to do. I really see that a lot in the film.”
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2. Where Is Calah Lane From?
Lane grew up in a musically talented family in Fort Worth, Texas. "My dad is a DJ and musician, while my mom used to play the clarinet," she shared with Teen Vogue. "My grandma loves salsa dancing, and my grandpa is truly passionate about music. They've all had a huge influence on me." Lane frequently posts photos of herself with her family on Instagram, such as a recent picture with her siblings at the Dolby Theater.
3. How Long Has Calah Lane Been Acting?
Lane's breakthrough came when she landed the role of Molly in a production of Annie, which prompted her mom to consider pursuing professional acting for her. "When I was around 8 years old, we made the move to California. It's been almost six years since we've been here," Lane shared with Teen Vogue.
She went on to make appearances in numerous short films, commercials, and TV shows such as Kidding, Hollywood, This Is Us, Family Reunion, and Firebuds. Lane also showcased her singing talent on Jimmy Kimmel Live! in 2019, first as a child backup singer for Clairo and later as a member of a children’s choir in a sketch about the movie Cats.
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4. Has Calah Lane Won Any Awards?
Lane's work has earned her numerous accolades throughout the years. In 2019, she was honored with the prize for Best Young Actress in a Short Film at the Young Entertainer Awards. Furthermore, her portrayal of Young Laurel on This Is Us garnered her a nomination for the 2021 Emmys Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series.
Lane's performance in Wonka also earned her a nomination for Best Young Actor/Actress at the 2024 Critics Choice Awards. "Being recognized among so many talented young individuals is truly an amazing honor! Thank you to the @criticschoice awards for acknowledging my passion for acting and my performance," she shared on Instagram in December 2023. "I am incredibly grateful and thrilled!!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️."
5. What Have the ‘Wonka’ Cast and Crew Said About Calah Lane’s Performance?
"Calah Lane's performance was praised by director King as he described her as being able to embody a wise and 'old head on young shoulders' type of character in a July 2023 interview with GamesRadar. Additionally, King confessed to The Hollywood Reporter in December 2023 that his favorite musical sequence is Lane’s song “For a Moment.”
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During the same month, King revealed the challenge of finding the perfect person to play Noodle. "When we saw [Calah], my cowriter Simon [Farnaby] and I, we watched it [and were like], 'I think she's really good,' and I played him a little clip on my phone," he said during an Entertainment Weekly roundtable interview. "He goes, 'Ah, she's perfect,' and that was just the end of it."
Chalamet, on his part, told GMA that Lane "didn't need any of my advice" in her first major movie role. "She's more of a natural than I am at this," he added.
