Summer Bishil Bio

Summer Bishil was born in Pasadena, California. Her family and she relocated to the United States when she was only three years old. Summer was a student at British and American schools during the time her family moved abroad. returning to her home town of Pasadena just before her 14th birthday. Summer was just five years old when she discovered her passion for acting and took her first acting class. Nine months later she got an agent and manager, and started to pursue her dream full-time. In her spare time, she attends college and is striving to complete her degree. One of the "Ten Actors to Watch" by Variety (2007). Nominated for Best Actress – Spirit Award. Bishil began her acting lessons when she was 14. Within a year, she signed a contract with an agency and manager. Bishil was first seen on the Nickelodeon TV series Just for Kicks. She then appeared in several other shows for children. In 2007, she played the lead actress in Alan Ball's film Towelhead which was a re-imagining of the novel. Dana Stevens, a Slate critic, wrote that "Her performance in a movie that , despite its best intentions, is completely fake somewhat embarrassing, like an extended PSA about inappropriate touching is the truthful thing." Bob Strauss, who writes for various Los Angeles newspapers, states that Bishil, "...is one of the best natural film actresses to emerge in recent years." Gary Goldstein, in a September 12 Los Angeles Times, review of Towelhead declared that Summer Bishil ("...newcomer) gives an impressive and quietly stunning performance as Jasira. In 2009, she filmed Wayne Kramer's Crossing Over movie starring Harrison Ford, Ray Liotta, and Ashley Judd. Jay Reiner, Associated Press, appreciated her performance. The film was a part she was cast to play Azula in M. Night Shyamalan's film The Last Airbender, and was planned to be the protagonist of the planned , but never produced sequel.