Arts & Entertainment Hollywood Magic Hits Home For NJ Child Actor At Montclair Screening Audrey Hoffman of Essex County celebrated her 7th birthday at a screening of “IF.” She also happens to be an actor in the movie.
Audrey Hoffman attends a private screening of “IF” in Hollywood, California on May 11. The New Jersey resident also attended a screening of the movie in Montclair, New Jersey on the weekend of its release. (Photo courtesy of Paramount Pictures) Audrey Hoffman, 7, an Essex County resident, saw a major milestone in her acting career on May 17 when “IF” hit theaters across the nation. (Photo: Julie Hoffman Photography)
MONTCLAIR, NJ — There were many kids across the country who were treated to a birthday trip to the movies to see this spring’s blockbuster film, “IF,” when it was released in theaters. But for Audrey Hoffman of New Jersey, the experience was a bit different – she’s one of the actors in the film.
Hoffman, 7, an Essex County resident who lives near Montclair, saw a major milestone in her acting career on May 17, when “IF” hit theaters across the nation. The movie – which also features director John Krasinski, Cailey Fleming and Ryan Reynolds – tells the story of a young girl who begins to see everyone’s imaginary friends who have been left behind as their real-life friends have grown up.
Hoffman – who plays the younger version of the film’s main character, Bea – started filming when she was 5-years-old in 2022, and was brought back for additional shoots when she was six. The young thespian marked another milestone on May 18, when her family, friends and teachers cheered her Hollywood debut at a screening at The Clairidge in Montclair. It also happened to be her 7th birthday, which attendees were more than happy to help her celebrate. Hoffman then got a taste of what it’s like to be a celebrity, signing an “IF” poster for the theater to keep as a memento.
“It was very special for me because I got to have my birthday party and watch the movie I’m in at the same time with my family and friends,” Hoffman told Patch. The talented youth got an early start in the entertainment industry, launching a modeling career when she was 3-years-old. It didn’t hurt that her mother is a photographer – who immediately noticed how much her daughter loved being on camera.
Hoffman signed with the Zuri Agency shortly afterwards, kicking off her acting career when she was four. By the time she turned five, Hoffman had already taken vocal training, on-camera acting and voice-over lessons – and studied tap, ballet and jazz dancing, too. But getting a chance to work on a major movie has taken things to another level, Hoffman told Patch.