While the average Tufts student grapples with six semesters of intensive foreign language courses in order to learn just one foreign tongue, sophomore Stephanie Sherrin - or at least, her character in the 2004 movie "Lenny the Wonder Dog" - has achieved instant fluency in multiple languages.
"I'm speaking a lot of languages," Sherrin laughed of her debut role in the film, which has been dubbed in numerous languages throughout the world.
Sherrin, a native of Coral Springs, Fla., has always had a passion for acting. Beginning in preschool, Sherrin developed her ardor in numerous school plays. When she reached high school, she signed with the Wilhelmina agency, combining modeling with acting in a variety of print advertisements and commercials.
Sherrin's beauty is evident when she walks through the door. It's difficult to ignore her striking auburn hair and piercing eyes. "She's drop-dead beautiful," said Josh Stolberg, director of Sherrin's second film "Kids in America."
"She really has a unique feel to her," Stolberg added.
Michael Winslow - who acted alongside Sherrin in "Lenny the Wonder Dog" - said the redhead resembles a young Julianne Moore.
Despite her eye-catching appearance, Sherrin does not come across as a typical Hollywood star. Though she is 19 years old, Sherrin projects the innocence of an adolescent, and is often cast alongside younger stars. During her modeling years, Sherrin was hired for Limited Too advertisements or cast alongside younger adults in movies like "Lenny the Wonder Dog."
According to Sherrin, "Kids in America" was her first opportunity to work with actors her own age.
"Kids" is a teen comedy that tackles serious issues like homosexuality and sex education with satirical comedy. In the film, Sherrin plays Charlotte Pratt, the love interest of Gregory Smith, star of the WB television show "Everwood." Together with the rest of the cast - including famous socialite Nicole Richie - the students unite to teach the school's principal a lesson.
"[The film] is interesting because it focuses on politics and freedom of speech," Sherrin said. "It has a message behind it."
Sherrin filmed "Kids" before entering Tufts in 2004. Forced to leave high school early for production, she took her AP exams in Los Angeles and flew home on a red-eye for her senior prom.
Though Sherrin was unable to attend her high school graduation, she is grateful for the opportunity to work on "Kids."
"It was a very surreal experience," Sherrin said. "Even now, watching commercials, it feels like it never happened."
Working 12-hour days, Sherrin finished filming in July, allowing her a short break before beginning her freshman year at Tufts. Though her manager wanted her to take a year off and pursue her acting career, Sherrin decided to make college her priority. "You can only get the experience [of college] once in your life," Sherrin said.
Though she is unable to go to as many auditions as her manager suggests, Sherrin still wants to work during the summers until she graduates.
Stolberg said he believes that her decision will only enhance the young actress' career. "I think far too often, young actors don't consider that one of the things that can make you a stronger performer is life experience - and college is certainly great life experience," he said. "[College is] the first time away from your family, a chance to challenge yourself socially, academically and creatively."
Though she is not taking additional acting classes, Sherrin uses her acting talent at Tufts via the Traveling Treasure Trunk, a group that combines theater and community service by performing for children around the Boston area. Sherrin became a "Trunker" this fall and hopes to continue over the next few years.
Sherrin's experience at Tufts is far from ordinary, though. While most students used Sunday to recuperate from Homecoming weekend, Sherrin flew to Los Angeles to attend the "Kids" premiere at the Egyptian Theater. Her twin brothers were her dates to the event.
After the film hits movie theaters, it may be hard for Sherrin to hide her fame. In the meantime, however, she remains modest. "I've gotten into the cycle of not telling people [about my movies]," she said.
Yet it's difficult to hide when there are posters and billboards with your name on them. Girls have approached Sherrin inquiring about her "make-out scene" with Smith, while guys have asked about Nicole Richie.
While these sorts of comments may bother some actors, Sherrin is flattered that people recognize her as an actress. "I know who my real friends are," Sherrin said. "And I know the people who just want Nicole Richie's phone number."
Sherrin believes "Kids" is the perfect jumpstart to her budding career, hoping the film will catch the attention of "at least one director." Though she is very modest about her talent, co-stars such as Chris Morris, who plays Chuck McGinn in "Kids," have grander expectations for her future.
"I don't think this will be the last movie that we see Steph in," Morris said. "She has a great career ahead of her."
Just don't expect Sherrin to become the next Lindsay Lohan: Sherrin wants to stay away from the average teen movie. She hopes to continue making films such as "Kids," which she said is "more than just a stupid slapstick comedy."
