Evan Rachel Wood Age During Filming of Thirteen
Evan Rachel Wood was born on September 7, 1987, which means she was 15 years old when principal photography for Thirteen began in early 2002. The film is set in Los Angeles and follows the rapid descent of a young teenager into substance abuse and crime. Her casting as Tracy Freeland drew attention because of her real age and prior work in television and film.
The project was developed by Catherine Hardwicke, who also directed the film, and written by Hardwicke and Nikki Reed, who also starred as Evie Zamora. Production company Fox Searchlight Pictures backed the independent drama, which used a relatively small budget compared with major studio releases. The movie premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2003 and was released theatrically in the United States shortly afterward.
Cast, Characters, and On-Set Details
The main cast included Evan Rachel Wood as Tracy Freeland, Nikki Reed as Evie Zamora, and Holly Hunter as Tracy's mother, Melanie Freeland. Other key roles were played by Jeremy Sisto, Deborah Kara Unger, Kip Pardue, and D.W. Moffett, with several actors portraying classmates and authority figures in Tracy's life.
Behind the camera, the crew included cinematographer Elliot Davis, editor Arya Shahi, and composer Mark Snow. The production design aimed for a realistic look at contemporary teenage life in Los Angeles, using locations that matched the story's setting. Casting director Francine Maisler worked with the directors to select actors whose ages aligned with the characters they portrayed.
Reception, Awards, and Career Impact
Thirteen received critical attention for its unflinching portrayal of adolescent risk behaviors, with reviewers discussing the performances of the young leads and the intensity of the screenplay. Evan Rachel Wood earned nominations and recognition from several award bodies, and the film is often cited in discussions of teen-focused dramas from the early 2000s.
After Thirteen, Evan Rachel Wood continued acting in film and television, later taking on prominent roles in series and genre projects. She has also been involved in music and advocacy, using her public profile to speak about personal experiences and industry issues. The film remains a notable credit in her filmography and a reference point for discussions about youth-oriented storytelling in Hollywood.