It almost seemed too good to be true when Kate Bosworth, a champion equestrian, learned they were casting a movie about horses. Then 14, she heard of an open audition in New York for Robert Redford's film "The Horse Whisperer" and decided to try her luck.

Casting executives were amused when Kate handed them a family Christmas card photo in lieu of a standard head shot, and later were impressed by her talent. While her previous performing experience consisted of singing at county fairs in California and acting in a community theater production of "Annie," she won the role of the female lead's best friend and the chance to work with director/star Redford.

Bosworth was born in Los Angeles and moved with her parents to San Francisco at age 6, to Connecticut at 9, and to Cohasset, MA, at 14. Since landing the movie role, she has frequented more sound stages than ranches. Fearful that an early career would rob her of her childhood, she took 18 months off to live a normal life before opting to plunge into acting again. Last year, she landed the role of the bratty sister in the upcoming feature film "The Newcomers" and the part of a football co-captain's girlfriend in the upcoming Denzel Washington movie "Remember the Titans."

Currently a high school junior, she has maintained academic excellence and is an honor roll student and a member of the National Honor Society. Bosworth has volunteered her spare time with various non-profit organizations, including a Los Angeles program for physically challenged children who learn to ride horses with assistance, and is a Veteran member of the Appalachia Program.

In her off-hours, she enjoys spending time with her friends and family, as well as her cats, Louise and Dusty. She also plays Varsity soccer and lacrosse and hopes soon to "get back in the saddle again."

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