From Coppertone Kid to Red Carpet Regular – Jodie Foster Through the Years
Jodie Foster is one of the most celebrated actresses in Hollywood, known for her versatile performances and outstanding contributions to the film industry. Her talent and dedication have earned her widespread recognition, including two Academy Awards, three Golden Globe Awards, and three BAFTA Awards.
Her career as an actress began at a remarkably young age. At just three years old, she made her debut in the entertainment industry by appearing in a Coppertone commercial. This early glimpse of Foster’s talent and screen presence led to a string of subsequent roles in television shows and films. Notably, she demonstrated her exceptional acting abilities in movies like “Taxi Driver” and “The Little Girl Who Lives Down the Lane,” earning critical acclaim and establishing herself as a prodigious talent.
Foster’s exceptional range and maturity as a child actor set the stage for her remarkable career that would span decades and elevate her to the status of one of Hollywood’s most revered actresses. Here is a nostalgic look back at many of the iconic as well as lesser-known on-screen appearances made by this highly acclaimed performer.
Coppertone TV Commercial (1965 – Age 3)
It’s widely known among Jodie Foster fans that she got her start in a Coppertone sunscreen commercial when she was just a wee tot, but what you may not know is that it was actually her older brother Buddy who was supposed to audition for the role. The director was so taken in by young Jodie’s charms when she accompanied him and their mother to the audition, however, that she got the part instead, and her career was off and running at the ripe young age of three.
Mayberry R.F.D. (“The Church Play” 1968 – Age 6)
Jodie’s very first TV role was a guest appearance on “Mayberry R.F.D.”, where her big brother also starred alongside Ken Berry. This spin-off of “The Andy Griffith Show” ran for three seasons, and Jodie would appear in three episodes. This one, titled “The Church Play”, playing a fairy in an annual charity performance.
The Courtship of Eddie’s Father (“Bully for You” 1969 – Age 7)
From the late 1960’s into the early 1970’s, Jodie Foster would appear in a number of popular TV shows, including this first appearance in “The Courtship of Eddie’s Father” which would turn into a recurring role. She plays Joey Kelly, a classmate being raised by a single father. Unfortunately Joey demonstrates her affection for Eddie with kicks and punches, eventually knocking out one of Eddie’s teeth. Thankfully they work out their differences and become friends, and Jodie returns for four more episodes in Season Two.
Daniel Boone (“Bringing up Josh” 1970 – Age 8)
A year after her first appearance on “The Courtship of Eddie’s Father”, Jodie Foster would make her one and only appearance on the TV series, “Daniel Boone”, where she plays a young girl who, along with her brother, has been abandoned by her mother. Apparently her appetite hasn’t been affected by such tragic events, however, as evidenced by the plate of food she is working heartily at in this scene.
Bonanza (“A Place to Hide” 1972 – Age 10)
“Bonanza” was another series in which she appeared only once, in this Season 13 episode where she plays a young girl named Bluebird, the daughter of a Confederate officer whose wife turns to Ben for a place for the two of them to stay. Of course, the Cartwright men were all instantly enchanted by this little girl with the long blond hair and big blue eyes.
Napoleon and Samantha (1972 – Age 10)
Jodie Foster’s first film role came with this Disney vehicle from 1972, when she was just 10 years old. Starring alongside Johnny Whitaker of “Family Affair” fame, young Jodie plays the title role as Napoleon’s best friend who runs away with him and his pet lion after his grandfather dies. During filming, Jodie was grabbed by the lion and carried a short distance; to this day she still has scars from the attack on her back.
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The Partridge Family (“The Eleven-Year Itch” 1973 – Age 11)
1973 was a busy year for Miss Foster, with a movie, a 16-episode animated series (“The Addams Family), and several guest appearances on various television shows, including this Season Three episode of “The Partridge Family”. She plays Julie, the daughter of Shirley’s boyfriend (played by Bert Convy), and while visiting the Partridges she develops a serious crush on Danny, becoming relentless in her pursuit of her newfound redheaded dreamboat.
Paper Moon (1974 – Age 12)
Foster’s first starring role in a TV series would come in 1974, with the small-screen adaptation of the hit movie “Paper Moon”, which starred Ryan O’Neal and Tatum O’Neal. In this TV version, the long blonde hair is gone, and adopts a tomboyish look for this short-lived Depression-era series in which she and her father (played by Christopher Connelly) travel the roads of America selling bibles.
Taxi Driver (1976 – Age 13)
Just two years later, Jodie would find herself starring in a much different type of role, playing a 13-year-old prostitute named Iris opposite Robert De Niro in “Taxi Driver”. Because of her young age, she was required to undergo a psychiatric assessment before she could do the film, and her older sister Connie acted as her stand-in for sexually suggestive scenes. The film received four Academy Award nominations, including Jodie’s for Best Supporting Actress.
The Little Girl Who Lives Down the Lane (1976 – Age 13)
The same year, a Canadian-French thriller titled “The Little Girl Who Lives Down the Lane” starred Jodie Foster opposite Martin Sheen, who played the creepy pedophile neighbor making advances toward Foster’s character. This was another film which used Jodie’s older sister as a body double for nude scenes. It was also the first top-billed lead role in a major motion picture for Jodie Foster.
Freaky Friday (1976 – Age 13)
Yet another major film for Jodie Foster, Disney’s “Freaky Friday” starred the young actress along with Barbara Harris as a mother-daughter duo who find themselves suddenly in each other’s bodies after each wishing they could have just one day as the other person. It’s a classic case of “be careful what you wish for!” The role earned both actresses a Golden Globe nomination.
Candleshoe (1977 – Age 15)
In 1977, Jodie Foster travels across the pond to England for another Disney film, “Candleshoe”, also starring David Niven and Helen Hayes. In it she plays an orphan masquerading as the daughter of a con man, and together the two of them try to find a fortune in Spanish doubloons hidden by a pirate centuries earlier. This was the last movie Foster would appear in for the next three years, when she would transition into more adult roles upon turning 18.
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Foxes (1980 – Age 18)
“Foxes” is a poignant coming-of-age drama directed by Adrian Lyne in 1980. The film follows the lives of a group of teenage girls living in Los Angeles, navigating the challenges and pressures of adolescence. Jodie Foster delivers a captivating performance as Jeanie, a rebellious and street-smart young girl who tries to protect her troubled best friend, played by Cherie Currie. Foster’s portrayal of Jeanie showcases her incredible talent and range as an actress, capturing the complexities and vulnerability of her character. Her performance in “Foxes” solidified her status as a rising star in Hollywood.
Carny (1980 – Age 18)
Jodie Foster’s other role for 1980 is the indie film, “Carny”, which also stars Gary Busey and Robbie Robertson. Miss Foster plays a waitress who’s bored with small town life and joins a traveling carnival as a backup dancer. The film delves into the underbelly of carnival life, portraying its captivating allure, gritty realities, and the compelling characters who inhabit this unique and insular world. As the carnival makes its way through the South, the characters grapple with love, jealousy, and the challenges of their unconventional lifestyle.
The Hotel New Hampshire (1984 – Age 22)
Based on the John Irving novel, “The Hotel New Hampshire” features an all-star cast including Rob Lowe, Matthew Modine, Wilford Brimley, Beau Bridges, Seth Green, and of course, Jodie Foster – among others. This quirky film filled with oddball characters centers around the Berry family and the hotel they are running for a friend in Vienna (NOT New Hampshire). It was one of several movies that Ms. Foster filmed during breaks from her classes at Yale.
Five Corners (1987 – Age 25)
In the 1987 indie film “Five Corners,” set in the Bronx in the 1960s, the lives of several characters intersect in a gritty tale of love, revenge, and redemption. John Turturro plays a psycho who gets out of prison for attempted rape, and comes after Linda (played by Jodie Foster), his intended victim which sent him to prison in the first place. Tim Robbins is the friend who tried to protect her the first time, but he’s now a pacifist who may not be able to help. The film garnered Foster a win for Best Female Lead at the 4th Independent Spirit Awards.
The Accused (1988 – Age 26)
One of Foster’s most widely-known roles is her Academy Award-winning performance in the 1988 legal drama, “The Accused”, about a young woman who is gang-raped at a local bar while several others watch and cheer. The film was based on a true story, and also stars Kelly McGillis as the District Attorney assigned to the case. Foster credits the film for revitalizing her career, having stated that if it had not done well, she was considering leaving acting forever.
The Silence of the Lambs (1991 – Age 29)
In what is perhaps the most well-known performance of her career, Jodie Foster (along with Anthony Hopkins as Hannibal Lecter) delivers a smash hit as Clarice Starling in the 1991 film, “The Silence of the Lambs”. This horror thriller, based on the Thomas Harris novel of the same name, grossed over $270 million worldwide, and is the only horror film EVER to win an Academy Award for Best Picture. It also swept all five of the major categories at the Oscars, including Ms. Foster’s second for Best Actress.
Maverick (1994 – Age 32)
At age 32, Jodie travels back to the Old West for 1994’s “Maverick”, where she starred alongside Mel Gibson and James Garner for the movie based on the TV series. Playing con artist and professional poker player Annabelle Bransford, Ms. Foster gets pretty dolled up for this one. It was a role she accepted at the last minute after Meg Ryan dropped out, and one which helped to forge a friendship between her and Mel Gibson – a friendship that continues to this day.
Nell (1994 – Age 32)
The 1994 film “Nell” stars Jodie Foster as the titular character, a young woman who grew up isolated in the Appalachian mountains, speaking her own unique language. When Nell’s mother passes away, a psychologist (Liam Neeson) and a doctor (Natasha Richardson) are called in to assess her. As they try to understand and integrate Nell into society, Jodie Foster’s performance shines as she skillfully portrays the complexities of a woman caught between two worlds, capturing Nell’s innocence, vulnerability, and strength. Foster’s emotionally charged performance elevates the film, earning her critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination.
Contact (1997 – Age 35)
After a three-year absence from the Big Screen, Jodie Foster returns in 1997 to star in the sci-fi drama, “Contact”. She plays Dr. Eleanor “Ellie” Arroway, a SETI scientist who finds evidence of extraterrestrial life and is determined to make contact, despite the roadblocks she encounters along the way. While the film is based on the novel by Carl Sagan, the character of Dr. Arroway is based on real-life astronomer Dr. Jill Tarter, who Ms. Foster met while researching her role. The star-studded cast includes Matthew McConaughey, David Morse, Tom Skerritt, James Woods, John Hurt, and others.
Anna and the King (1999 – Age 37)
In the 1999 film “Anna and the King,” Jodie Foster plays a British schoolteacher named Anna Leonowens, who travels to Siam to tutor the royal children of King Mongkut. As Anna and the King clash over cultural differences and social norms, they gradually develop a mutual respect and understanding. Set against a backdrop of political intrigue and romance, the film explores themes of tradition, imperialism, and the struggle for modernization. Through lavish production design and powerful performances, especially by Jodie Foster and Chow Yun-fat as King Mongkut, “Anna and the King” is a captivating tale of unlikely friendship and personal growth, and would be Foster’s final film of the 1990s.
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Panic Room (2002 – Age 40)
Jodie Foster shines as the lead star in the 2002 thriller, “Panic Room”, also starring a young Kristen Stewart, as well as Forest Whitaker, Jared Leto, and country singer Dwight Yoakam. Once again, it was a last-minute casting for Foster, after Nicole Kidman had to drop out due to an injury, and Foster had just a week to prepare for her role. Interestingly, she became pregnant during shooting, so filming had to be suspended until after she gave birth. Grossing over $30 million in its opening weekend, it became the most successful film opening of Foster’s career.
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Flightplan (2005 – Age 43)
Foster returned a few years later with another blockbuster, “Flightplan”. This one has her playing a widow flying back to the U.S. from Berlin with her daughter, who goes missing during the flight. As Foster’s character frantically searches for her missing child, she encounters skepticism from the crew and passengers, leading to a tense and suspenseful journey to uncover the truth. Blending elements of mystery and psychological thriller, “Flightplan” keeps viewers on the edge of their seats as secrets unravel and tensions escalate onboard the aircraft.
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The Brave One (2007 – Age 45)
A few years later, Jodie Foster would star in a much less successful thriller, “The Brave One”, playing radio host Erica Bain who, along with her fiancé, is attacked by three men while walking her dog in Central Park. The fiancé dies from his injuries, and Foster’s character buys a gun and becomes a vigilante. It’s a loose remake of “Death Wish”, and though it was a box-office bomb, the film did earn her a Golden Globe nomination, and it’s scoring a 4.6 out of 5 on Amazon – not bad!
The Beaver (2011 – Age 49)
Jodie Foster and Mel Gibson team up again in 2011 for “The Beaver”, which Foster also directed. Gibson plays a depressed executive who communicates with his family and colleagues through a beaver hand puppet. Unfortunately, the film’s release coincided with a whole host of legal and personal issues for Gibson, which helped seal the film’s fate as a box-office flop, grossing just $7.3 million against its $21 million budget.
Elysium (2013 – Age 51)
Just two years later, Jodie Foster returns to the screen for the 2013 sci-fi blockbuster, “Elysium”, starring Matt Damon in the lead role. Foster shines as Defense Secretary Delacourt, a powerful and manipulative official living on a luxurious space habitat called Elysium. Foster embodies the character with icy determination and sophistication as Delacourt seeks to maintain the strict divisions between the elite residents of Elysium and the impoverished population left to suffer on Earth. Jodie Foster’s compelling performance as Secretary Delacourt elevates the tension and moral ambiguity in “Elysium,” creating a memorable antagonist in a dystopian world.
Hotel Artemis (2018 – Age 56)
After a five-year absence from the big screen, Jodie Foster returns as Jean “The Nurse” Thomas in the 2018 dystopian thriller “Hotel Artemis”, which also starred Sterling K. Brown and Jeff Goldblum. Set in a riot-torn future Los Angeles, Jodie Foster’s character runs a secret, members-only hospital for criminals. The film follows a night at the Hotel Artemis as The Nurse navigates a chaotic situation involving dangerous patients, a heist gone wrong, and a looming threat from the outside. Despite the fact that it was a box-office bomb, Jodie was praised by critics for her performance.
The Mauritanian (2021 – Age 59)
In 2021, Jodie Foster starred in the legal drama, “The Mauritanian”, which was based on the memoir of a man being held at Guantanamo Bay for 14 years without a charge. Foster played the man’s lawyer, along with Shailene Woodley as her assistant. Foster’s performance in the film is sensational, earning her a Golden Globe award for Best Supporting Actress.
Nyad (2023 – Age 61)
Jodie Foster kicked off her 60’s with a supporting role in the Netflix biopic “Nyad”. The film stars
Annette Bening as Diana Nyad, a swimmer who seeks to complete a 110-mile nonstop swim from Cuba to Florida, a feat she had unsuccessfully attempted thirty years prior. Foster plays Bonnie Stoll, Nyad’s best friend and former partner, who steps in as her trainer. The film and its actors received numerous accolades, including a Oscar nomination and Golden Globe win for Foster.
True Detective (2024 – Age 62)
Jodie Foster’s latest role was as police chief Liz Danvers in Season Four of the HBO crime drama, “True Detective”, where she and fellow detective Evangeline Navarro (Kali Reis) investigate the disappearance of eight men from a research station outside a small town in Alaska. This six-episode season of the popular anthology series received widespread critical acclaim, the most since the first season.
In conclusion, Jodie Foster’s illustrious career as an actress has left an indelible mark on the film industry. From her early childhood roles in both television and film, followed by critically acclaimed performances in movies like “The Silence of the Lambs”, “Nell”, and “Panic Room,” Foster has showcased versatility and depth in her roles. Her transition into directing further solidified her impact, reflecting a multifaceted talent. Throughout her career, Foster has embodied a wide range of complex characters, cementing her status as a cinematic icon. Her unwavering dedication to her craft and the legacy of memorable performances will continue to inspire and resonate for generations to come.
