Louisville, Ky. (WHAS11) - Mel Gibson, Jodie Foster and Matthew McConaughey-all A-list celebrities and all famous stars that Louisville native Jennifer Lawrence has worked with.
This up and coming young actress is making a name for herself in her new independent movie Winter's Bone. There is even some Oscar buzz surrounding her performance and the film.
But on her brief trip back home to Louisville, the 19-year-old actress was all about the kids who have been through similar hardships like her character in the movie. In the movie Winter's Bone, Lawrence plays a young girl looking for her drug dealing father.
Lawrence made a trip to Bellewood. It's a home for kids ages 13 to 18 who are wards of the state. Some will never go back to their families others are working towards that goal.
Lawrence talked to the kids about her dreams and how they can reach their own. She says taking no for an answer is not an option. Her inspirational story left many of the kids with questions, smiles and a new outlook on what's ahead in their own futures.
The young starlet grew up in Louisville and went to Kammerer Middle School in the city's east end. She was going to go on to Ballard High School but decided that the entertainment world was calling.
Instead she opted for being home schooled and got her degree in two years. After that is was on to New York and then Hollywood where the 19-year-old now has her own home.
"I've been incredibly blessed. But I have also worked very hard. Hopefully it teaches them to not take no for an answer and tell them to keep going until you get what you want," says Lawrence.
Her movie premiered Sunday night in Louisville and the proceeds went back to Bellewood.
Lawrence will star alongside Jodie Foster in a new movie due out this fall.
