Nikki Reed entered the film industry as both a writer and actor with the 2003 release of Thirteen, a project she co-wrote with director Catherine Hardwicke in just six days. This debut established a career trajectory marked by varied involvement in independent cinema, mainstream franchises, and entrepreneurial ventures beyond her work in front of the camera.
Early Career and Thirteen
Born in West Los Angeles in 1988, Reed moved out of her mother's home at age 14. Her collaboration with Catherine Hardwicke resulted in the semi-autobiographical drama Thirteen, where she was eventually cast due to the difficulty of finding a young actress willing to portray such an uncomfortable role. The film garnered critical attention, leading to her recognition at the 19th Independent Spirit Awards and an invitation to host the Young Hollywood Awards.
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Reed became widely recognized for her portrayal of Rosalie Hale in the international hit series The Twilight Saga, spanning from 2008 to 2012. Outside of this franchise, she appeared in Lords of Dogtown and the 2006 film Mini's First Time, the latter featuring a complex character who plots her own mother's murder. Her filmography includes credits such as Catch .44, Downers Grove, Pawn, and the sports comedy Balls Out. In 2019, she also appeared in an episode of the television series Dollface.
Music, Directing, and Entrepreneurship
Expanding into music, Reed recorded the song Now That I've Found You with her former husband, Paul McDonald, and contributed to the soundtrack of The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2. She has directed music videos, including one for a friend in London in 2009 and another for the band Hanson in 2013. In 2017, she co-founded BaYou With Love, a sustainable jewelry company that utilizes recycled technology from Dell.
Fast facts
- Born: 1988, West Los Angeles
- Citizenship: United States
- Notable work: The Twilight Saga
- Award: Young Hollywood Awards
- Education: Alexander Hamilton High School
- Religion: Judaism
Questions readers ask
What was Nikki Reed's breakout role?
She rose to prominence in 2003 by starring in and co-writing the film Thirteen.
Did Nikki Reed attend college?
She earned a high school diploma through homeschooling after dropping out of Alexander Hamilton High School.
What is BaYou With Love?
It is a sustainable jewelry brand co-founded by Reed in 2017 that processes recycled technology into accessories.
Achievements
- Notable work: Mini's First Time
- Notable work: Sleepy Hollow
- Worked as television actor, film actor and actor
