Dakota Fanning Turns 13!

It's official. Dakota Fanning is 13. Where has the time gone? It seems like only yesterday that she made her acting debut, in a laundry detergent commercial. Since that time, Dakota has appeared in more than fifteen movies, made many TV guest appearances and done additional commercials and voiceovers.

Dakota was born Hannah Dakota Fanning, on February 23^rd, in Conyers Georgia. She has a younger sister, Elle, who is also an actress. Dakota has plans to act for the rest of her life.

Her agent will tell you that Dakota has not lost the magic of a young star, like so many other children who have had successful acting careers. She remains humble and down to earth. No wonder she has so many loyal fans.

Dakota got her big break, in the touching movie, 'I Am Sam'. In this role, Dakota played the daughter of a mentally challenged man, who was forced to prove he was competent to raise her. She won an award, for her effort.

She has also had roles in such blockbuster hits such as: 'The Cat In The Hat', Man On Fire', 'Hide and Seek' and 'War of the Worlds'.

Even with her busy schedule, Dakota still finds time to do the things she loves. She is, in fact, a girl of many talents.

Dakota loves to read and has been doing so since the tender age of two. Charlotte's Web, Nancy Drew, Harry Potter and Lemony Snicket, are some of her favorites.

She actually carries a book of baby names with her wherever she goes and always asks the name of the character she will be playing, as soon as she lands a new movie role.

Dakota also enjoys playing the violin, knitting, staying up late and watching old comedy shows, and spend time with her horse, Goldie.

Two of her upcoming movies are:

'Hurricane Mary'- The poignant, true, story of an American Mothers fight to allow her severely disabled twin daughters to attend public school.

'Winged Creatures'- A group of strangers, who survive a savage restaurant murder, try to understand their mortality and how they fit in society. Based on an adaptation of Roy Freirich's, debut novel.

No telling what Dakota received on this milestone birthday. Previous gifts include: a doll resembling the character she played in 'Hide and Seek', from Robert DeNiro himself and a cell phone from Tom Cruise, when she turned eleven.

Happy Birthday, Dakota... from yet another fan.