SMCHS Grad in 'Soul Surfer' Movie

Kelly Crean looks the part of a Hollywood actress— 5-foot-10, flowing blond hair, bright smile—but says it's her dedication and hard work that led to stardom.

“I don’t care about the fame, it is all about the work behind the scenes that I love and that’s what truly makes me want to be a part of filmmaking,” the 36-year-old Laguna Hills resident said. 

On Friday night, she attended a screening of Soul Surfer, in which she plays a reporter, at Aliso Viejo's Edwards Stadium theaters. She signed autographs afterward and spoke with Patch about her film, unusual career path and O.C. upbringing.

The granddaughter of late RV mogul John Crean, she grew up in San Clemente, attending Santa Margarita Catholic High School. The entertainment industry began calling when she was 16.

Stan Freberg, a radio comedian and family friend, gave Crean her big break, casting her in one of his Encyclopedia Britannica commercials.

“I worked for a lot of long hours on it," she recalled. "I only had a short time on camera, but I didn’t care because I loved every part of it.”

Crean attended The Actors Workshop in Laguna Hills, where she said she learned “the ins and outs of the business.” After obtaining a bachelor’s degree in film and television at Chapman University, she landed a variety of roles in movies and television, such as “Bratz: The Movie,” “Port Charles” and “Days of Our Lives.”

Her newly released family film, “Soul Surfer,” has received a tidal wave of attention. Starring Carrie Underwood, Helen Hunt and Dennis Quaid, it tells the story of Bethany Hamilton, a world-renowned teenage surfer who loses her arm after a shark attack. Crean plays a reporter who tries to land an interview with the teen.

“This is definitely the biggest film I have done so far,” Crean said during the autograph signing. “This movie was such an inspiration to make. I got to meet Bethany and her family and they are amazing people. It is a great family film.” 

Viewers at the screening came for a variety of reasons.

"I never like going to the opening night of a film but our pastor told us about this movie and we all came with our teenage children,” said Janet Turner, a member of Calvary Chapel San Juan Capistrano.

Julie Scott, an 11-year-old Aliso Viejo resident, said, “I am learning how to surf and I want to be as good as Bethany.”

Crean, who co-owns the Orange County Bicycle Service and Garage in Laguna Hills, doesn't seem to mind living so far from the Hollywood scene, joking that she still can make it to work faster than most of her colleagues.

“Actors I know who live in Los Angeles have to commute two hours to get around each city and to the studios,” she said.

 Crean also offered a bit of advice for anyone considering a career in show business.

“Don’t quit your day job," she said. "It is not true that in order to be a Hollywood actor you need to pack up your belongings and become a waitress."

Crean said she is uncertain about future acting parts, but she is preparing for another role, one she considers biggest of her life.

In May, she's marrying Corey LaFrance, with whom she co-owns the Laguna Hills bike shop. “I am really looking forward to that—and the Bahamas,” she said.