Brie Larson: Biography, Success Story, Captain Marvel

Brie Larson’s biography is a captivating success story that traces her evolution from a young aspiring actress in Sacramento to an award-winning star in Hollywood. A series of transformative roles, critical acclaim, and a steadfast commitment to social advocacy mark her life story. Larson’s dedication to her craft and ability to portray complex characters have made her a standout figure in the film industry, inspiring many with her achievements and resilience.

Early Life

Brianne Sidonie Desaulniers, known professionally as Brie Larson, was born in Sacramento, California, on October 1, 1989. Her parents, Heather, and Sylvain Desaulniers, operated their practice together as homeopathic chiropractors. Brie has a sister named Milaine. Her father is of Franco-Manitoban descent, and French was her first language. She holds dual citizenship in Canada and the United States. Being primarily home-schooled allowed Larson to engage in creative and unique experiences from a young age.

At six years old, Larson developed an interest in acting, inspired by watching Jennifer Lopez in Selena (1997). That same year, she auditioned for and was accepted into a training program at the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco, becoming the youngest student in the program. During summers, she wrote and directed home movies with her cousins in her garage, demonstrating her early passion for storytelling and performance.

When Larson was seven, her parents divorced. She described her relationship with her father as challenging, feeling that he was not fully engaged as a parent. Shortly after the divorce, her mother moved the family to Los Angeles to support Brie’s acting ambitions. They lived in a small one-room apartment near the Hollywood studio lots in Burbank, facing financial difficulties. Despite these hardships, Larson fondly remembers this period and credits her mother for her unwavering support.

Due to the difficulty pronouncing her birth name, Larson chose the stage name Larson, inspired by her Swedish great-grandmother and a childhood American Girl doll named Kirsten Larson. Her first acting role was in a parody commercial for Barbie titled “Malibu Mudslide Barbie” on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno in 1998. She then appeared in guest roles on various television series, including Touched by an Angel and Popular. In 2000, Larson was cast in the Fox sitcom Schimmel, but the show was canceled before it aired following the diagnosis of its star, Robert Schimmel, with cancer.

Career

2001–2008: Early Work and Music Career

Brie Larson’s first significant role was as Emily, the younger daughter of Bob Saget’s character, in the WB sitcom Raising Dad. The show aired for one season during the 2001–02 television period and received mixed reviews, with some critics noting the cast’s lighthearted performances. Following this, Larson was cast in the ABC sitcom Hope & Faith. However, after an unaired pilot, she and several other cast members were replaced.

In 2003, Larson starred alongside Beverley Mitchell in the Disney Channel film Right on Track, inspired by the drag racing sisters Erica and Courtney Enders. She also played minor roles in the 2004 comedies Sleepover and 13 Going on 30.

Larson’s interest in music began at eleven when she learned to play the guitar. Encouraged by a music executive, she started writing songs and recording and sharing them on her website. After not securing the role of Wendy Darling in the 2003 film Peter Pan, she wrote and recorded the song “Invisible Girl,” which was played on KIIS-FM. This led to a record deal with Tommy Mottola’s Casablanca Records, making her one of the label’s few artists alongside Lindsay Lohan at the time.

It’s very scary to allow the world to see you.

Brie Larson

In 2005, Larson released Finally Out of P.E., co-writing songs with Blair Daly, Pam Sheyne, Lindy Robbins, and Holly Brook. The album title referenced a gym teacher she disliked, and the songs largely focused on missed job opportunities. Her single “She Said” was featured on the MTV show Total Request Live, appeared on Billboard‘s weekly most-played video list, and reached number 31 on the Billboard Hot Single Sales. Larson toured with Jesse McCartney for Teen People’s “Rock in Shop” mall concerts, opened for him during his Beautiful Soul tour, and performed at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. Despite these efforts, the album sold only 3,500 copies. Larson later expressed frustration with her music career, noting that she wanted creative control and a more casual image, which conflicted with the recording company’s vision.

In 2006, Larson starred alongside Logan Lerman and Cody Linley in the comedy film Hoot, which followed young activists trying to protect a group of owls. While the film received poor reviews overall, Ruthe Stein of the San Francisco Chronicle praised Larson and Linley for bringing “a dash of Indiana Jones” to their roles.¹ The next year, she had a minor part in the drama Remember the Daze starring Amber Heard and launched an arts and literature magazine, Bunnies and Traps. Larson wrote opinion pieces in this magazine and accepted submissions from other artists and writers. During this period, she often considered leaving acting due to the scarcity of roles, attributing it to filmmakers’ reluctance to typecast her. She was particularly disheartened after not landing key roles in Thirteen and Juno. To support herself, Larson worked as a club DJ.

2009–2014: Independent Films and Breakthrough

In 2009, Brie Larson took on the role of Kate Gregson in the Showtime comedy-drama series United States of Tara. She replaced Portia Doubleday after the pilot and received praise for portraying a genuine teenager, with critics highlighting her nuanced performance. Larson felt a personal connection to her character’s search for meaning and was disappointed when the show ended after three seasons in 2011. That same year, she starred alongside Rooney Mara in the coming-of-age film Tanner Hall. Although Larson was not fond of the movie, she was commended by the Los Angeles Times for delivering one of its funniest moments. Additionally, she appeared in House Broken as a scatterbrained cheerleader and in Just Peck as a popular high school student.

In 2010, Larson performed in Thornton Wilder’s play Our Town at the Williamstown Theatre Festival, playing Emily Webb. The production received mixed reviews, with some critics feeling it overlooked the play’s darker elements. That year, she also appeared in Noah Baumbach’s Greenberg and Edgar Wright’s Scott Pilgrim vs. the World. Her role as Envy Adams in Scott Pilgrim marked a significant turning point, featuring her performance of “Black Sheep” with the band Metric. Although the film did not perform well at the box office, it gained a cult following.

Larson continued her film career with Rampart in 2011, portraying the troubled daughter of Woody Harrelson’s corrupt police officer. The intense scenes in the film led the director to develop the father-daughter dynamic further based on Larson’s compelling performance. In 2012, she expanded into filmmaking by co-writing and co-directing the short film The Arm, which won a special jury prize at the Sundance Film Festival. She also starred in the poorly received drama The Trouble with Bliss and played Molly in the commercially successful 21 Jump Street alongside Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum. The film grossed over $200 million worldwide, significantly increasing Larson’s visibility.

Collaborating with Dustin Bowser, Larson co-wrote and co-directed the short film Weighting in 2013, showcased at South by Southwest. Her breakthrough came with the independent drama Short Term 12, where she played Grace, the supervisor of a group home for troubled teenagers. Larson’s preparation for the role included interacting with staff at children’s homes and watching interviews of individuals in similar positions. The film, made with a budget under $1 million, received critical acclaim, with reviewers praising Larson’s authentic and powerful performance. She was nominated for the Independent Spirit Award for Best Female Lead and chose to decline roles that portrayed her as merely a love interest.

In 2013, Larson also had supporting roles in the romantic dramas Don Jon and The Spectacular Now. In Don Jon, she played the main character’s sister, earning praise from Rolling Stone for her terrific performance. In The Spectacular Now, she portrayed Cassidy, the ex-girlfriend of Miles Teller’s character, with critics commending the depth and intelligence she brought to the role. In 2014, Larson appeared in the crime drama The Gambler, where she played a literature student involved in an affair with Mark Wahlberg’s character. While her talent was recognized, the role was considered underwritten, leaving her with limited screen time.

2015–2019: Established Actress

In 2015, Brie Larson had three film releases. She first appeared in Digging for Fire, an ensemble comedy-drama starring Jake Johnson. The film was largely improvised, allowing Larson to make several decisions about her character, including eliminating a planned romantic subplot with Johnson’s character. She then portrayed the sister of Amy Schumer’s character in the comedy Trainwreck, loosely inspired by Schumer’s life. Critics described the film as a skillful mix of humor, romance, and emotional depth, noting Larson as lively but slightly underutilized. Trainwreck was a commercial success, earning over $140 million against its $35 million budget.

Following the success of Room, Larson starred in Free Fire (2016), an action-comedy centered around a shootout in a warehouse. She chose the role to highlight issues of gun violence. Despite critical remarks praising her ability to command scenes, the film did not perform well financially, failing to recover its $7 million budget. Larson also filmed a role in Todd Solondz’s Wiener-Dog, but her scenes were ultimately removed from the final version.

In 2017, Larson joined the MonsterVerse franchise with Kong: Skull Island, playing a photojournalist in the 1970s. Filmed in Vietnam, this was her first major mainstream blockbuster. While she appreciated playing a character not solely defined by her appearance, she expressed disappointment over the limited presence of female co-stars. The film was a commercial hit, grossing over $566 million worldwide.

Later that year, Larson portrayed Jeannette Walls in The Glass Castle, an adaptation of Walls’ memoir. The film explored the complex relationship between Walls and her unconventional parents, played by Woody Harrelson and Naomi Watts. Larson was attracted to the film’s themes of forgiveness and worked closely with Walls and her family to capture their dynamics. Although the film received mixed reviews, Larson’s performance was noted for its strength. She also starred in Basmati Blues, a musical romance set in India, which faced criticism for its portrayal of cultural themes.

In 2017, Larson made her feature film directorial debut with Unicorn Store, a comedy-drama about a disillusioned art student fascinated by unicorns. Initially unable to secure a role in the project, she was later offered to both direct and star in it after production delays. The film was released at the Toronto International Film Festival and later distributed digitally by Netflix in 2019. While some critics were unfavorable towards the film, Larson’s potential as a filmmaker was acknowledged.

After a year-long hiatus, Larson starred as Carol Danvers/Captain Marvel in the 2019 Marvel Studios film Captain Marvel, the first female-led film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Initially hesitant to take on the high-profile role, she was inspired by the opportunity to empower young women and related to the character’s flaws and humanity. Larson underwent extensive judo, boxing, and wrestling training, and engaged with service personnel to prepare for the role. Critics praised her performance, highlighting her ability to convey the character’s struggle for independence. Captain Marvel became the first female-led superhero film to gross over $1 billion worldwide. Larson also reprised her role in Avengers: Endgame, which briefly became the highest-grossing film of all time with a worldwide gross of $2.79 billion.

In the same year, Larson collaborated again with Destin Daniel Cretton in Just Mercy, a film based on Bryan Stevenson’s memoir about Walter McMillian’s wrongful conviction. She played Eva Ansley, an advocate for the Equal Justice Initiative, bringing depth to the supporting role. Critics noted her ability to convey defensiveness and complexity in her character.

2020–Present: Brief Hiatus and Career Expansion

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Brie Larson chose to step away from acting, feeling that the roles available to her were too similar to her character in Room. She engaged in personal projects like podcasting and vlogging to realign her focus. In 2020, Larson produced and appeared in an episode of The Messy Truth VR Experience, a virtual reality series developed by Van Jones. This collaboration earned them the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Original Interactive Program.

In 2022, Larson reprised as Captain Marvel for the Avengers Assemble: Flight Force attraction at Disneyland Paris and the Avengers: Quantum Encounter ride on the Disney Wish cruise ship. She collaborated with Disney+ on two projects: she developed, directed, and presented the documentary series Growing Up and took the lead in the augmented reality short film Remembering. Additionally, Larson voiced the character Paradigm in the popular online game Fortnite Battle Royale. At the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, she was honored to serve as a jury member.

After a hiatus of over three years, Larson returned to the screen with the action film Fast X (2023), the tenth installment in the Fast & Furious franchise. Paste’s Kevin Fox Jr. commented that she “shines when on screen but feels wasted in a surprisingly small role.”² Larson continued her portrayal of Captain Marvel in the sequel The Marvels. The film received mixed reviews and did not achieve the same box office success as its predecessor. She also lent her voice to Envy Adams in the animated series Scott Pilgrim Takes Off and was the guest narrator for Disney’s 2023 Candlelight Processional at Disneyland.

Larson collaborated with producer Lee Eisenberg to adapt Bonnie Garmus’s novel Lessons in Chemistry into a miniseries for Apple TV+, released in 2023. The series centers on Elizabeth Zott, a chemist who starts hosting a feminist cooking show in 1960s America. As an executive producer, Larson invested two years in developing the project, appreciating the opportunity to prepare for her character alongside the show’s creation deeply. Ross McIndoe of Slant Magazine praised Larson’s “commanding presence” and ability to portray Zott without turning her into a “caricature.”³ Her performance earned her nominations for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress and the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Miniseries.

Looking ahead, Larson is set to make her West End theatre debut in 2025, taking on the title role in Sophocles’ tragedy Elektra.

Advocacy

Brie Larson is a passionate advocate for gender equality and supports survivors of sexual assault. She leverages her public influence to address various social and political issues, stating, “I’d put it all on the line and be an activist for the rest of my life because it doesn’t feel right to me to be quiet.”⁴ After Lady Gaga‘s powerful performance at the 2016 Academy Awards, where several sexual abuse survivors joined her on stage, Larson warmly embraced each of them as they left. The following year, during the Best Actor presentation, Larson chose not to applaud Casey Affleck amid multiple sexual harassment allegations against him. Instead, she offered him a hug, believing her actions would convey her stance without words.

In 2018, Larson collaborated with 300 women in Hollywood to launch the Time's Up initiative, aimed at protecting women from harassment and discrimination in the industry. That same year, she became one of the first actors to include an inclusion rider in her films and press events contracts, ensuring better representation. During a 2019 interview, Larson criticized the lack of diversity among film critics and journalists, describing them as "overwhelmingly white male," and advocated for increased diversity within the industry.⁵ This remark led to significant backlash, including trolling and negative reviews targeting the Captain Marvel page on Rotten Tomatoes.⁶

In 2014, Larson joined forces with Alia Penner to create Women of Cinefamily, a monthly program highlighting films directed by and featuring women under the nonprofit Cinefamily. Serving on the advisory board, she publicly supported victims and called for action against male executives accused of sexual assault within the organization. In 2016, Larson became a Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences member and was later shortlisted for its board of governors.

In 2017, Larson contributed to fundraising efforts for the Motion Picture & Television Fund, a charity assisting elderly industry members. She also co-hosted an event for Women in Film, where she encouraged filmmakers to oppose Donald Trump’s presidency. Additionally, she participated in the Women’s March in Washington, speaking out against Trump’s policies on transgender rights. At the 2018 Women in Film Crystal + Lucy Awards, Larson expressed disappointment over the limited diversity among film reporters and pushed for better representation of minority voices in film criticism. She introduced a twenty-percent quota for underrepresented journalists at both the Sundance and Toronto International Film Festivals.

In 2019, Larson guest-edited an issue of Stylist magazine, using the platform to promote diversity and social inclusion. During the Women in the World Annual Summit, she addressed the gender pay gap in Hollywood. That same year, Variety recognized her contributions to the Equal Justice Initiative. In 2020, Larson publicly endorsed the “defund the police” movement, continuing her commitment to social justice and equality.

Personal Life and Media Image

Brie Larson strongly prefers keeping her personal life private, often declining to answer interview questions that make her uncomfortable. She believes that preserving her privacy helps her avoid judgment over her imperfections and allows her to embrace a wide range of roles without being confined to a specific typecast.

In 2013, Larson began dating Alex Greenwald, the lead singer of Phantom Planet. The couple became engaged in 2016 but ended their engagement in 2019. They resided together in the Hollywood Hills area of Los Angeles, where Larson credited Greenwald for creating a supportive environment that encouraged her to take creative risks in her career. Following her split with Greenwald, Larson started a relationship with actor and filmmaker Elijah Allan-Blitz in 2019. However, by 2023, she confirmed that they had ended their relationship.

Journalists have often highlighted Larson’s dynamic personality. In 2016, Holly Millea of Elle described her as someone who “carries herself like an athlete, lean and solid, surefooted yet her energy is warm and familial.”⁷ Anne Helen Petersen regards her as “incredibly warm” and “a serious nerd with extensive knowledge from being home-schooled.”⁸ Jennifer Dickison of Porter noted that Larson’s “fully formed” personality makes placing her into a conventional mold difficult.⁹

It’s really hard to see yourself and to recognize that you are a human being like everybody else. You just think everybody’s judging you.

Brie Larson

Larson is drawn to films that explore the “human condition” and aim to deepen people’s connections with themselves and others.¹⁰ She seeks out roles that contrast with her personality and often involve themes of social activism. W magazine’s Fan Zhong identified recurring elements in her characters, such as “sex appeal, inner torment, and a quick, playful wit.”¹¹ Director Lenny Abrahamson, who worked with Larson on Room, praised her for her understated intensity and empathy towards complex lives, enhancing her performances. Destin Daniel Cretton, who directed her in Short Term 12 and The Glass Castle, commended her improvisational skills, noting her spontaneity during filming.

Larson actively engages with her audience through social media, using it to share her own opinions and personal posts. In 2020, she launched her own YouTube channel and co-hosted a podcast titled Learning Lots with actress Jessie Ennis. She was featured in Forbes‘ 30 Under 30 list in 2016 and appeared on People magazine’s annual beauty lists in 2016 and 2019. In 2018, IndieWire named her among the best American actors under 30. Madame Tussauds in New York unveiled a wax figure of Larson as Captain Marvel in 2019, and that same year, Time magazine included her in its list of the 100 most influential people in the world. of Larson as Captain Marvel in 2019, and that same year, Time magazine included her in its list of the 100 most influential people in the world.

Final Reflections

In conclusion, Brie Larson’s biography is a shining success story of talent, determination, and impactful contributions both on and off the screen. Her life story reflects not only her impressive range as an actress but also her unwavering dedication to advocating for important social issues. As Larson continues to expand her career and influence, she remains a powerful example of how passion and perseverance can lead to remarkable success and meaningful change.

Reference List for Brie Larson’s Biography

1. Stein, Ruthe. “Kids Unite to Save Owls Before a Pancake House Flattens Them.” San Francisco Chronicle, 5 May 2006. ↩︎
2. Fox, Kevin, Jr. “Sequel Sludge Clogs the Engine of the Audacious Fast X.” Paste, 17 May 2023. ↩︎
3. McIndoe, Ross. “Lessons in Chemistry Review: A Sweetly Rewarding, If Formulaic, Concoction.” Slant, 6 Oct. 2023. ↩︎
4. Larson, Brie. “Me, Jane.” Porter, 2 Mar. 2017. ↩︎
5. “Brie Larson on Superheroes, Success and Her Hollywood Sisterhood.” Marie Claire, 7 Feb. 2019. ↩︎
6. Stolworthy, Jacob. “Captain Marvel’s Rotten Tomatoes Score Plummets amid ‘Sexist Troll’ Smear Campaign.” The Independent, 23 Feb. 2019. ↩︎
7. Millea, Holly. “Brie Larson’s World Is About to Change. Just Don’t Tell Her That.” Elle, 26 Feb. 2016. ↩︎
8. Petersen, Anne Helen. “Brie Larson Is Ready to Become Your Favorite Actress.” BuzzFeed News, 15 Oct. 2015. ↩︎
9. Dickison, Jennifer. “Brie Encounter.” Porter, vol. 228, no. 23, 2017, p. 32. ↩︎
10. Graham, Jamie. “Brie Larson: Grit and Grace.” The Times, 26 Mar. 2017. ↩︎
11. Zhong, Fan. “Brie Larson: Scene Stealer.” W, 9 Aug. 2013. ↩︎

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