Why Christina Ricci Says the Film Industry ‘Rescued Me From a Childhood That Was Not Very Nice and a Family That Was Not Very Safe’

variety.com:

Rosemary Rossi The year was 1990; the film, “Mermaids.” From the very first time a 9-year-old Christina Ricci graced the big screen, she proved to moviegoers that she had “it.” You know, that magic that someone that young age can only be born with.

Now, 35 years later, on March 6, she is getting a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, cementing herself — literally — in the history of the entertainment industry. “This is profoundly meaningful to me,” Ricci says. “I was really moved by it, actually.

I’m not sentimental and I don’t care about accolades, but to be acknowledged in this way is really profound.” It’s amazing when one realizes that Ricci has spent three-quarters of her life acting professionally, growing up onscreen and consistently playing interesting characters.

Even at that young age, she sort of seemed older — a confident old soul in a tiny body that instinctually knew she was doing exactly what she was meant to do. “I remember everything about that time,” Ricci says. “The one thing that I think has made me a successful actress is that from the time I was very young, I always felt completely comfortable in front of a camera; not a still camera,” she adds with a laugh. “But in front of a film camera.