otrc logo

Related Video

AnnaSophia Robb dishes about her intense training for Soul Surfer and how the film changed her outlook on life. - Provided courtesy of OTRC Bethany Hamilton says she hopes to encourage people with her true story portrayed in the film Soul Surfer. - Provided courtesy of OTRC Carrie Underwood speaks candidly about her first film role in Soul Surfer and the possibility of a film career.
AnnaSophia Robb's 'Soul Surfer' training
Bethany Hamilton talks 'Soul Surfer' tale
Carrie Underwood on her acting debut

AnnaSophia Robb talks about her 'Soul Surfer' inspiration Bethany Hamilton - Watch

Get more: Movies
04/11/2011 by Kristina Lopez

Bethany Hamilton, the surfing champion whose true story inspired "Soul Surfer" has inspired many to never give up, despite set-backs, but one person who was particularly moved was actress AnnaSophia Robb, who played her in the movie.

"I would have taken it like, woe is me, why did this happen?" Robb told Chris Balish of OnTheRedCarpet.com. "And Bethany just took it and embraced it and went on to live her dream and kept the faith, which, I mean, how many people do that? But it's nice to know that we have that ability and I think she inspires that when she walks in a room."

"Soul Surfer" tells the true story of champion surfer Hamilton, who lost her arm in a shark attack in 2003, when she was 13 years old. Hamilton was surfing with friends in Hawaii when a 14-foot tiger shark ripped off her left arm and "Soul Surfer" follows her recovery and triumphant return to the sport she loves. Helen Hunt and Dennis Quaid co-star as Hamilton's parents. The film debuted in fourth place with $11.1 million beating out the star-studded film "Your Highness" with the likes of Natalie Portman and James Franco.

When asked about where the name "Soul Surfer" came from, the actress and Hamilton herself said that it was about doing what you're passionate about in ever circumstance.

"It's really about Bethany, when someone asked what 'Soul Surfer' meant to her, it's really about surfing not for the money or for anyone else, but really doing it just because you love it no matter what. Whether the water is cold, whether it's raining, whether there's lightning -just going for it."

Carrie Underwood also made her acting debut in the movie as Sarah Hill, a church youth pastor, which she said inspired her to be more vocal about her Christianity.

Hamilton still competes regularly in surfing competitions and was also the subject of a 2007 documentary "Heart of a Soul Surfer." She has done press tours and continues to do speaking engagements. Watch a trailer for the film below.

Reporting by Chris Balish, co-host of KABC Television's entertainment show "On The Red Carpet" (check for local TV listings).

(Copyright ©2013 OnTheRedCarpet.com. All Rights Reserved.)
comments