Super Siblings
Galloping on horseback, flying on high-wires and doing double backflips may be once-in-a-lifetime events for most kids, but for Cayden and Jenna Boyd these stunts are all in a day's work. That's because these siblings are Hollywood actors.
Since arriving in California four years ago, Cayden and Jenna have appeared in a dozen major motion pictures with some of the biggest names in Tinseltown. They have also received a lot of attention for their similar looks, extraordinary talent and bold faith in Jesus Christ.
Stars in the Making Born in Bedford, Texas, Cayden and Jenna started modeling when they were 2 and 3. Soon they were starring in commercials. In 2001, their family moved to California where Cayden and Jenna landed a string of big screen roles. “I love the stunts!” says 11-year-old Cayden. Last year while filming The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl in 3-D, Cayden, who played the lead character Max, performed acrobatics with the help of a harness and wires. “We could run backward and do double backflips,” he says. Jenna, 12, has done her share of stunts, too. While playing a pioneer, she learned to ride horses. “I went out after school a couple of days a week and rode with a trainer,” she says. “I did one stunt where I was under a blanket and had to fall off the side of the horse onto a mat.” Developing new skills is one part of acting. Attending movie premiers, chatting with radio DJs and filming in beautiful locations around the United States and Canada are a few of the others. Keeping it Reel Jenna and Cayden may be successful Hollywood stars, but they're also normal kids. When they're home in Burbank, California, they attend a Christian school and share a small apartment with Mom, Dad and Tippie, their miniature Jack Russell Terrier. “She's very hyper,” Jenna says, “and completely obsessed with her ball!” Being a family is important to the Boyds, who stay together as much as possible. When Jenna or Cayden travels to film a movie, their mom goes along. And Dad, who's an airline pilot, picks up and delivers their schoolwork to the set. “It's difficult when you have to leave the family,” Jenna says. “When I'm doing a movie and Cayden stays behind, it's really hard.” To remedy that situation, Jenna and Cayden, who hope to someday star in a movie together, spend time at each other's filming locations. “We can help each other out,” Jenna says. “When my mom is busy, I run lines with Cayden.” Movie roles keep the Boyds busy, but the kids also enjoy off-screen activities. Jenna competes in figure skating and recently mastered her double jumps. “Skating relates to acting,” she says. “It's basically dancing on ice.” She rises at 5 a.m. each day to skate for an hour and a half before school. Cayden plays on a tackle football team. “I like playing for the team. It feels good throwing that football and trying to get that touchdown.” Behind the Scenes Being in movies may seem like fun, but it's hard work. One minute of a finished movie may require more than an hour to film. “The most takes I've done on one scene is 62,” Cayden says. If a hair is out of place or the camera angle isn't quite right, they shoot the scene again. “You have to make sure you give your best on every single shot.” Being away from home is another challenge. For one role, Jenna spent four months filming in New Mexico. “I miss all my friends,” she says. “And it's hard to miss so much school.” An on-set tutor helps Jenna and Cayden complete their required three hours of schoolwork a day. The kids also make sacrifices to be in films. “I was really excited when I found out I'd booked Sharkboy,” Cayden says. “Then I found out I was going to miss half the football season. It was so hard, because the team depends on each player.” But the Boyds agree the hard work and sacrifice are worth it. At the premier, the cast gets to view the finished film. “It's always fun to see your hard work pay off, “ Jenna says. At the Sharkboy premier, a young fan approached Cayden and said, “I believe in your dreams, Max!” Cayden feels honored that his character inspired kids to use their imaginations. The Boyds hope their influence will also inspire people to get to know God. “I know I'm noticed because I'm in movies,” Jenna says. “It's a big responsibility. My goal is to let people know I am a Christian.” “I'm proud to be able to say I'm a child of God,” Cayden says. “You have to show your light.” And for two of Hollywood's brightest, that's no act. Role of a Lifetime This year Jenna took on a new role: She accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior. “I'm a baby Christian, “ she says. “I thought I was a Christian because I believed in God and knew about Him. But I had never really accepted Him in my heart.” That changed when former NBA player Bay Forrest came and spoke at Jenna's school. He explained that knowing about God and going to church weren't enough; you had to accept Him and try to live for Him every day. “I knew I had not done that,” Jenna says. After praying to commit her life to Christ, Jenna noticed a big change. “There had always been kind of a spot in me that felt empty that I would fill with other stuff like getting a part in a new movie,” she says. “I don't feel that anymore.” Maybe you're like Jenna: You know about God but have never invited Jesus to come into your life and be your Savior. The Bible says, “Now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2). You can choose to follow Christ today. Just admit your sin, believe that Jesus died for you and say a prayer like the one below, asking Him into your life. Dear God,
Thank You for loving me. I believe Jesus died on the Cross and rose again to pay the penalty for my sin. Please come into my life and be my Savior. Help me to live for You. Amen
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