Victoria Justice

Victoria Dawn Justice (born February 19, 1993 in Hollywood, Florida) is a German-Puerto Rican-American actress, voice actress and singer. She rose to fame on Nickelodeon in the 2000s, starring as Lola Martinez on Zoey 101 (2005–2008) and later Tori Vega on Victorious (2010–2013). Justice has also appeared in the films The Boy Who Cried Werewolf (2010), Fun Size (2012), The First Time (2012) and Naomi and Ely's No Kiss List (2015).[1] In 2015, she starred in the lead role as Lindy Sampson on the MTV television series Eye Candy. In music, Justice has recorded several songs for the soundtracks of her acting projects, including Victorious and the Nickelodeon musical Spectacular!.
== Early life ==
Victoria Dawn Justice was born on February 19, 1993, in Hollywood, Florida, the daughter of Serene Reed and Zack Justice.[2] Her father is of English, German, and Irish descent, while her mother, originally from the Bronx, is of Puerto Ricanancestry.[3][4]
She has a younger half-sister named Madison Grace Reed.[5] She and her family relocated to Hollywood, California in 2003.[6] While filming Victorious, Justice attended Cleveland High School before completing her diploma through a home school program.[4][7]
In 2013, Justice lived with her parents in a Encino Hills home she purchased.[4]
== Career ==
=== 2003–2009: Career beginnings ===
In 2003, Justice began her acting career when she was 10 years old, making a guest appearance on the Gilmore Girls episode "The Hobbit, the Sofa and Digger Stiles." Justice portrayed Jill No. 2, a walk-on role.[8] After her appearance in the series, her family moved to Los Angeles, when Justice began to pursue a career in acting.
The following year, Justice guest-starred on the second episode of the Disneychannel series The Suite Life of Zack & Cody, in which she played a young pageant contestant named Rebecca. Later, Justice was cast as Stella, a young girl who begins seeing visions of Mary Magdalene,[9] in the 2005 drama-thriller Mary. The film debuted at 2005 Venice Film Festival, and was later shown at several other festivals, including the 2005 Toronto International Film Festival, Deauville Film Festival and the San Sebastián International Film Festival.
In 2005, Justice was accepted into the musical theatre program at the Millikan Performing Arts Academy in Los Angeles.[10] She appeared in advertisements for companies such as Ralph Lauren, Gap, Guess, Mervyn's, Peanut Butter Toast Crunch, and Ovaltine.[11]
During the same year, Justice landed a main role in the Nickelodeon series Zoey 101 as Lola Martinez, a new student who is an aspiring actress.[12][13] On landing the role, she said, "I was extremely happy; I was bouncing up and down and screaming. That was a really great moment."[14] Justice's character was introduced in the second season on September 11, 2005. Justice also made a cameo appearance in the R-rated film When Do We Eat?, and played the role of Rose in the Hallmark television film Silver Bells, the latter of which became a Hallmark Hall of Fame film.
In 2006, Justice made a guest appearance on an episode of Everwood in the episode "Enjoy the Ride." Also in 2006, Justice played the supporting role of Holly in the thriller film The Garden. The film was met with negative reviews from critics.[15]
Justice released a cover of "A Thousand Miles" by Vanessa Carlton[16] in 2007. Zoey 101 ended its run on May 2, 2008. In 2009, she announced plans to guest star on an episode of Nickelodeon's series The Naked Brothers Band. The TV special, titled Valentine Dream Date featured Justice portraying herself.[17]Justice did not record new music until 2009, when she starred in the Nickelodeon musical Spectacular!, in which Justice performs three songs. The film aired on Nickelodeon on February 16, 2009.[18][19] The film became one of Nickelodeon's most popular movies, attracting an audience 3.7 million viewers on its premiere night.[20] The film received generally positive reviews from several critics, holding a 76% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes as of 2011.[21]
After the success of The Naked Brothers Band special in which Justice guest starred, she appeared in another episode, "The Premiere," on April 11, 2009. She later appeared in episodes of iCarly,[22] True Jackson, VP, The Troop, and BrainSurge. Justice announced in 2009 that she would be working on a thriller film, set for theatrical release. It was later announced the film would feature Dylan Sprouse and Cole Sprouse.[23] Unlike initial plans of a theatrical release, the film had a limited preview release on December 12, 2009, and was returned to post production. Despite this, the film's worldwide release was canceled.[24]
=== 2010–2013: Victorious ===
Justice confirmed that she would be starring in her own musical show on Nickelodeon called Victorious, explaining the show's genesis thus: "I was on Zoey 101. When I was 12, Dan Schneider cast me as a new character, Lola Martinez. From there, I worked with him for three years, on three seasons of Zoey 101. And, after that, Dan found out that I could also sing and dance as well as act, so he thought it would be really cool to create a show for me on Nickelodeon, called Victorious."[25] The pilot for the show debuted on March 27, 2010, and received 5.7 million views, making it the second-highest rated premiere for a live-action Nickelodeon series.[26] The original broadcast of this episode took place following the 2010 Kids' Choice Awards. Justice recorded several songs for the series throughout its run. Justice had the opportunity to share a recording set during the series' recordings, with different young artists who, like her, were in search of artistic possibilities, some of them were Ariana Grande, JC Gonzalez, Leon Thomas III, Matt Bennett, Jake Farrow, Elizabeth Gillies, among others, participating in several seasons dominated by episodes such as The Bird Scene, Tori the Zombie and Survival of the Hottest.
Justice later guest-starred on the animated series The Penguins of Madagascar, voicing the character of Stacy in the episode "Badger Pride." Justice starred in the 2010 Nickelodeon television movie The Boy Who Cried Werewolf, playing Jordan Sands, a girl who is transformed into a werewolf following her move to a creepy manor.[27] The film was a major success for the network, drawing in 5.8 million viewers for the premiere.[28] The film received generally positive reviews from critics. The film currently holds a 69% approval rate on Rotten Tomatoesbased on 24 reviews.[29] Victorious ended its run on February 2, 2013.[25] Justice played the lead role Wren in the comedy Fun Size, released on October 26, 2012.
=== 2013–2015: Continued acting and music ===
In a 2010 interview with the Associated Press, she stated that she was recording an album, but planned to take her time with the process.[30] In October 2012, she revealed she would release her debut album in 2013.[31] Justice's debut single "Gold" was released on June 18, 2013.[32] In August 2014, Billboardrevealed that Justice had left Columbia Records, but was recording new music to be released in 2015. Two songs have premiered on Justice's YouTube channel, including "Girl Up."[33] "Girl Up" was written by Justice and Toby Gad for the Girl Up movement, which helps girls in developing countries.[34]
On October 11, 2013, it was announced that Justice was cast as Lindy Sampson in MTV's Eye Candy, a cyber thriller based on the novel by R. L. Stine.[35] The series was cancelled after one season. That same year, it was announced that Justice was cast in Naomi and Ely's No Kiss List[36] alongside Pierson Fode. The film had its world premiere at the Outfest Film Festival on July 17, 2015.[36] It was later released on September 18, 2015 through video on demand.[37] Justice was also cast in The Outcasts as Jodie. The film was released on April 14, 2017.[38]
=== 2016–present: New projects ===
On October 20, 2016, Justice played Janet Weiss, one of the lead roles in The Rocky Horror Picture Show: Let's Do the Time Warp Again.[39] Starring an ensemble cast led by Laverne Cox, the film premiered on the Fox network. It is a tribute[40] to the cult classic 1975 film of the same name and directed by Kenny Ortega, using the original script written by Richard O'Brien and Jim Sharman.
== Philanthropy ==
Justice has taken part in several charity events, supporting charities such as the United Nations Foundation, which benefits numerous causes such as AIDS, Children, Environment, Health, Human Rights and Peace.[41]
On September 30, 2010, Justice announced she would be joining the Charity Campaign Girl Up. When asked about joining, she stated "I'm so excited to become a Champion for Girl Up and to help make a difference for girls who aren't given the same opportunities that most of us take for granted. I know that there are plenty of girls throughout the country who are just like me—ready and motivated to stand up for the rights and well-being of girls in the developing world. I am confident that, together, we will rise to the challenge." Justice joined Girl Up on September 30, 2010, for the campaign's official launch in New York City and went on to support the "Unite for Girls" tour, which traveled to cities across the United States. She visited Girl Up-supported programs in developing countries to observe first-hand the impact the programs can have on girls and communities.[42] During an interview with Seventeen, Justice stated, "I was looking into different charities and hearing these girls in Guatemala and Africa talk about having to walk miles for water and crying because they don't have any money to go to school. It just really broke my heart, so I want to spread the word as much as I can and get other people working together. Before you know it we can actually make a difference."[43]
== Influences ==
Justice's musical influences include Madonna, Britney Spears, Pink, Sara Bareilles, The Jackson 5, The Beatles, Amy Winehouse, Lily Allen, Hall & Oates, Billy Joel, Carly Simon, Karen Carpenter,[44] Elton John, Alanis Morissette, Carole King and Diana Ross.[45]
== Filmography ==
=== Film ===
Year	Title 	Role 	Notes
2005	Mary 	Stella 	Short film
2005	When Do We Eat? 	Young Nikky 	
2006	The Garden 	Holly 	
2006	Unknown 	Daughter 	
2008	The Kings of Appletown 	Betsy 	
2012	The First Time 	Jane Harmon 	
2012	Fun Size 	Wren DeSantis	
2013	Jungle Master 	Rainie 	Voice role (English dub)
2014	Snow White and the Seven Thugs	Snow White 	Short film
2015	Naomi and Ely's No Kiss List 	Naomi 	
2015	Get Squirrely 	Lola 	Voice role
2017	The Outcasts 	Jodie 	
2018	Bigger 	Kathy Weider 	
2018	Summer Night 	Harmony 	
=== Television ===
Year 	Title 	Role 	Notes
2003 	Gilmore Girls 	Jill #2 	Episode: "The Hobbit, the Sofa, and Digger Stiles"
2005 	The Suite Life of Zack & Cody 	Rebecca 	Episode: "The Fairest of Them All"
2005–2008	Zoey 101 	Lola Martinez 	52 episodes
2005 	Silver Bells 	Rose 	Television film
2006 	Everwood 	Thalia Thompson	Episode: "Enjoy the Ride"
2009 	The Naked Brothers Band 	Herself 	2 episodes
2009 	Spectacular! 	Tammi Dyson 	Television film
2009 	True Jackson, VP 	Vivian 	Episode: "True Crush"
2009–2011	iCarly 	Shelby Marx
Tori Vega	Episode: "iFight Shelby Marx"
Episode: "iParty with Victorious"
2010 	The Troop 	Eris Fairy 	Episode: "Speed"
2010 	The Boy Who Cried Werewolf 	Jordan Sands 	Television film
2010–2013	Victorious 	Tori Vega 	57 episodes
2010–2015	The Penguins of Madagascar 	Stacy (voice) 	2 episodes
2013 	Big Time Rush 	Herself 	Episode: "Big Time Tour Bus"
2015 	Eye Candy 	Lindy Sampson 	10 episodes
2015 	Undateable 	Amanda 	2 episodes
2016 	Cooper Barrett's Guide to Surviving Life 	Ramona Miller 	2 episodes[47]
2016 	The Rocky Horror Picture Show: Let's Do the Time Warp Again	Janet Weiss 	Television film[39]
2017 	Man with a Plan 	Sophia 	Episode: "The Silver Fox"[48]
2017 	Impractical Jokers: After Party 	Herself 	Episode: " The Walking Dread "
2018 	Robot Chicken 	Student (voice)	Episode: "Factory Where Nuts Are Handled"
2018 	Movie Night With Karlie Kloss 	Herself 	Episode: "Dirty Dancing"
2018 	Queen America 	Hayley Wilson 	
2018 	American Housewife 	Harper 	Episode: "Trophy Wife"
== Discography ==
Main articles: Victoria Justice discography and List of songs recorded by Victoria Justice
== Tours ==
Headlining
* Make It in America Tour (2012)
Co-headlining
* Summer Break Tour (with Big Time Rush) (2013)
== Awards and nominations ==
Year	Association 	Category 	Work 	Result 	Ref.
2006	Young Artist Awards 	Best Young Ensemble Performance in a TV Series (Comedy or Drama) 	Zoey 101(shared with cast)	Won 	[49]
2007	Young Artist Awards 	Best Young Ensemble Performance in a TV Series (Comedy or Drama) 	Zoey 101(shared with cast)	Won 	[50]
2007	Young Artist Awards 	Best Performance in a TV Series - Supporting Young Actress 	Zoey 101 	Nominated	[50]
2008	Young Artist Awards 	Best Young Ensemble Performance in a TV Series 	Zoey 101 	Nominated	[51]
2010	Teen Choice Awards 	Choice Smile 	Herself 	Nominated	[52]
2011	Kids' Choice Awards 	Favorite TV Actress 	Victorious 	Nominated	[53]
2011	ALMA Awards 	Favorite TV Actress – Comedy 	Victorious 	Nominated	[54]
2011	Nickelodeon Australian Kids' Choice Awards	Fave TV Star 	Victorious 	Nominated	[55][56]
2011	Nickelodeon Australian Kids' Choice Awards	Hottest Girl Hottie 	Herself 	Won 	[55][57]
2011	Imagen Awards 	Best Young Actress/Television 	Victorious 	Nominated	[58]
2011	NAACP Image Awards 	Outstanding Performance in a Youth/Children's Program (Series or Special) 	Victorious 	Nominated	[59]
2011	Young Artist Awards 	Best Performance in a TV Movie, Miniseries or Special – Leading Young Actress	The Boy Who Cried Werewolf	Nominated	[60]
2012	Kids' Choice Awards 	Favorite TV Actress 	Victorious 	Nominated	[61]
2012	ALMA Awards 	Favorite TV Actress – Comedy 	Victorious 	Nominated	[62]
2012	Do Something Awards 	TV Star: Female 	Herself 	Nominated	[63]
2012	Imagen Awards 	Best Young Actress/Television 	Victorious 	Nominated	[64][65]
2012	Young Artist Awards 	Best Performance in a TV Series – Recurring Young Actress 17–21 	iCarly 	Nominated	[66]
2013	Imagen Awards 	Best Young Actress/Television 	Victorious 	Nominated	[64][65]
2013	Kids' Choice Awards 	Favorite TV Actress 	Victorious 	Nominated	[67]
2013	Nickelodeon Slime Fest 	Aussie's Fave Nick Star 	Victorious 	Won 	[68]
2013	Nickelodeon Slime Fest 	Aussie's Fave Hottie 	Herself 	Won 	[69]
2018	BreakTudo Awards 	International Instagrammer 	Herself 	Pending 	
Category:People from Hollywood, Florida
Category:People from Florida
Category:1993 births
Category:21st-century American actresses
Category:American film actresses
Category:American television actresses
Category:American voice actresses
Category:American actresses of Puerto Rican descent
Category:Hispanic and Latino American actresses