SHE was the cute bespeckled kid who warmed our hearts as Lavender in the 1996 film of Roald Dahl’s beloved book, Matilda
Now more than 26 years on, you’d never guess that Kiami Davael was the girl who’d played her.
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The US actress posted photos to social media of a cast reunion in New York City, with actors including Mara Wilson who played Matilda and legendary film actor, Danny Devito who starred as Matilda’s neglectful father, Harry Wormwood.
The 37-year-old wrote a lengthy caption, describing the experience to her 80,000 followers, where she paid tribute to her “Uncle Danny” (Devito) for believing in her.
She said:
“Dear New York, you stole my heart! I had the most amazing time with my cast, my family. The reunion of all reunions coupled with the New Jersey Symphony = A TIME TO BE HAD! I explored, I worked, I ate and in the strangest of ways – I reconnected with myself. I will forever be grateful for these moments and all the moments afforded to me because my Uncle Danny believed in me. I met so many amazing people, shared so many convos and was poured into. God is the dopest, for real!”
The actress was born in Kentucky but the family moved to California when she was small to pursue her acting career. She took singing and dancing classes and also took part in some modelling assignments for extra money.
She made her film debut in 1996 aged 10 staring opposite Mrs Doubtfire star Mara Wilson in Matilda.
Kiami portrayed Lavender, Matilda’s best friend at the Crunchem Hall Elementary School. They are both small in stature but with a mighty intellect.
It is Lavender who inspires Matilda to break free from her abusive parents and the oppressive regime of the school.
Following her starring role Kiami also had a guest role on hit 90s sitcom, Moesha, as well as the Steve Harley Show and Grown Ups.
In 2008 the actress gained a degree in Psychology from the University of Kentucky.
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