Space Coast tween actress Ella Grace Helton is as thrilled as the legions of loyal fans across the world for the return of the beloved Netflix family drama “Sweet Magnolias” on Feb. 6. The 11-year-old shines in new ways in her role as Katie Townsend during the show’s 10-episode fourth season. Click here to watch the trailer.

Sweet Magnolias centers on three best friends since childhood — Maddie (Joanna Garcia Swisher), Helen (Heather Headley) and Dana Sue (Brooke Elliot) — as they juggle relationships, family, and careers in their charming Southern hometown.

Helton joined the cast in season 3, taking over the role of Katie, Maddie’s daughter, and has loved every minute of her time on set.

“I love how the cast and crew and everyone on set treats me with respect, and not like just a little kid,” Helton said. “Katie is usually a quiet girl and, but I felt like in season 4, she came out of her shell and has more of a story to tell.”

Netflix’s companion website Tudum described the upcoming season in its Dec. 19, 2024 announcement of the premiere date: “This season, storms — both emotional and meteorological — disrupt life in Serenity, bringing Maddie, Helen, and Dana Sue even closer in unexpected ways. It’ll also feature the women celebrating the holiday season — from Halloween to Christmas — with surprising laughter, unexpected heartbreak, and renewed resolve.”

Helton is among the youngest of the multi-generational show about life’s journey and lessons in love and friendship.

“Season 4 takes everyone on a roller coaster of emotions, and Katie is no exception. Ella was a delightful collaborator as we explored new aspects of Katie’s personality,” said showrunner Sheryl J. Anderson.

Known for her comedic timing and quick wit, Helton starred at age 6 as Emily Ryan in the 2020 sitcom “United We Fall” from ABC and Sony Pictures Television. The same year, she made her feature film debut opposite Adam Sandler in “Hubie Halloween,” Netflix’s most streamed film of 2020 in the U.S., despite not being released until October. She starred in the 2024 feature film dramedy “Chosen Family” opposite the film’s writer, director and star Heather Graham, where she got to incorporate her dance and improv skills. The cast includes Julia Stiles, John Brotherton, Thomas Lennon, Andrea Savage and Odessa Rae.

Helton has musical theater roots and had her Broadway debut in the touring show of “Waitress” at age 5. She has shot 19 commercials, including several with celebrities like John Stamos, Amy Poehler and Major League Baseball Hall of Famer Derek Jeter. In that one, she got to portray herself and share her story of being an entrepreneur since the age of 4 with Ella Bella Beads. She’s raised thousands of dollars for charity by selling handmade jewelry, and she packed food consistently during the pandemic to help feed hungry children in her community. Also at age 4, she was the hero of a Disney commercial, clips of which are still being used seven years later in campaigns airing during TV’s largest broadcast events.

In addition to Helton’s on-screen projects, she had a stellar 2024 with her other creative endeavors.

  • Won multiple awards as writer and director of her third short film “The Towel,” which is currently screening on the film festival circuit. The next screening is at the Love Your Shorts Film Festival in Sanford, in the 10:30 a.m. “E” for Everyone block of family-friendly films on Feb. 15.
  • Won Best in Show at the 2024 Brevard Children’s Business Fair for her fine art and jewelry business Everything Ella.
  • Won first place at Space Coast Art Festival for her towel dress — the wardrobe she designed and created for the lead actress to wear in her short film, and which she duplicated smaller for herself to wear to festivals.
  • Wrote, recorded and shot a music video for her first single, “Paradise,” to be released in 2025.

Helton also honors requests to sing the national anthem at local fundraising events and is a competitive ballroom dancer.
She is repped by Schuller Talent and Paradigm Talent Agency in Los Angeles, East Coast Talent Agency in Atlanta, Legacy Talent in Florida and Abelita PR.

For more information, visit EllaGraceHelton.com or contact Lee Nessel 321-514-2944, SheGetsItWrite@gmail.com.
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