New Orleans

Frisco 5th Grader on Big Screen Nationwide

At just 10 years old Jillian Estell may soon become a household name.

The Frisco fifth grader snagged one of the lead roles in the movie “Black or White,” starring Kevin Costner and Octavia Spencer, which opened in theaters Friday.

Friday night, Jillian gathered with her family, cheerleading friends, church members and former teachers for the premiere at Cinemark Frisco Square.

“It’s fun and exciting and awesome because all my friends are here. It's so fun,” said Jillian.

The home-schooled student auditioned for the role and spent two months filming in New Orleans a year and a half ago.

She’s acted in commercials and got a small role in a Christian film, but nothing as big as her current role.

“It’s emotional. She's worked very hard and we just see it as it all in God's plans, because it's being in the right place, at the right time, with the right people,” said Jillian’s mom Kristin Estell.

The family are members of Elevate Life Church in Frisco and Kristin Estell told our NBC 5 crews that she worked to make sure Jillian remained humbled through the filming.

“They spoiled her rotten every single day. If Jillian wanted something they ran and got it. Every night, I always say, I bring her back to reality, reel her back in,” said Kristin Estell.

“I think God has brought me and blessed me and taught me and fought with me,” says Jillian.

The family has no plans to move to Hollywood, though they’ll spend the next couple months there for auditions.

“I don't want to move. All my friends are here, all my family is here, all my school members are just here, so I don’t want to move,” said Jillian.

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