Hilary Swank Finds Inspiration From New Movie
Jan. 3, 2007 — -- From transforming herself for her role as a transsexual in "Boys Don't Cry" to pumping up for "Million Dollar Baby," Oscar-winning actress Hilary Swank is known for doing whatever it takes to get into character.
In the new movie "Freedom Writers," Swank plays an inner city teacher who embodies the determined spirit that seems to be inherent in all her roles. Swank recently sat down with "Good Morning America's" Robin Roberts to talk about the movie and the inspiration behind it.
Swank's role was inspired by Erin Gruwell, an inner city teacher who changed the lives of her students and taught tolerance at a Los Angeles high school just a year after the riots sparked by the acquittals in the Rodney King case. Gruwell helped 150 high school students improve their future and the world around them through writing.
"This is one of those stories that you read and you just get so inspired and it's something that you feel has to be brought to the screen," Swank said of Gruwell's story. "Erin is such a force of nature, she's done so many things for these kids, she's given them a fighting chance."
Gruwell's selflessness reminded Swank of her own mother's faith in her dream. When Swank expressed an interest in acting, her mom moved her and their family from Washington state to Los Angeles with little more than $100 and a car.
The actress attributes her success to her mom's dedication.
"That's what this movie is to me -- the power of one person who believes in you and that can change your life," Swank said.
Swank was so moved by Gruwell that she not only played her in "Freedom Writers," she also signed on to be the movie's executive producer. Gruwell couldn't be happier that the award-winning actress took such an interest in her story.
"Having Hilary Swank play me was surreal," Gruwell said. "The fact that she did so with such dignity and integrity and such a powerful force of nature is truly a tribute to not only her but to my students as well."
The two met while Swank was making "Freedom Writers," but the actress didn't want to get too close to the teacher before the movie finished shooting.
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