MOLLY Cartwright may only have just turned 11 years old but she’s turned into one of the most promising young actresses in the world - and she’s got her feet firmly on the ground.
The Penistone actress has a passion for dancing and acting which has led her to some incredible opportunities.
Last year, she played Shannon Smurl in The Conjuring Last Rites which grossed more than £138m globally on its opening weekend - making it the biggest-ever overseas horror debut of all time, overtaking It Chapter 2.
It is also the second biggest debut globally ever.
But her work to get her to where she is today started when she was younger.
Her mum Katie told the Chronicle: “She started dancing when she was younger at Betty Chapelle Dance Centre in Penistone and then started acting with Junkyard Theatre which is based in Barnsley.
“She did a number of productions and that’s when she developed a real love for performing.
“When she was seven she was offered some representation and she landed her first job in 2024.
“She was cast in the Scurry and starred alongside Ella Purnell and it was directed by Craig Roberts.
“That film’s going to get released this year.”
After the whirlwind of The Conjuring, she was also cast in a short film by Disney called ‘Best Christmas Ever’, directed by huge star Taika Waititi.
“She had her part in The Conjuring which went onto be on the of the biggest horror blockbusters of all time,” she added.
“She was the star of A Disney Holiday Short - Best Christmas Ever which is directed by Taika Waititi.
“She had to fly out to Cape Town for that.
“She won Best Actress in a Short Film at the 2025 Cannes World Film Festival and is the star of a short ilm called Our Tallulah.”
Molly is currently playing the Wicked Witch in a pantomime at Penistone Paramount.
Her mum admits she was more nervous to audition for that than she was for her Hollywood blockbusters.
Katie added: “She’s very grounded.
“One minute she’ll be on a red carpet at Leicester Square and then the next she’s performing in Penistone.
“I’m so proud of her.
“She takes it all in her stride.
“She’s currently in a pantomime at Penistone Paramount.
“She was more nervous auditioning for that than she was The Conjuring.”
Being from Barnsley, Katie admits it is harder for Molly in the industry - but she’s ensuring that the town is at the forefront of everything she does.
“She is often on the backfoot from the start because she’s from Barnsley,” Katie said.
“Sometimes she’ll lose out for a role because she doesn’t have a London base.
“Barnsley isn’t known for having the same opportunities.
“So to do what she’s managed to do is great.
“She’s worked super hard.
“She’s so proud to be from Barnsley.”
Molly has been nominated in the Special Achievement category at this year’s Young Champions Awards.
