Angela Shelton facts for kids

Angela Shelton (born December 5, 1972) is an American writer, actress, and filmmaker. She is known for her work on the film Tumbleweeds (1999) and the documentary Searching for Angela Shelton (2004). She wrote, directed, and edited the documentary. Angela Shelton also wrote a book about her experiences.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Angela Shelton was born on December 5, 1972. After her parents divorced, she lived with her father and his new family in North Carolina.

Writing and Acting Roles

Angela Shelton helped write the movie Tumbleweeds (1999) with her husband at the time, Gavin O'Connor. The movie was inspired by her own childhood experiences. She also worked as an executive producer for the film.

She has acted in several movies, including Comfortably Numb (1995), The Shrink Is In (2001), and Beautiful Dreamer (2009). On television, she appeared in shows like Pacific Blue, Chicago Hope, and Becker. She was also in the TV movie The Big Time (2002).

Filmmaking and Special Projects

Angela Shelton has created many interesting films and projects.

The Hammer (Heart, Baby)

In 2018, she wrote, produced, and directed the movie The Hammer (also known as Heart, Baby). This film tells the true story of George "The Hammer" Martin, a boxer in prison. He was offered a chance to fight in the 1984 Olympics but chose not to go. The movie stars Gbenga Akinnagbe.

The Eagle and the Albatross

Her 2020 film, The Eagle and the Albatross, is a comedy-drama. It's about a young girl who loves golf and seeks help from a kind optometrist. Angela Shelton used her own experiences with mentors to create this story. The movie features Amber Liu and Dan Lauria.

Searching for Angela Shelton Documentary

Angela Shelton's childhood experiences also led her to make the documentary Searching for Angela Shelton (2004). In 2001, she rented a motor home and traveled across the United States. Her goal was to interview 76 women who shared her name. She successfully spoke with 40 of them. It took her three years to finish the film.

She released the film on her own. In 2004, she appeared on TV shows like 48 Hours and The Oprah Winfrey Show to talk about her work. In 2006, a shorter version of the film was shown on the Lifetime channel. It was part of their effort to raise awareness about important social issues.

Sharing Her Story

In October 2013, Angela Shelton shared her personal story, "Use Your Sword," at the first [That's What She Said] show. This event took place at the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts in Urbana, Illinois.

Author and Books

Angela Shelton is also an author. Her book, Finding Angela Shelton: The True Story of One Woman's Triumph over ... (2008), shares how making the documentary helped her understand her past. She wrote the book to encourage healing and support for others facing difficulties.

In 2009, she released a new version of her book called Finding Angela Shelton Recovered. This edition included an extra chapter about what happened after her film was released.

Awards and Recognition

Angela Shelton has received several awards for her work.

She won a regional Emmy Award for her role as Safe Side Superchick in The Safe Side Series. This series was created by John Walsh and Julie Clark, who also created Baby Einstein.

Her 2004 documentary film, Searching for Angela Shelton, won many awards, including:

• Newport Beach Festival - Best Independent Documentary
• Durango Film Festival - Audience Award
• Asheville Film Festival - Best Documentary
• Sonoma Valley Film Festival - Audience Award
• Zoie Fest - Best Documentary
• Memphis International Film Festival - Best Documentary
• Austin Film Festival - Best Documentary
• Voice of Courage award from Darkness to Light
• Humanitarian Award from the Cultural Enrichment Committee at Umpqua Community College in Oregon.

The mayor of Asheville, North Carolina even declared April 29, 2005, as Angela Shelton Day in her honor.