Scout Taylor-Compton

Scout Taylor-Compton, born Desariee Starr Compton on February 21, 1989, is a versatile American actress known for her significant contributions to the horror genre. One of her most notable roles includes portraying Laurie Strode in the 2007 remake of Halloween and its 2009 sequel, where she captivated audiences with her portrayal of the iconic character.


However, Taylor-Compton's talent extends beyond horror, as evidenced by her portrayal of musician Lita Ford in the biographical drama film The Runaways (2010). In this role, she demonstrated her ability to embody real-life figures with authenticity and depth, showcasing her versatility as an actress capable of tackling a diverse range of characters and genres.


Scout Taylor-Compton, originally named Desariee Starr Compton, was born on February 21, 1989, in Long Beach, California. Her diverse heritage includes Mexican roots from her mother's side. Interestingly, her father's profession as a mortician provided a unique backdrop to her upbringing. Taylor-Compton recalls growing up immersed in the horror genre, unphased by the macabre elements associated with her father's work. She embraced her unusual upbringing, finding comfort even in the presence of coffins brought home by her father.
In her personal life, Taylor-Compton was romantically involved with Andy Biersack from the band Black Veil Brides. Their relationship inspired Biersack to compose the song "The Mortician's Daughter" as a tribute to Taylor-Compton, reflecting the unique dynamics of their connection intertwined with her family background.


Scout Taylor-Compton's acting journey commenced in 1998 with her debut appearance in the film A.W.O.L., sharing the screen with David Morse, followed by a role in the short film Thursday Afternoon. She embarked on a series of small roles in both television and film, making appearances in popular shows like Ally McBeal, ER, Frasier, The Guardian, and The Division. Additionally, she showcased her talent in student films, commercials for brands like Fuji Film and the Disney Cruise Line, and various skits on The Jay Leno Show.


Taylor-Compton's stage debut came in November 2000, where she portrayed the title character in a production of Annie Warbucks at The Grove Theatre in Upland, California, and later starred in a stage production of Footloose at the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center.
In 2001, she landed a recurring role as Clara Forrester in the television series Gilmore Girls, earning recognition with a nomination for "Best Performance in a TV Series – Recurring Young Actress." Her versatility shone through in comedic roles, such as her appearance as herself auditioning for a role in the fictional Kung Fu film Four Fingers of the Dragon (2003), and her first major Hollywood film role in the teen comedy Sleepover (2004), which garnered a nomination for the cast at the Young Artists Award.


However, Taylor-Compton faced a personal crisis in 2005 when she was briefly considered a missing person. Fortunately, she was found safe and healthy after two weeks, having been in the company of an acquaintance during her absence.
In 2007, Taylor-Compton showcased her range by starring in the drama Tomorrow is Today and the horror film Wicked Little Things. Her standout performance in Tomorrow is Today earned her the "Best Actress" award at the Method Fest Independent Film Festival. She then returned to the horror genre as Laurie Strode in Rob Zombie's remake of Halloween, impressing director Zombie with her genuine quality and earning the coveted role after a rigorous audition process.


In 2007, Scout Taylor-Compton continued to grace both the small and big screens with her talent. She starred in the television movie Love's Unfolding Dream, which premiered on November 24, 2007, showcasing her ability to embody wholesome characters with depth and authenticity. Additionally, she took on the role of Torrance in the horror film April Fool's Day, a remake of the 1986 classic. Despite her reservations about being typecast as the "good girl" who screams a lot, Taylor-Compton delivered a compelling performance, demonstrating her versatility in the genre.


However, Taylor-Compton expressed a desire to diversify her roles beyond the horror genre. In a July 2007 interview, she revealed her intention to explore different types of characters and narratives in her future projects, citing her admiration for Scarlett Johansson's career trajectory. Although she acknowledged her love for horror films, she emphasized the importance of choosing roles based on personal interest rather than monetary gain or star power.


In 2009, Taylor-Compton continued to expand her repertoire with roles in diverse films. She starred alongside acclaimed actors Helen Mirren and Joe Pesci in Love Ranch, showcasing her ability to hold her own among seasoned performers. Additionally, she appeared in Obsessed alongside Beyoncé Knowles, further demonstrating her range as an actress.
Taylor-Compton also reprised her role as Laurie Strode in Halloween II (2009), a sequel to Rob Zombie's 2007 film, reaffirming her status as a prominent figure in the horror genre.


In 2010, she ventured into the realm of biographical drama with her portrayal of Lita Ford in The Runaways, starring alongside Kristen Stewart, Dakota Fanning, and Stella Maeve. This marked another milestone in Taylor-Compton's career as she continued to explore diverse roles and challenge herself as an actress beyond the confines of any single genre.


Scout Taylor-Compton's artistic talents extend beyond acting into the realms of music and voice work. In 2001, she began providing voiceovers, starting with I Am Sam, and continued with appearances in The Core (2003) and The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement (2004). Her vocal prowess was further showcased in the teen hero comedy Sky High, where she lent her voice to a character. Additionally, she contributed to the film Chicken Night (2001) by singing the theme song "Jet Set."


Beyond voice work, Taylor-Compton delved into the music industry. She appeared briefly in the music video for "Black Suits Comin' (Nod Ya Head)" by Will Smith in 2002 and later starred in the music video for "Sweet Valentine" by the band Born the Sky in 2007. She took vocal lessons with Diane Gillespie and the Vocal Power Institute, along with guitar, drums, and keyboard lessons, further honing her musical abilities. Additionally, she joined a theater group called "Shenanigans" and attended the Hollywood Pop Academy for additional vocal training.


In 2007, Taylor-Compton released her debut rock/pop album, drawing inspiration from artists like Cyndi Lauper, Gwen Stefani, and Madonna. She collaborated with ERA Productions and punk-pop singer Vitamin C, receiving guidance on her music career from director Rob Zombie while filming Halloween (2007). Despite her passion for music, Taylor-Compton views singing as a side project and remains dedicated to her acting career.


Throughout her career, Taylor-Compton has continued to intertwine her acting and musical talents. In 2011, she appeared in a music video covering Adele's song "Someone like You" by Tony Oller alongside Lucas Till. More recently, in 2022, she starred in metalcore band Ice Nine Kills' music video for their song "The Shower Scene," based on the 1960 film Psycho.
In 2023, Taylor-Compton expanded her voice acting portfolio by voicing Julie Crawford in the Texas Chainsaw Massacre video game, while also performing motion capture for all female victims, showcasing her versatility and dedication to both the acting and music industries.

References

1.  "INT: Scout Taylor Compton". joblo.com. Retrieved September 10, 2007.
2. ^ "Scout-Taylor Compton". TV Guide. Archived from the original on October 20, 2022.
3. a b Carmona, Josh (September 23, 2007). "Apple Valley actress, 18, stars in 'Halloween'". Daily Press. Archived from the original on January 5, 2013. Retrieved September 23, 2007.
4. ^ Teixeira, Bianca (November 27, 2015). "Scout Taylor-Compton Isn't Afraid Of Anything". Sharp. ISSN 1917-585X. Archived from the original on October 20, 2022.
5. a b Turek, Ryan (September 2007). "Scout's Horror". Fangoria.
6. ^ "Scout Taylor-Compton". superiorpics.com. Retrieved September 15, 2007.
7. ^ "Actress Scout Taylor-Compton Found After Two-Week Disappearance". mtv.com. Retrieved August 26, 2019.
8. ^ "March DVD Releases". videoeta.com. Retrieved January 4, 2008.
9. ^ "Scout Taylor-Compton". youtube. Archived from the original on December 21, 2021. Retrieved September 22, 2007.
10. a b Scout Taylor-Compton (2007). "New 'Halloween' Heroine Scout Taylor-Compton" (Interview). Interviewed by Eric Alt. premiere.com. Retrieved November 2, 2007.
11. a b "An interview with Scout Taylor-Compton". losangelesjournal.com. Archived from the original on October 27, 2007. Retrieved September 26, 2007.
12. a b "Biography and Facts". celebritykidz.com. Retrieved September 15, 2007.
13. ^ Born The Sky, Sweet Valentine, archived from the original on December 21, 2021, retrieved October 14, 2021
14. ^ "Success Stories". hollywoodpopacademy.com. Archived from the original on September 6, 2007. Retrieved September 19, 2007.