GETTING TO KNOW: VANETTA SMITH

Vanetta Smith is about to make her big break in Hollywood with a strong supporting role opposite Hilary Swank in Paramount Pictures' Freedom Writers. The project is based on the book, The Freedom Writer's Diary: How a Teacher and 150 Teens Used Writing to Change Themselves and the World Around Them, written by high school teacher Erin Gruwell and her students. This movie is sure to make a splash - and so is Vanetta. Here, we learn a little about her, thanks to our friends at Teenmag.com.

Vanetta Smith

Age: I am 17

Sign: I am a leo

Birthplace: Cleveland, Ohio

You may know me because: I was on endurance Hawaii ( reality show) and I'm in the movie FREEDOM WRITERS, which comes out January 12, 2007,

My house is: an apartment.

The first thing I do every morning is: Call my boyfriend

My cell phone brand is: Sanyo from Sprint

About my pets: I don't have any right now, but I do want a Yorkshire terrier.

I exercise: daily.

Lately I've been surprised by: The government and that everything is ran my democrats now.

The cereals in my cupboard are: Honey Bunches of Oats and Cheerios. That's all I eat!

Heaven on earth is: I don't know

For dinner, I like to make: Steak, Crab legs, or ribs.

I'll eat sushi, but not… with wasabi

My coolest article of clothing: I love my G-Unit gear!

My most prized possession: My Arthur doll. I sleep with it everynight

My TV screen is: A flat screen

When friends come over, we: Go to the movies, the mall or go out on a double date.

My favorite TV channel is: Nickelodeon

My first financial splurge: It was either my flat screen TV or my bed. I really don't remember…

Wackiest fan encounter: They wanted to know where I buy my clothes so that they could dress like me.

TV show I never miss: Fresh Prince of Belair, ER, and NIP TUCK.

Before I die: I want to be famous and be known as an idol and a strong black women…an achiever.

The best perk of being a celebrity is: you get a lot of free stuff and you get to meet cool people.

Celebrity whom I'd ask for an autograph: WILL SMITH

Dream car: a Mercedes or an escalade

When I fly I have to have…My Arthur doll.

People would be surprised that I: Still sleep with a doll.

Book I'm reading: Spin and Die

Magazines I subscribe to: none

Favorite cartoon: Spongebob Square pants.

I was so excited when: ALI came out on DVD

My iPod play list: Is full of Rap, R&B, Rock and Pop

I can't start my day without: Taking a shower

If I had to spend $10 at your favorite fast food joint, I'd order: from McDonalds