Meredith Salenger, the actress who charmed audiences as a Disney child star nearly four decades ago, has been spotted looking relaxed and youthful while out in Los Angeles. Now 55, the Malibu-born star first found fame at a young age and has maintained a steady presence in film and television ever since.
A Star is Born: Early Career Highlights
Her breakthrough role came in 1985 with the Disney adventure film 'The Journey of Natty Gann'. This launched a prolific period for the young actress. She quickly followed this success by starring alongside the late River Phoenix and Matthew Perry in the 1988 coming-of-age story 'A Night in the Life of Jimmy Reardon'.
The late 1980s saw her working non-stop, with roles in 'The Kiss' (1988) and the cult classic 'Dream a Little Dream' (1989) with Corey Feldman and Corey Haim. Despite her early Hollywood success, Salenger chose to pause her acting career to pursue higher education, graduating from the prestigious Harvard University.
Return to the Spotlight and Prolific Output
After university, Salenger returned to acting with vigour. She reappeared on the big screen in 1991's 'Edge of Honor' and embarked on a string of film roles throughout the 1990s. Notable projects from this era include 'Village of the Damned' (1995), 'Lake Placid' (1999) where she played Deputy Sharon Gare, and 'The Third Wheel' (2002) featuring Ben Affleck and Luke Wilson.
Her television work also expanded, with guest appearances on popular series such as 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer', 'Dawson's Creek', and 'Cold Case'. A dedicated voice actor, she lent her talents to the animated 'Star Wars: The Clone Wars' and 'Star Wars Rebels', playing a Nightsister ghost.
Personal Life and Lasting Legacy
Salenger's personal life has included high-profile relationships. She was linked to actor Jason Bateman and Donovan Leitch Jr. in the 1980s and is a childhood friend of Matt Damon. In 2017, she married comedian and actor Patton Oswalt, a union that followed the tragic death of his first wife, author Michelle McNamara, in 2016.
The couple faced some public scrutiny for marrying relatively soon after McNamara's passing. Salenger addressed this directly, stating they had the support of McNamara's family and that her life's goal was to create a happy family unit while honouring Michelle's legacy. She expressed deep love for both Oswalt and his daughter, Alice.
Recently photographed running errands in Los Angeles wearing a Harvard T-shirt and sweatpants, her hair in a casual bun and without makeup, Meredith Salenger embodies a graceful transition from child star to enduring Hollywood figure. Her career, spanning from a Disney debut to recent voice work and a happy marriage, showcases a multifaceted life in and out of the spotlight.
