It’s been 17 years since 13 Going On 30 came out and Christa B. Allen—who played 13-year-old Jenna Rink in the film—is set to turn 30 for real this November. So does the real-life 30-year-old Christa B. Allen look anything like Jennifer Garner did in the film? And what is she up to now in real life?
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@christaallen a little outfit recreation for the 13 going on 30 lovers 🥰
♬ Crazy for You - Madonna
What is Christa B. Allen up to now?
Well, Christa has gone on to have a successful career as an actress. She’s gone on to have a number of TV and film roles—most notably as Charlotte Clarke/Grayson in Revenge. And 13 Going On 30 wasn’t the only time Christa played the younger version of Jennifer Garner. She also played Jen’s teenage self in romcom Ghosts of Girlfriends Past back in 2009.
But Christa is clearly fine with still being best known for her role in 13 Going On 30. She recently went viral for a series of TikTok videos in which she recreated some of Jennifer Garner’s most iconic moments from the film—including the 'I Wanna Dance With Somebody' scene.
Any fans wondering about a potential sequel to 13 Going On 30 shouldn’t get their hopes up too much, though—Jennifer Garner poured cold water on that idea back in 2019, saying:
What? Like, 15 Going on 50? Let's simmer down and then let's leave well enough alone.
@christaallen happy Halloween!! wanna dance? 🧟♀️ #13goingon30
♬ I Wanna Dance With Somebody - Whitney Houston
How does Christa B. Allen feel about turning 30?
The young Jenna Rink actress wrote a thoughtful essay for Allure earlier this year, revealing her philosophical approach to turning 30. She wrote:
The world is so eager to define us by age, and I know that another person’s attempt to define me or put me in a box based on my age or any other number associated with me is a reflection of them, not of me. But what is age but energy? I like to think of my energy as ageless... My name is Christa Allen, and I’m thriving.
