Related Resources • Thora Birch Movies, Photos and Fansites • Movie News/Casting Info • Upcoming Romantic Releases • Romantic Movie Reviews • Recently Released or New on DVD

Golden Globe nominee Thora Birch ("Ghost World," "American Beauty") will star in the LIFETIME Original Movie "Homeless to Harvard" (working title), it was announced today by Trevor Walton, Senior Vice President, LIFETIME Original Movies.

Based on the true story of Liz Murray (Birch), "Homeless to Harvard" tells the moving story of a young woman raised in severe poverty by loving, yet drug-addicted parents. By the age of 15, Liz's life was in a downward spiral -- she was alone and living on the streets. Profoundly affected by her mother's AIDS-related death, Liz is forced to look at her future and make some significant changes. She turns her life around by getting off the streets and going back to high school. After earning her diploma in just two years, Liz wins a New York Times scholarship for needy students, enabling her to attend Harvard University.

"LIFETIME has the extraordinary privilege of telling this compelling story of one woman's struggle to overcome tremendous personal obstacles," commented Walton. "Liz is an inspiration to all people who feel trapped in a world they fear they can never escape. Thora Birch is an amazing and accomplished young actress who will bring a sense of authenticity to this captivating story."

"Liz Murray understood that education was the key to lifting herself out of her dire situation," said Executive Producer, Tom Patricia. "Through her own personal determination, she achieved her impossible dream. Liz is truly a remarkable person and I'm thrilled to have an actress like Thora Birch play her in the film."

Thora Birch began acting in commercials at the age of four and has appeared on such television shows as "Parenthood," "Doogie Howser, M.D.," "The Outer Limits" and "Touched by an Angel." She also co-starred in Hallmark Hall of Fame's 200th anniversary presentation, "Night Ride Home," starring Rebecca DeMornay, Keith Carradine and Ellen Burstyn. Birch's long list of film credits started at the tender age of six with "Purple People Eater."

She went on to co-star in such films as "Paradise," "All I Want For Christmas," "Patriot Games," "Clear and Present Danger," "Monkey Trouble," "Now and Then," "Alaska," "Anywhere But Here" and "Dungeons and Dragons." It was her role as the disillusioned daughter in the 1999 Academy Award-winning movie "American Beauty" that brought Birch international praise and acclaim. She earned a 2001 Golden Globe Best Dramatic Actress nomination for her role in Terry Zwigoff's award winning movie "Ghost World." Next up for Birch is "The Hole," for director Nick Hamm. Shot on location in London, England, the film is yet another departure for this talented actress with Birch playing the role of an English schoolgirl.

"Homeless to Harvard" is produced by Patriarch Pictures in association with Barnet Bain Productions for LIFETIME Television. Executive Producers are Tom Patricia ("RFK," "First Daughter") and Barnet Bain ("What Dreams May Come," "The Linda McCartney Story"). The teleplay by Ronni Kern ("Deep in My Heart") is based on the life story of Liz Murray.

SOURCE: LIFETIME Television