If you haven’t heard the name Phoebe-Rae Taylor yet, you probably haven’t been on Disney+ lately. Or TikTok. Or basically anywhere where people talk about movies that actually make you feel something.
The British teenager from Essex didn't just land a role; she basically took over the screen in Out of My Mind. And honestly? Seeing her in a Phoebe-Rae Taylor interview is just as captivating as watching her play Melody Brooks. She’s funny. She’s sharp. She’s incredibly real about what it’s like to go from a shy high school student to a girl being voiced by Jennifer Aniston.
It’s not every day a 16-year-old from Billericay finds herself sitting next to Hollywood veterans like Rosemarie DeWitt and Judith Light, but here we are.
The Audition That Changed Everything
Most kids are worried about exams. Phoebe-Rae Taylor was worried about a home-made audition tape.
Her mom suggested she go for the role of Melody, a non-verbal girl with cerebral palsy. It was her very first acting credit. No big deal, right? Just a massive Disney production filmed across the Atlantic in Canada.
During a recent chat with Young Hollywood, Phoebe admitted she was having a pretty rough time at school before the movie. Bullying is something she’s been vocal about—it’s not just a plot point in the film for her. It was her life. She mentioned how she used to "shrink into the background."
Then Disney called.
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The shift was massive. She went from feeling invisible in a classroom to being the "gold" the producers were searching for. Amber Sealey, the film’s director, has been open about how they weren't going to settle for anyone without lived experience. They needed someone who actually understood the nuances of navigating the world in a wheelchair.
Working with Jennifer Aniston (Sorta)
Okay, so Jennifer Aniston provides the inner voice for Phoebe’s character.
In her interviews, Phoebe-Rae gets a bit "fan-girl" about it, which is totally relatable. Who wouldn't? She told Good Morning America that she was "hysterical" and in tears when she found out Aniston was involved.
Imagine being 16 and having a sitcom legend speak your thoughts.
But the real magic isn't just the star power. It's the chemistry Phoebe built on set with her "onscreen mom," Rosemarie DeWitt. DeWitt actually said in a Collider interview that Phoebe made the seasoned actors better at their jobs. She forced everyone to slow down. To actually listen.
Beyond the "Inspirational" Label
One thing that comes up constantly in a Phoebe-Rae Taylor interview is her resistance to being just a "figurehead."
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She’s human. She likes Billie Eilish. She hangs out with her labradoodle, Ludo. She’s a massive Friends fan (which makes the Aniston connection even wilder).
She told Next Best Picture that seeing her name next to historic actresses feels like "imposter syndrome." She’s very wary of the "inspirational" tag. While she knows it’s a big deal for a girl with CP to be the lead of a Disney movie, she also just wants to be an actress.
"I’d love to play the villain," she told one interviewer.
She doesn't want her wheelchair to be the only reason she gets a script. She wants to play a girl who falls in love, gets a job, or, yeah, maybe causes some trouble. It's about normalization, not just representation.
The See It, Be It Award
If you missed the 2025 Critics Choice Awards or the Sands International Film Festival, you missed some of her biggest moments.
Phoebe-Rae was presented with the See It, Be It Award by Geena Davis. It’s an honor specifically for people breaking barriers in the industry.
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Her acceptance speech was a tear-jerker. She talked about being the shy kid at the back of the class and how this role gave her the confidence she never thought she’d find. It’s a recurring theme for her—this idea that the movie saved her as much as she helped make the movie a success.
What’s Next for Phoebe-Rae?
People are already asking about sequels. Since the original book by Sharon M. Draper has two follow-up novels (Out of My Heart and Out of My Dreams), fans are crossing their fingers.
In her most recent appearances, Phoebe-Rae has been a bit coy. "We’re working on it," is the usual answer.
But whether it’s a sequel or a brand-new project, it’s clear she isn't going anywhere. She’s already mentioned a desire to move to the States and keep working with high-caliber artists.
Honestly, the industry needs her.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Creators
If you’re following Phoebe’s journey or looking to support more inclusive media, here is how you can actually engage with the movement she’s leading:
- Watch the Source Material: If you’ve seen the movie, go back and read Sharon M. Draper’s books. They provide a much deeper look into Melody’s internal monologue.
- Demand Authentic Casting: Support projects that prioritize actors with lived disabilities. The success of Out of My Mind proves that audiences want authenticity, not just "acting."
- Follow the Advocacy: Phoebe-Rae works closely with groups focusing on childhood bullying and disability rights. Keeping up with her interviews on platforms like Rebel Girls or GMA is a great way to stay informed.
- Look for the "Average" Stories: When consuming media, look for characters where the disability is a part of their life, but not the entire plot. That’s the shift Phoebe is pushing for.
Phoebe-Rae Taylor isn't just a "Disney kid." She’s a 16-year-old from Essex who decided she wasn't going to stay in the back of the classroom anymore. Whether she’s talking about her cat Flur or the "trippy" experience of seeing herself on the Disney+ homepage, she’s doing it with a level of honesty that most veteran stars could learn from.
Keep an eye on her. She’s just getting started.