Abby Ryder Fortson
This young actress gave a generation-defining performance as Margaret Simon, bringing Judy Blume's beloved, anxious heroine to vivid, honest life.
Born 2008 (age 18)·American actress·Birthday: March 14·Generation Z
Biography
Abby Ryder Fortson began her career as a child actor with a preternatural calm, holding her own against established stars long before she could drive. She first caught attention as Paul Rudd's daughter, Cassie Lang, in the 'Ant-Man' films, bringing a grounded sweetness to the Marvel universe. But it was her lead role in the long-awaited film adaptation of Judy Blume's 'Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret.' that announced a major talent. At fourteen, she carried the film with a performance of remarkable nuance, capturing every flutter of adolescent anxiety, curiosity, and hope. Her work felt less like acting and more like a direct channeling of a universal experience, earning her widespread praise and marking her as an artist with profound emotional intelligence.
Generation Z
1997–2012
Born into smartphones, social media, and school shootings. The most diverse generation in history. Pragmatic about money, fluid about identity, anxious about the climate. They do not remember a world before the internet.
Abby was born in 2008, placing them squarely in the Generation Z. The events that shaped this generation — social media, climate anxiety, and a pandemic — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Abby Was Born
The biggest hits of 2008
#1 Movie
The Dark Knight
Best Picture
Slumdog Millionaire
#1 TV Show
American Idol
Abby's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
2008Born
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2013Started school
Edward Snowden reveals NSA surveillance programs
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $152,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Thrift Shop" — Macklemore & Ryan LewisBest Picture: 12 Years a Slave
2021Became a teenager
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2024Could drive
AI reshapes industries; Paris Olympics
Gas: $3.31/galHome: $372,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Espresso" — Sabrina CarpenterBest Picture: Anora
2026Could vote
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Played the titular role of Margaret Simon in the critically acclaimed film adaptation of Judy Blume's 'Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret.'
- Portrayed Cassie Lang in the Marvel Cinematic Universe films 'Ant-Man' and 'Ant-Man and the Wasp.'
- Appeared in a recurring role as Harper Weil on the ABC science fiction series 'The Whispers.'
Did You Know?
She is the daughter of Christie Lynn Smith and John Fortson, both of whom are also actors.
She began acting in television commercials when she was just four years old.
Judy Blume herself publicly praised Fortson's performance as Margaret, calling it 'perfect.'
“I like playing characters who are figuring things out, just like me.”
