'Stepmom' Star Jena Malone Is All Grown Up | HuffPost

Jena Malone Has Come A Long Way Since Her 'Stepmom' Days

By

Associate Entertainment Writer, The Huffington Post

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Former teenage star Jena Malone proves she's all grown up in an exclusive musical performance for the Just Jared Spotlight series.

The 29-year-old actress rose to fame in her youth, starring in hits like “Stepmom,” alongside Julia Roberts, and cult-favorite “Donnie Darko,” as the love interest of the then fresh-faced Jake Gyllenhaal.

After a foray into the world of experimental music, Malone recently returned to the limelight in her role as Johanna Mason in “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.” She has also drawn media attention as a daring style icon and body confidence advocate.

Malone’s most recent mainstream successes may have come from her work in film, but the multi-talented star has no plans to leave her love of music behind. She performs with Lem Jay Ignacio as part of the band The Shoe, which released its debut album earlier this week.

“When you’re going through something that’s a little bit harder, you kind of want to listen to something that makes you feel like everything’s gonna be okay or that you kind of identify with," Malone said of the band's music in her Just Jared video.

Having a wide variety of passions may keep the star busy, but Malone doesn't see her acting and music work as completely separate entities. “All I know is before I step on set I’m a giant bundle of nerves … And I feel the same way before I step on stage,” she told Elle in a feature about the band’s debut album. “It is the beginning of transformation. And then it’s pure blind glory.”

See Just Jared's video with Jena above.

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'The Hunger Games: Catching Fire' World Premiere

The Hunger Games : Catching Fire Premiere - London(01 of64)

Jennifer Lawrence arriving at the World Premiere of 'The Hunger Games: Catching Fire', Odeon Cinema, Leicester Square, London. (credit:PA)

Jennifer Lawrence(02 of64)

American actress Jennifer Lawrence poses for photographers as she arrives on the red carpet for the World Premiere of "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire," on Monday Nov. 11, 2013, in Leicester Square, London. Lawrence will not only star in the upcoming film adaptation of Jeanette Walls 2005 best-selling memoir The Glass Castle, the project will also mark her first time as a producer. A production date for the movie has not yet been set. (Photo by Jon Furniss/Invision/AP) (credit:AP)

Jennifer Lawrence(03 of64)

American actress Jennifer Lawrence poses for photographers as she arrives on the red carpet for the World Premiere of "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire," on Monday Nov. 11, 2013, in Leicester Square, London. Lawrence will not only star in the upcoming film adaptation of Jeanette Walls 2005 best-selling memoir The Glass Castle, the project will also mark her first time as a producer. A production date for the movie has not yet been set. (Photo by Jon Furniss/Invision/AP) (credit:AP)

The Hunger Games : Catching Fire Premiere - London(04 of64)

Jennifer Lawrence arriving at the World Premiere of 'The Hunger Games: Catching Fire', Odeon Cinema, Leicester Square, London. (credit:PA)

The Hunger Games : Catching Fire Premiere - London(05 of64)

Jennifer Lawrence arriving at the World Premiere of 'The Hunger Games: Catching Fire', Odeon Cinema, Leicester Square, London. (credit:PA)

The Hunger Games : Catching Fire Premiere - London(06 of64)

Jennifer Lawrence arriving at the World Premiere of 'The Hunger Games: Catching Fire', Odeon Cinema, Leicester Square, London. (credit:PA)

The Hunger Games : Catching Fire Premiere - London(07 of64)

Jennifer Lawrence arriving at the World Premiere of 'The Hunger Games: Catching Fire', Odeon Cinema, Leicester Square, London. (credit:PA)

The Hunger Games : Catching Fire Premiere - London(08 of64)

Jennifer Lawrence arriving at the World Premiere of 'The Hunger Games: Catching Fire', Odeon Cinema, Leicester Square, London. (credit:PA)

The Hunger Games : Catching Fire Premiere - London(09 of64)

Jennifer Lawrence arriving at the World Premiere of 'The Hunger Games: Catching Fire', Odeon Cinema, Leicester Square, London. (credit:PA)

The Hunger Games : Catching Fire Premiere - London(10 of64)

Jennifer Lawrence arriving at the World Premiere of 'The Hunger Games: Catching Fire', Odeon Cinema, Leicester Square, London. (credit:PA)

The Hunger Games : Catching Fire Premiere - London(11 of64)

Jennifer Lawrence arriving at the World Premiere of 'The Hunger Games: Catching Fire', Odeon Cinema, Leicester Square, London. (credit:PA)

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Jennifer Lawrence arriving for the World Premiere of The Hunger Games : Catching Fire, at the Odeon Leicester Square, London. (credit:PA)

The Hunger Games : Catching Fire Premiere - London(13 of64)

Jennifer Lawrence arriving for the World Premiere of The Hunger Games : Catching Fire, at the Odeon Leicester Square, London. (credit:PA)

Jennifer Lawrence(14 of64)

U.S actress Jennifer Lawrence arrives on the red carpet for the World Premiere of Hunger Games: Catching Fire, at a central London cinema, Monday, Nov. 11, 2013. (Photo by Joel Ryan/Invision/AP) (credit:AP)

Jennifer Lawrence(15 of64)

U.S actress Jennifer Lawrence arrives on the red carpet for the World Premiere of Hunger Games: Catching Fire, at a central London cinema, Monday, Nov. 11, 2013. (Photo by Joel Ryan/Invision/AP) (credit:AP)

Jennifer Lawrence(16 of64)

U.S actress Jennifer Lawrence arrives on the red carpet for the World Premiere of Hunger Games: Catching Fire, at a central London cinema, Monday, Nov. 11, 2013. (Photo by Joel Ryan/Invision/AP) (credit:AP)

Willow Shield, Liam Hemsworth, Jena Malone, Jennifer Lawrence, Sam Claflin, Elizabeth Banks, Josh Hutcherson, Jeffrey Wright and Donald Sutherland(17 of64)

From left to right, Willow Shield, Liam Hemsworth, Jena Malone, Jennifer Lawrence, Sam Claflin, Elizabeth Banks, Josh Hutcherson, Jeffrey Wright and Donald Sutherland pose for photographers at the World Premiere of 'The Hunger Games: Catching Fire', on Monday Nov. 11, 2013 in Leicester Square, London. 'Catching Fire' is the second instalment in 'The Hunger Games' trilogy. (Photo by Jon Furniss/Invision/AP) (credit:AP)

Willow Shield, Liam Hemsworth, Jena Malone, Jennifer Lawrence, Sam Claflin, Elizabeth Banks, Josh Hutcherson, Jeffrey Wright and Donald Sutherland(18 of64)

From left to right, Willow Shield, Liam Hemsworth, Jena Malone, Jennifer Lawrence, Sam Claflin, Elizabeth Banks, Josh Hutcherson, Jeffrey Wright and Donald Sutherland pose for photographers at the World Premiere of 'The Hunger Games: Catching Fire', on Monday Nov. 11, 2013 in Leicester Square, London. 'Catching Fire' is the second instalment in 'The Hunger Games' trilogy. (Photo by Jon Furniss/Invision/AP) (credit:AP)

Jena Malone, Willow Shield, Jennifer Lawrence, Nina Jacobson and Elizabeth Banks(19 of64)

From left to right, actresses Jena Malone, Willow Shield, Jennifer Lawrence, producer Nina Jacobson and actress Elizabeth Banks pose for photographers at the World Premiere of 'The Hunger Games: Catching Fire', on Monday Nov. 11, 2013, in Leicester Square, London. 'Catching Fire' is the second installment in 'The Hunger Games' trilogy. (Photo by Jon Furniss/Invision/AP) (credit:AP)

The Hunger Games : Catching Fire Premiere - London(20 of64)

Jennifer Lawrence arriving for the World Premiere of The Hunger Games : Catching Fire, at the Odeon Leicester Square, London. (credit:PA)

Liam Hemsworth, Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson(21 of64)

Actors Liam Hemsworth, left, Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson pose for photographers at the World Premiere of 'The Hunger Games: Catching Fire', on Monday Nov. 11, 2013, in Leicester Square, London. 'Catching Fire' is the second installment in 'The Hunger Games' trilogy. (Photo by Jon Furniss/Invision/AP) (credit:AP)

Liam Hemsworth, Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson(22 of64)

Actors Liam Hemsworth, left, Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson share a joke on the red carpet as they arrive for the World Premiere of 'The Hunger Games: Catching Fire', on Monday Nov. 11, 2013, in Leicester Square, London. 'Catching Fire' is the second installment in 'The Hunger Games' trilogy. (Photo by Jon Furniss/Invision/AP) (credit:AP)

The Hunger Games : Catching Fire Premiere - London(23 of64)

Liam Hemsworth, Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson arriving for the World Premiere of The Hunger Games : Catching Fire, at the Odeon Leicester Square, London. (credit:PA)

The Hunger Games : Catching Fire Premiere - London(24 of64)

Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson arriving for the World Premiere of The Hunger Games : Catching Fire, at the Odeon Leicester Square, London. (credit:PA)

The Hunger Games : Catching Fire Premiere - London(25 of64)

Jennifer Lawrence and Liam Hemsworth arriving for the World Premiere of The Hunger Games : Catching Fire, at the Odeon Leicester Square, London. (credit:PA)

The Hunger Games : Catching Fire Premiere - London(26 of64)

Liam Hemsworth arriving at the World Premiere of 'The Hunger Games: Catching Fire', Odeon Cinema, Leicester Square, London. (credit:PA)

The Hunger Games : Catching Fire Premiere - London(27 of64)

Liam Hemsworth arriving at the World Premiere of 'The Hunger Games: Catching Fire', Odeon Cinema, Leicester Square, London. (credit:PA)

The Hunger Games : Catching Fire Premiere - London(28 of64)

Liam Hemsworth arriving at the World Premiere of 'The Hunger Games: Catching Fire', Odeon Cinema, Leicester Square, London. (credit:PA)

The Hunger Games : Catching Fire Premiere - London(29 of64)

Liam Hemsworth arriving at the World Premiere of 'The Hunger Games: Catching Fire', Odeon Cinema, Leicester Square, London. (credit:PA)

Liam Hemsworth(30 of64)

Australian actor Liam Hemsworth arrives on the red carpet for the World Premiere of Hunger Games: Catching Fire, at a central London cinema, Monday, Nov. 11, 2013. (Photo by Joel Ryan/Invision/AP) (credit:AP)

The Hunger Games : Catching Fire Premiere - London(31 of64)

Liam Hemsworth arriving for the World Premiere of The Hunger Games : Catching Fire, at the Odeon Leicester Square, London. (credit:PA)

Liam Hemsworth(32 of64)

Australian actor Liam Hemsworth arrives on the red carpet for the World Premiere of Hunger Games: Catching Fire, at a central London cinema, Monday, Nov. 11, 2013. (Photo by Joel Ryan/Invision/AP) (credit:AP)

Liam Hemsworth(33 of64)

Australian actor Liam Hemsworth poses for photographers as he arrives on the red carpet for the World Premiere of 'The Hunger Games: Catching Fire', on Monday Nov.11, 2013, in Leicester Square, London. 'Catching Fire' is the second installment in 'The Hunger Games' trilogy. (Photo by Jon Furniss/Invision/AP) (credit:AP)

The Hunger Games : Catching Fire Premiere - London(34 of64)

Jennifer Lawrence and Liam Hemsworth arriving for the World Premiere of The Hunger Games : Catching Fire, at the Odeon Leicester Square, London. (credit:PA)

"The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" - UK Premiere - Red Carpet Arrivals(35 of64)

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - NOVEMBER 11: Liam Hemsworth attends the UK Premiere of 'The Hunger Games: Catching Fire' at Odeon Leicester Square on November 11, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Zak Hussein/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)

The Hunger Games : Catching Fire Premiere - London(36 of64)

Peaches Geldof arriving at the World Premiere of 'The Hunger Games: Catching Fire', Odeon Cinema, Leicester Square, London. (credit:PA)

The Hunger Games : Catching Fire Premiere - London(37 of64)

Peaches Geldof with husband Thomas Cohen and a family friend arriving at the World Premiere of 'The Hunger Games: Catching Fire', Odeon Cinema, Leicester Square, London. (credit:PA)

The Hunger Games : Catching Fire Premiere - London(38 of64)

Kelsey Hardwick and The Wanted's Tom Parker arriving at the World Premiere of 'The Hunger Games: Catching Fire', Odeon Cinema, Leicester Square, London. (credit:PA)

The Hunger Games : Catching Fire Premiere - London(39 of64)

Sophie Ellis Bexter arriving at the World Premiere of 'The Hunger Games: Catching Fire', Odeon Cinema, Leicester Square, London. (credit:PA)

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Ellie Goulding arriving at the World Premiere of 'The Hunger Games: Catching Fire', Odeon Cinema, Leicester Square, London. (credit:PA)

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Natalie Dormer arriving at the World Premiere of 'The Hunger Games: Catching Fire', Odeon Cinema, Leicester Square, London. (credit:PA)

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Kingsland Road arriving at the World Premiere of 'The Hunger Games: Catching Fire', Odeon Cinema, Leicester Square, London. (credit:PA)

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Ashley Roberts arriving at the World Premiere of 'The Hunger Games: Catching Fire', Odeon Cinema, Leicester Square, London. (credit:PA)

The Hunger Games : Catching Fire Premiere - London(44 of64)

Ellie Goulding arriving at the World Premiere of 'The Hunger Games: Catching Fire', Odeon Cinema, Leicester Square, London. (credit:PA)

The Hunger Games : Catching Fire Premiere - London(45 of64)

Ashley Roberts arriving at the World Premiere of 'The Hunger Games: Catching Fire', Odeon Cinema, Leicester Square, London. (credit:PA)

The Hunger Games : Catching Fire Premiere - London(46 of64)

Sophie Ellis Bexter and Richard Jones arriving at the World Premiere of 'The Hunger Games: Catching Fire', Odeon Cinema, Leicester Square, London. (credit:PA)

Dougie Poynter and Harry Judd(47 of64)

Dougie Poynter and Harry Judd from McFly attend the 'The Hunger Games: Catching Fire' Premiere After-Party, on Monday Nov. 11, 2013 in the Royal Court of Justice, London. 'Catching Fire' is the second instalment in 'The Hunger Games' trilogy. (Photo by Jon Furniss/Invision/AP) (credit:AP)

Danny Jones, James Bourne and Matt Willis(48 of64)

Danny Jones from McFly and James Bourne and Matt Willis from Busted attend the 'The Hunger Games: Catching Fire' Premiere After-Party, on Monday Nov. 11, 2013 in the Royal Court of Justice, London. 'Catching Fire' is the second installment in 'The Hunger Games' trilogy. (Photo by Jon Furniss/Invision/AP) (credit:AP)

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Laura Haddock and Sam Claflin arriving at the World Premiere of 'The Hunger Games: Catching Fire', Odeon Cinema, Leicester Square, London. (credit:PA)

The Hunger Games : Catching Fire Premiere - London(50 of64)

Willow Shield arriving at the World Premiere of 'The Hunger Games: Catching Fire', Odeon Cinema, Leicester Square, London. (credit:PA)

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Josh Hutcherson arriving at the World Premiere of 'The Hunger Games: Catching Fire', Odeon Cinema, Leicester Square, London. (credit:PA)

The Hunger Games : Catching Fire Premiere - London(52 of64)

Stanley Tucci arriving at the World Premiere of 'The Hunger Games: Catching Fire', Odeon Cinema, Leicester Square, London. (credit:PA)

The Hunger Games : Catching Fire Premiere - London(53 of64)

Josh Hutcherson arriving at the World Premiere of 'The Hunger Games: Catching Fire', Odeon Cinema, Leicester Square, London. (credit:PA)

The Hunger Games : Catching Fire Premiere - London(54 of64)

Jena Malone arriving at the World Premiere of 'The Hunger Games: Catching Fire', Odeon Cinema, Leicester Square, London. (credit:PA)

The Hunger Games : Catching Fire Premiere - London(55 of64)

Elizabeth Banks arriving at the World Premiere of 'The Hunger Games: Catching Fire', Odeon Cinema, Leicester Square, London. (credit:PA)

The Hunger Games : Catching Fire Premiere - London(56 of64)

Meghan Markle arriving at the World Premiere of 'The Hunger Games: Catching Fire', Odeon Cinema, Leicester Square, London. (credit:PA)

The Hunger Games : Catching Fire Premiere - London(57 of64)

Josh Hutcherson arriving at the World Premiere of 'The Hunger Games: Catching Fire', Odeon Cinema, Leicester Square, London. (credit:PA)

The Hunger Games : Catching Fire Premiere - London(58 of64)

Sam Clafin arriving at the World Premiere of 'The Hunger Games: Catching Fire', Odeon Cinema, Leicester Square, London. (credit:PA)

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Willow Shield arriving at the World Premiere of 'The Hunger Games: Catching Fire', Odeon Cinema, Leicester Square, London. (credit:PA)

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Conor Maynard arriving for the World Premiere of The Hunger Games : Catching Fire, at the Odeon Leicester Square, London. (credit:PA)

The Hunger Games : Catching Fire Premiere - London(61 of64)

Natalie Dormer arriving for the World Premiere of The Hunger Games : Catching Fire, at the Odeon Leicester Square, London. (credit:PA)

The Hunger Games : Catching Fire Premiere - London(62 of64)

Donald Sutherland arriving for the World Premiere of The Hunger Games : Catching Fire, at the Odeon Leicester Square, London. (credit:PA)

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Linzi Stoppard arriving for the World Premiere of The Hunger Games : Catching Fire, at the Odeon Leicester Square, London. (credit:PA)

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Jasmine Guinness arriving for the World Premiere of The Hunger Games : Catching Fire, at the Odeon Leicester Square, London. (credit:PA)

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