Christa B. Allen

Image of Christa B. Allen
Image of Actress Christa B. Allen
Christa Brittany Allen (born November 11, 1991) is an American actress best known for portraying the younger versions of Jennifer Garner's characters in 13 Going on 30 (2004) and Ghosts of Girlfriends Past (2009). She starred as the titular character in the CBS children's series Cake (2006) and later played socialite Charlotte Grayson on ABC's Revenge from 2011 to 2015. Allen's early film and television work expanded to a variety of roles in features and series, including guest appearances on popular shows and multiple film projects. Born in Wildomar, California, she began acting in childhood, balancing screen work with family life, and has continued to pursue diverse projects across drama and comedy in the entertainment industry.

More Information

Full Name:
Christa Brittany Allen
Date of Birth:
11 November 1991
Place of Birth:
Wildomar, California, USA
Nationality:
United States
Profession(s):
Actress
Career Started:
2004
Work:
13 Going on 30 (2004), Ghosts of Girlfriends Past (2009)
Professions:
Actress

Christa B. Allen Bio

Christa Brittany Allen is an American actress recognized for her versatile work across film and television since childhood. She first drew attention playing the younger versions of Jennifer Garner’s characters in the comedy film 13 Going on 30 (2004) and again in Ghosts of Girlfriends Past (2009). Her performance as the titular character in the CBS children’s series Cake established her as a capable lead in her own right. Later, her portrayal of socialite Charlotte Grayson on ABC’s Revenge from 2011 to 2015 became one of her most prominent television roles, spanning four seasons of the primetime drama.

Born in Wildomar, California, Christa B. Allen began acting at an early age and built a steady career by taking on varied roles in both comedy and drama. She has appeared in a range of feature films and made guest appearances across numerous popular television series. Beyond acting, she co-founded a musical duo and has participated in projects outside the traditional screen performance space. Her work reflects a willingness to explore different formats and genres within the entertainment industry.

Early Life and Background

Christa Brittany Allen was born on November 11, 1991, in Wildomar, California, and holds United States nationality. She is the youngest of nine siblings, growing up in a large family with eight older brothers. That experience shaped her childhood in a household filled with energy and sibling interaction. She has also noted spending a summer with a circus during her youth, an early example of the varied experiences that informed her creative outlook.

Allen grew up in Southern California and was exposed to performing arts at a young age. Her early environment provided opportunities to explore acting through student films and commercials. Even as a child, she balanced screen work with the demands of family life, a routine that set the foundation for her professional discipline. The combination of her large family upbringing and early immersion in entertainment helped shape her path into a performing career.

Path to Actress

Allen’s entry into acting began with appearances on The Man Show and work in student films and commercials during her preteen years. She quickly landed a significant role at age 11 when she was cast as the younger version of Jennifer Garner’s character in the comedy film 13 Going on 30 (2004). This early high-profile opportunity placed her alongside major Hollywood talent and gave her exposure to the full scope of a studio film production. Her natural screen presence and ability to mirror Garner’s performance earned her recognition within the industry.

Following her debut, she continued building her résumé with the lead role in the CBS children’s television series Cake in 2006, where she carried the show as the titular character. She also appeared in guest roles across television series including Medium, Cory in the House, The Suite Life on Deck, Grey’s Anatomy, ER, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, Wizards of Waverly Place, and Cold Case. These recurring guest appearances broadened her experience across genres and formats, from network sitcoms to medical dramas and crime procedurals.

Christa B. Allen Career

Early Career (2004–2010)

Allen’s screen career began in earnest in 2004 with her role as the young Jenna Rink in 13 Going on 30. Starring opposite Jennifer Garner, the film became a cult comedy favorite and introduced Allen to mainstream audiences. She reprised a similar dynamic with Garner in Ghosts of Girlfriends Past (2009), once again portraying the younger version of Garner’s character and demonstrating her ability to anchor emotionally resonant flashback sequences. These two films remain among her most recognized early works.

During this period, Allen expanded her filmography with roles in A Merry Little Christmas (2006), Youth in Revolt (2009), One Wish (2010), One Kine Day (2011), and Detention of the Dead (2012). In 2006, she took on her first major television lead as the titular character in Cake, a CBS children’s series that showcased her capacity to carry a show independently. Guest appearances on series such as Medium, Cory in the House, The Suite Life on Deck, Grey’s Anatomy, ER, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, Wizards of Waverly Place, and Cold Case further established her as a reliable and versatile young performer.

Breakthrough (2011–2015)

In 2011, Allen landed the role that would define the next phase of her career: socialite Charlotte Grayson in ABC’s primetime drama series Revenge. The character placed her at the center of one of television’s most stylized and plot-driven series during its peak popularity. She remained a series regular through the early episodes of the fourth season and returned as a guest star for the series finale, underscoring the lasting relationship between the actress and the show. The role gave her substantial creative range, moving through family drama, political intrigue, and personal betrayal.

Following her tenure on Revenge, Allen took on a recurring role as Robyn on the ABC Family sitcom Baby Daddy in 2015. That same year, she wrote an essay about turning 30 years old for Yahoo!’s website, reflecting on her experiences growing up in the industry. In April 2018, she co-founded the musical act Pour Vous with Johnny What, releasing their debut single Scorpio. The venture signaled her interest in creative expression beyond traditional acting roles and demonstrated her range as an artist.

Notable Works and Milestones

Allen’s signature body of work includes playing the young Jenna Rink in 13 Going on 30 at age 11, headlining the CBS children’s series Cake, and delivering a four-season run as Charlotte Grayson on Revenge. Her ability to move between comedic and dramatic material across film and television reflects the diversity of her career choices. Her guest work across major network and cable series further underscores her standing as a working actress with broad industry experience.

Christa B. Allen Awards Nominations

There are no verified award nominations on record for Christa B. Allen.

Christa B. Allen Awards Won

There are no verified awards won on record for Christa B. Allen.

Christa B. Allen Family

Christa B. Allen was born into a large family and is the youngest of nine children, with eight older brothers. Growing up as the youngest sibling shaped her childhood in a busy, active household.

Personal Life

Allen has spoken publicly about a personal relationship she left. In August 2025, she posted on TikTok that she had escaped a relationship with a wealthy cult leader, sharing her experience with her online audience. She also pursued music through her involvement in the duo Pour Vous, releasing the group’s first single Scorpio in April 2018. Beyond her screen and musical projects, she has continued to write and share personal essays reflecting on her life and career.