Olesya Rulin

Actress

Olesya spent her early childhood in a poor, 12-house village where her family made hats. Her father emigrated from Russia to the United States in the early 90s, leaving her mother, brother and Rulin behind while he worked in Utah. Two years later, the whole family followed and settled in Texas, where they lived in a trailer for six months before relocating to Salt Lake City, Utah, where her father started a taxidermist business.

She hopes to serve as a role model for youth, encourages them to learn about the world around them and to contribute to making a difference. An advocate for animals, Rulin serves as a "foster parent" for rescued dogs, which led her to her Cocker Spaniel, Charlie, with whom she couldn't part when adoption day came. Olesya hosted a DisneyMania Concert for Conservation, and a quote from her reads that her friends call her "conservation girl". In addition to acting and dancing, she is studying French and loves outdoor activities, including hiking, biking and kayaking, to name a few, she is a trained ballet dancer and model