America Ferrera is getting sentimental about her career.
In an Instagram post on Friday, the Ugly Betty star paid a sweet tribute to 20 years as a working actor—using the cutest DCOM throwback pic to commemorate the special day. America shared a series of pics from Gotta Kick It Up!, the 2002 Disney Channel Original Movie based on a true story about a middle school dance team. The film starred America in the role of Yoli, and also featured actors Camille Guaty, Suilma Rodriguez, Sabrina Wiener, and Jhoanna Flores.
“20 years ago today was my first day as a working actress,” America wrote in the caption. “My mind was blown that my dream was becoming a reality. I was being PAID to act and dance in a Disney Channel movie called Gotta Kick It Up!” She went on to say that she was starstruck at the thought of working with talented directors and choreographers, not to mention filming on the Warner Bros. lot, where she spotted plenty of A-listers including Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston. “I soaked up every moment of being on that set with @camilleguaty @suilma #sabrinawiener & #jhoannaflores because the truth was I had no idea if I’d ever get the chance to do it again,” she added.
America added that she wishes she could travel back in time and tell her younger self that she had nothing to worry about. “I wish I could go back and tell this little baby America that the next 20 years of her life will be filled with unbelievable opportunity to express her talent and plenty of challenges that will allow her to grow into a person, actress, producer, director, activist that she is very proud and grateful to be,” she said, ending her note with a sweet message to the girl she used to be: “We did it baby girl. I’m proud of us.”
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As America noted, her career has definitely been a fulfilling one. Long after her DCOM days were over, she went on to star in The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants and its sequel, and she graced the small screen with lead roles in Ugly Betty and Superstore. In addition to her acting work, America is known for her political activism and it was recently announced that the 37-year-old will make her feature directorial debut with the Netflix adaptation of the YA novel I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter.
America certainly has a lot to celebrate! Here’s to the next 20 years—and who knows, maybe another Sisterhood reunion down the road too. Just an idea!
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