Actress Selena Gomez, the 20-year-old known best for her lead role on Disney's "Wizards of Waverly Place" moved her on-screen persona in a complete 180 recently. The actress joined fellow Disney alumnus Vanessa Hudgens in Harmony Korine's racy new movie "Spring Breakers."
Why would someone who spent their entire television life being an idol for young teens make such a sudden career move? Her mother.
Gomez told E! News that her mom, Mandy Teefey, encouraged her to broaden her acting résumé and join the numerous other young women who took part in Korine's racy film about the unofficial college holiday that takes place every March.
"[Mom is] super into indie movies and indie directors ... I think it was more of her pushing me and being like, you should go for it," she told E! News.
The R-rated film made an introductory appearance in only three theaters nationwide and has already grossed $270,000 over the past weekend.
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