Fair Lawn Native Stars in 'Much Ado About Nothing'

Jillian Morgese, a 23-year-old actress from Fair Lawn, has landed her first starring role in a movie in Joss Whedon's modern adaption of the Shakespeare play "Much Ado About Nothing."

She plays Hero, a young woman in love who also helps set up her wisecracking cousin Beatrice with a like-minded man.

Morgese, a former gymnast and 2007 graduate of Fair Lawn High School, told The Record "the whole experience was a dream."

According to IMDB, her only previous movie role was in another Whedon film, "The Avengers," in which she had a minor part.

The Record reported Morgese got the opportunity to audition for "Much Ado" when Whedon personally invited her, noting her resemblance to actress Amy Acker, who plays her cousin in the film.

The movie has received positive reviews from numerous publications. "Much Ado About Nothing" is already playing in New York and opens nationwide Friday. Check out Morgese in the trailer above.

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