10 Shocking Facts About Alisan Porter: What Happened To "Curly Sue" And Her Major 2024 Music Comeback

The iconic image of the mischievous, street-smart orphan with a heart of gold and a mop of curly hair is instantly recognizable across the globe, especially in Russia and Eastern Europe where the film is known as "Кудряшка Сью." But what became of the actress who brought the character of Sue to life? As of December 2025, the life of Alisan Porter has taken a dramatic and inspiring turn, moving far beyond her 1991 childhood stardom and cementing her legacy as a powerful musical force and a resilient artist.

The journey of Alisan Porter is a compelling narrative of a child actor who successfully navigated the challenging transition to adult stardom on her own terms. While many remember her from the classic John Hughes film, her recent career highlights—including a major reality TV win and a significant musical release in 2024—prove she is an artist whose story is still being written, full of fresh, unexpected chapters.

Alisan Porter: Full Biography and Profile

Alisan Leigh Porter is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and dancer, best known for her unforgettable role as the titular character in the 1991 film Curly Sue (Кудряшка Сью). Her career, however, is far more extensive than that single role, encompassing success in musical theater, television, and, most recently, mainstream music.

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• Full Name: Alisan Leigh Porter
• Date of Birth: June 20, 1981
• Place of Birth: Worcester, Massachusetts, U.S.
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Singer, Songwriter, Actress, Dancer, Vocal Coach
• Breakthrough Role: Sue in Curly Sue (1991)
• Notable Television: Winner of Season 10 of The Voice (2016)
• Musical Theater: Played the role of Urleen in the Broadway revival of Footloose (1998) and the lead role of Val in the Broadway revival of A Chorus Line (2006).
• Parents: Her mother, Laura, was a dance teacher, and her father, Ric Porter, was a co-founder of the band "The Worcester Common."
• Marital Status: Married; has children.
• Recent Music Release: EP The Ride (June 2024)

Porter began her career in show business at a very young age, appearing on Star Search at the age of five and quickly landing roles in films like Parenthood (1989) before securing the lead in Curly Sue alongside Jim Belushi. Her early success was a testament to her natural talent, but her true passion was always music and the stage.

From Child Star to Broadway and the Reality TV Stage

After the success of Curly Sue, Porter stepped away from the Hollywood spotlight to focus on her education and her love for musical theater. This pivot was a deliberate choice to pursue a more well-rounded artistic life, away from the pressures of being a child star.

She excelled on the stage, securing roles that showcased her powerful voice and acting chops. Her portrayal of Urleen in the 1998 Broadway revival of Footloose and, more significantly, her role as Val in the 2006 revival of A Chorus Line, solidified her reputation as a formidable musical theater performer. This period was crucial for honing the vocal power that would later make her a champion.

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The next major chapter in her career came in 2016 when she auditioned for Season 10 of the reality singing competition, The Voice. Her blind audition, where she sang "Blue Bayou," earned a four-chair turn, and she ultimately chose Christina Aguilera as her coach. Her performance throughout the season was consistently praised for its emotional depth and vocal range, culminating in her victory.

Winning *The Voice* was a monumental moment for Porter. It was a public reintroduction to a global audience, allowing her to step out of the shadow of her childhood role and be recognized as a serious, adult recording artist. She made history as the first winner whose coach was a female artist, further highlighting her unique path in the industry.

The Ride: Alisan Porter's 2024 Musical Renaissance and Current Life

Following her The Voice win, Alisan Porter has been fully dedicated to her music career, blending pop, rock, and country influences into her unique sound. This dedication reached a significant milestone in June 2024 with the release of her six-song EP, The Ride.

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This EP is not just another album; it represents Porter's commitment to the work she started at the beginning of her musical journey and showcases her evolution as a songwriter and producer. She produced the EP herself, demonstrating a deep level of artistic control and maturity.

The themes within The Ride explore personal growth, resilience, and the journey of life, resonating with fans who have followed her story. The release was accompanied by a return to touring and performing live, allowing her to connect directly with her audience and showcase her powerhouse vocals in a new, intimate setting. This recent activity proves that the actress once known as Кудряшка Сью is now a thriving singer/songwriter on the road.

A Life Defined by Resilience and Sobriety

Beyond her professional achievements, Porter has been remarkably open about her personal struggles, particularly her journey to sobriety. Her candidness about overcoming addiction has made her an inspirational figure for many fans and fellow artists. She often speaks about the importance of recovery and how her family—her husband and children—provide a strong foundation for her continued success.

Her work as a vocal coach also allows her to mentor the next generation of talent, sharing the wisdom she gained from years in the industry, from the sets of Hollywood films to the stages of Broadway and reality TV. This multi-faceted career—singer, songwriter, actress, and coach—makes her one of the most versatile artists to emerge from the child star era.

The story of Alisan Porter is a powerful reminder that an early, iconic role does not define an entire career. From the beloved Curly Sue to the champion of The Voice and the independent artist releasing critically acclaimed work in 2024, Porter’s life is a continuous masterclass in artistic reinvention and personal triumph. Her commitment to music, family, and sobriety paints a complete picture of an artist who has truly found her voice.