7 Shocking Facts About "Кудряшка Сью": Where Is Alisan Porter Now And Her 2024 Music Comeback

Few child stars are as instantly recognizable as the titular character from the 1991 classic film *Curly Sue*, known in Russian-speaking countries as "Кудряшка Сью." More than three decades after the movie's release, the heartwarming tale of the street-smart orphan and her kind-hearted guardian still holds a special place in cinematic history, largely due to the unforgettable performance of the young actress. As of December 2025, the life of the star, Alisan Porter, has taken a fascinating and completely unexpected turn, moving her from Hollywood's spotlight to a different kind of stage, culminating in a major career resurgence in the music world.

The curiosity surrounding the fate of the girl with the iconic curls remains high. While many remember her as the 9-year-old on-screen, her journey since then includes a successful career pivot, a major reality TV win, and the release of fresh, new music in 2024, proving that the talent that first charmed the world was just the beginning of a much longer, more inspiring story.

Alisan Porter: The Full Biography of the Star of "Кудряшка Сью"

Alisan Leigh Porter, the actress behind the beloved "Кудряшка Сью," has had a dynamic career that spans acting, dancing, and music. Her life story is a testament to perseverance and the pursuit of a true passion, even decades after achieving global fame as a child star.

• 5 Shocking Facts About Anna Congdon Penn State Sweetheart To Nfl Fiances Social Media Firestorm Cc90e

• Full Name: Alisan Leigh Porter
• Date of Birth: June 20, 1981
• Place of Birth: Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
• Primary Occupations: Singer, Songwriter, Actress, Dancer
• Breakthrough Role: Curly Sue in the film *Curly Sue* (1991)
• Early Career Highlights: Appeared on *Star Search* at age five, roles in films like *Parenthood* (1989) and *I Love You to Death* (1990).
• Major Career Pivot: Transitioned to a music career in her twenties, focusing on rock and pop music.
• Reality TV Victory: Winner of Season 10 of the US version of *The Voice* in 2016, becoming the first winner for coach Christina Aguilera.
• Broadway Career: Starred as Val in the revival of the musical *A Chorus Line*.
• Personal Life: Mother of two children and a stepmother to one.
• Recent Music Releases (2024): Released the EP *The Ride* (June 2024) and the single "California" (2024).

Porter's acting career began almost immediately after her birth, with her family deeply involved in the performing arts. Her appearance on *Star Search* at a remarkably young age solidified her path, but it was the role of Curly Sue that cemented her status as an international child star. Following the film's success, she stepped away from major acting roles to focus on her education and, eventually, her true calling: music.

The Undying Legacy of *Curly Sue* and John Hughes' Final Vision

The film *Curly Sue* is more than just a nostalgic family comedy; it holds a significant place in cinema history as the final directorial work of one of Hollywood's most influential filmmakers. This fact alone gives "Кудряшка Сью" a unique and lasting cultural impact.

A Farewell to Directing by a Master Storyteller

*Curly Sue* (1991) was the last film directed by the legendary John Hughes, a man whose name is synonymous with 1980s teen cinema classics. Hughes, known for defining the "Brat Pack" era and directing iconic films like *Sixteen Candles*, *The Breakfast Club*, and *Ferris Bueller's Day Off*, took a different turn with this romantic comedy-drama. While he continued to write and produce films like *Home Alone* and *Drillbit Taylor*, *Curly Sue* represents the end of his time behind the camera as a director.

• The One Where They Tanked Jokes 15 Shocking New Secrets From The Friends Tv Show Behind The Scenes G9zdh

The film's plot, which follows the charming con artist Bill Dancer (played by James Belushi) and his young companion Curly Sue, as they attempt to scam the wealthy Chicago lawyer Grey Ellison (played by Kelly Lynch), is a classic rags-to-riches, found-family narrative. The supporting cast, including John Getz as Walter McCormick and Fred Dalton Thompson as Bernard Oxbar, helped round out the ensemble, but the heart of the movie remained the dynamic between the trio of Belushi, Lynch, and Porter.

The Russian Title's Cultural Weight

The Russian title, "Кудряшка Сью" (*Kudryashka Syu*), translates directly to "Curly Sue" and became a cultural touchstone in post-Soviet countries. Released during a time of significant change, the film’s themes of hope, unconventional family, and the power of love resonated deeply with audiences, cementing its status as a beloved foreign classic and one of the most recognizable American family films of the era.

From Hollywood to *The Voice*: Alisan Porter’s 2024 Music Comeback

The most current and exciting chapter in Alisan Porter’s career is her full immersion into the music industry, a path that was dramatically accelerated by her victory on a major television show.

• The Enduring Legacy Of Haylor 5 Shocking Facts About Harry Styles And Taylor Swifts Relationship 10 Years Later Sf662

The Voice Victory and the Shift to Music

In 2016, Alisan Porter stunned audiences and judges alike when she auditioned for Season 10 of NBC's *The Voice*. Her powerful vocals and emotional performances quickly made her a frontrunner. She joined Team Christina Aguilera and ultimately won the competition, making history as the first contestant to win with a female coach.

This victory was not a mere novelty for a former child star; it was a professional validation of her lifelong passion for singing. Following *The Voice*, Porter dedicated herself entirely to her music career, moving away from acting and focusing on songwriting and performing her own material. This pivotal moment redefined her public identity from "Curly Sue" to a serious musical artist.

The Fresh Sound of 2024: *The Ride* and "California"

The year 2024 marks a significant milestone in Porter's musical journey, bringing her back into the public eye with fresh, new releases. In June 2024, she released a six-song EP titled *The Ride*. This project is particularly notable because Porter not only wrote the songs but also produced the EP herself, showcasing her complete creative control and commitment to her artistry. The EP is a reflection of her personal journey, embracing her experiences as a musician, mother, and woman who has navigated the complexities of life in the public eye.

Following the EP, Porter continued her momentum by releasing a new single, "California," later in 2024. The song, co-written with Drew McKeon and produced by Rob Resnick, demonstrates her evolving sound and her commitment to consistently releasing new material for her dedicated fanbase. This string of releases solidifies that "Кудряшка Сью" is no longer just a figure of nostalgia, but a contemporary singer-songwriter actively shaping her own narrative in the music industry.

Topical Authority Entities and LSI Keywords:

The enduring appeal of "Кудряшка Сью" is built on a foundation of key figures and themes that continue to generate interest:

• Key Figures: James Belushi (Bill Dancer), Kelly Lynch (Grey Ellison), John Getz (Walter McCormick), Fred Dalton Thompson (Bernard Oxbar), Christina Aguilera (The Voice Coach).
• John Hughes Filmography: *Sixteen Candles*, *The Breakfast Club*, *Ferris Bueller's Day Off*, *Planes, Trains & Automobiles*, *Home Alone*, *Uncle Buck*.
• Alisan Porter's Music: *The Ride* EP, "California" single, Pop/Rock/Country Singer, Broadway Actress, *A Chorus Line*.
• Themes & Concepts: Child Star Transition, Romantic Comedy-Drama, Found Family Trope, 1990s Cinema, *The Voice* Champion, Hollywood Comeback.

Alisan Porter’s life after *Curly Sue* is a powerful example of a celebrity who successfully navigated the pitfalls of child stardom to find her authentic voice. Her 2024 music releases, *The Ride* and "California," are not just new songs; they are the latest chapters in the inspiring story of "Кудряшка Сью," the talented girl who grew up to become a champion singer and a respected songwriter.