Halston Sage’s portrayal of Nancy Arbuckle in the 2013 comedy hit *Grown Ups 2* remains one of the most memorable breakout performances from the Adam Sandler-led ensemble. The character, a charming love interest for Greg Feder (played by Jake Goldberg), cemented Sage’s place in the Hollywood comedy scene, but her career trajectory since that role has taken a fascinating and diverse path, moving far beyond the Happy Madison universe into dramatic television, sci-fi, and even a new role as an executive producer.
As of late 2024, Halston Sage is no longer just the popular girl from the bus stop; she is an established actress with major TV credits and a burgeoning career behind the camera. Her recent work, including starring in and executive producing the 2023 romantic comedy *The List* and joining the cast of *The Pet Nup*, demonstrates a deliberate shift toward more complex and leading roles, proving the *Grown Ups 2* experience was just the beginning of a versatile career.
Halston Sage: Full Biography and Profile (2024 Update)
Halston Sage, born Halston Jean Schrage, has cultivated a career defined by versatility, moving seamlessly between comedy, drama, and science fiction. Her professional journey began in the early 2010s, quickly establishing her as a young talent to watch.
- Full Name: Halston Jean Schrage
- Date of Birth: May 10, 1993
- Place of Birth: Los Angeles, California, U.S.
- Age (as of 2024): 31
- Breakout Role: Grace in the Nickelodeon series *How to Rock* (2012)
- Notable Film Roles: Nancy Arbuckle in *Grown Ups 2* (2013), Brooke Shy in *Neighbors* (2014), Lacey Pemberton in *Paper Towns* (2015), Lindsay Edgecomb in *Before I Fall* (2017).
- Notable Television Roles: Amber in *Crisis* (2014), Lt. Alara Kitan in *The Orville* (2017–2019), and Ainsley Whitly in *Prodigal Son* (2019–2021).
- Recent Career Shift: Executive Producer and Lead Actress in the 2023 film *The List*.
The Role That Launched a Career: Halston Sage as Nancy Arbuckle in Grown Ups 2
In the 2013 sequel to the original hit, *Grown Ups 2*, Halston Sage took on the role of Nancy Arbuckle. The character is introduced as the attractive, popular girl at school who becomes the primary love interest for Greg Feder, the son of Lenny Feder (Adam Sandler) and Roxanne Feder (Salma Hayek).
Nancy Arbuckle’s storyline is a classic coming-of-age subplot within the broader comedy. She represents the high school crush Greg is trying to impress, particularly during the film's memorable bus ride scene. Her interactions with Greg highlight the awkward yet sweet nature of first romance, providing a fresh, youthful energy to the movie, which primarily focuses on the adult antics of Lenny Feder, Eric Lamonsoff (Kevin James), Kurt McKenzie (Chris Rock), and Marcus Higgins (David Spade).
Behind the Scenes on the Happy Madison Set
Working on a major studio comedy like *Grown Ups 2*, which was a production under Adam Sandler's Happy Madison banner, was a significant experience for the young actress. Sage has fondly recalled the environment on set, comparing the filming process to "going to adult summer camp." This sentiment reflects the famously relaxed and collaborative atmosphere of Sandler’s productions, where the focus is often on fun and camaraderie among a large ensemble cast, including veterans like Chris Rock, Kevin James, and Shaquille O'Neal.
The success of the film, which grossed over $247 million worldwide, provided Sage with massive exposure, quickly opening doors to other high-profile projects.
From Nickelodeon to Sci-Fi: Halston Sage's Diverse Filmography and Major TV Roles
Following her role as Nancy Arbuckle, Halston Sage made a conscious effort to diversify her portfolio, demonstrating a range that extends far beyond the teen comedy genre. Her career in the years immediately following *Grown Ups 2* saw her take on roles in both critically acclaimed indie films and major network television series.
The Breakthrough into Drama and Sci-Fi
One of the most notable shifts in her career was her role as Lieutenant Alara Kitan in the Fox (later Hulu) sci-fi series *The Orville*, created by Seth MacFarlane. As Alara Kitan, a Xelayan security officer with superhuman strength, Sage showcased her ability to handle action and complex emotional arcs within a space opera setting. Her departure from the show in Season 2 was a major plot point, allowing her to pursue other opportunities, most notably a leading role in a dark network drama.
This opportunity was her role as Ainsley Whitly in the Fox crime drama *Prodigal Son*. Ainsley is the ambitious, seemingly put-together sister of the main character, Malcolm Bright, and the daughter of a notorious serial killer, Dr. Martin Whitly (Michael Sheen). Sage's performance as Ainsley was praised for its intensity, especially as her character’s own dark side began to emerge, culminating in a shocking, morally ambiguous final act.
Major Film Roles and Critical Acclaim
In film, Sage continued to build her resume with roles that resonated with young adult audiences and critics alike. She played the popular sorority sister Brooke Shy in the raunchy comedy *Neighbors* (2014) alongside Zac Efron and Seth Rogen. A year later, she starred as Lacey Pemberton in the adaptation of John Green’s novel *Paper Towns* (2015), a role that further established her credibility in the young adult genre.
Halston Sage's New Era: Executive Producing and Upcoming Projects (The List, The Pet Nup)
The most significant development in Halston Sage’s recent career is her move into production, signaling a desire for greater creative control. As of 2023 and 2024, her projects are marked by this new dual role.
The List: A New Chapter as Executive Producer
In 2023, Sage starred in and served as an executive producer for the romantic comedy film *The List*. She played the lead role of Abby Meyers, a woman who, after her fiancé cheats on her with a celebrity from his "free pass" list, decides to use her own list to seek revenge. This raunchy rom-com, directed by Melissa Miller, represents a new era for Sage, where she is actively shaping the projects she stars in, moving beyond just being a hired actress.
Upcoming Projects (2024–2025)
Halston Sage continues to work steadily, with several new projects in the pipeline, solidifying her status as a leading lady in the romantic comedy space:
- *Daughter of the Bride* (2023): She starred as Kate York in this romantic comedy alongside Marcia Gay Harden, which was released in mid-2023.
- *The Pet Nup* (Upcoming): Sage has joined the cast of a new romantic comedy titled *The Pet Nup*, directed by Elaine del Valle. This project, currently in development, indicates her continued focus on the genre while expanding her collaborative network.
From a supporting role in an Adam Sandler comedy to a leading lady and executive producer, Halston Sage’s career has been an impressive evolution. Her work as Nancy Arbuckle in *Grown Ups 2* may have introduced her to a global audience, but her subsequent roles in *The Orville* and *Prodigal Son*, and her recent venture into production with *The List*, prove her dedication to a long, versatile, and impactful career in Hollywood.
Detail Author:
- Name : Verona Crooks
- Username : conroy.eleanora
- Email : danika.zemlak@gmail.com
- Birthdate : 1976-12-26
- Address : 80293 Claudie Trail Ratkebury, CT 83676-7787
- Phone : 1-443-887-9116
- Company : Swaniawski and Sons
- Job : Legal Secretary
- Bio : Distinctio quis odit dicta voluptas et. Cum dolorum alias voluptatem et aut. Deleniti dolor quia libero maxime.
Socials
twitter:
- url : https://twitter.com/rheaturner
- username : rheaturner
- bio : Assumenda quas enim ducimus distinctio labore quo architecto. Qui eos quibusdam officia et odit sed accusamus. Similique ducimus dolores consequatur.
- followers : 2563
- following : 852
facebook:
- url : https://facebook.com/rhea_official
- username : rhea_official
- bio : Neque commodi quis sint quia id asperiores sed voluptatem.
- followers : 5945
- following : 165
linkedin:
- url : https://linkedin.com/in/rhea2514
- username : rhea2514
- bio : Non est et iusto quidem.
- followers : 4941
- following : 2234