Chéri Ballinger got her start in film while being discovered as a young girl and placed in the iconic 1998 remake of the Walt Disney classic “The Parent Trap”. She has worked in film steadily ever since. With her passion for her second chance at life after suffering from a severe TBI (traumatic brain injury) that stopped everything and resulted in 4+ years of recovery, she is now back to work in the industry as a film producer. Chéri is also heavily focused on her international philanthropy efforts as well as being on the forefront of revolutionary medical technology. Not one to stifle her entrepreneurial spirit, she is at the helm of several conscious business startups to keep an eye out for (stay tuned!)…A coveted international speaker, she is the official US Ambassador for the Women’s Brain Project based in Switzerland and recently came on board with the Same You Foundation founded by actress Emilia Clarke in the UK. She enjoys speaking everywhere around the world- from Harvard University, to a “Mom’s in the Middle” group in the state of Indiana, to the podium where Winston Churchill gave his 1946 speech in Zurich, Switzerland- so that all people can be reminded that every day of life is a beautiful gift and we have the ability to overcome all the odds against us. She reminds people that miracles happen every day!
Chéri has vowed to use her background, Faith, and personal comeback story to bring people hope and to inspire positive change through business and the beautiful medium of film. She is one of the executive producers of the recently released feature film “Roe v Wade” starring Jon Voight which has enjoyed tremendous press and critical acclaim. She is currently working on several upcoming high -profile productions with the desire to have her name and talent associated with films that reflect her passion for life and storytelling.
FWM: Share your background in film.
When I was growing up, I would always watch old movies from the Golden Age with my Grandpa. He just loved the arts and film… and loved sharing how he was once an extra in the old “Mission Impossible” tv series! This really gave me my love for film, especially old Hollywood. When I was around 11-years-old there was an ad in the newspaper my aunt saw asking for girls to be a part of the new Disney remake of “The Parent Trap”. My aunt knew how much I loved the 1961 film and urged me to send something in. My little brother took some Polaroids of me out by the rocks in my small town, I wrote a little essay in pink ink, and then forgot about it haha! A few months later, my mom received a call that I was one of a handful of girls chosen out of thousands to be in the film which was Lindsay Lohan’s debut movie. It was an incredible experience. It ended up being a hit! After that, it seemed like even though I never pursued it seriously, it always found me. By the time I was older, I ended up being in a handful of other films, countless commercials and even landed a beauty contract with a company that flew me around the world to represent them. It feels like it’s always been my destiny and my love for old Hollywood is stronger than ever.
FWM: You have a pivotal moment in your life. Please share your experience.
On February 11, 2014, I had a terrible fall at a studio in LA. I sustained a severe TBI (traumatic brain injury) and in that moment, my life changed forever. Everything you think is important just goes out the window. My life just stopped. It was a grueling 4+ years of recovery where I had to relearn everything and I was told I would never really have a life again. I ended up having a miraculous recovery which is what I speak about today, but this pivotal moment has changed me forever.
FWM: You are heavily focused on international philanthropy. Tell us about your work with the Women’s Brain Project and with the Same You Foundation.
I just feel so blessed to have this second chance at life and I’ve vowed to help as many people as I possibly can. Truly. This mission is directly in line with these organizations and the other nonprofits and charities I’m affiliated with. I’m so honored to be the US Ambassador for the Women’s Brain Project based in Switzerland and the strides they are making in precision medicine are incredible! Their team of global scientists are truly beautiful advocates for brain health. The same can be said for the Same You Foundation founded by actress Emilia Clarke in the UK. I’m honored to be an ambassador for them and I’m always so impressed by their advocacy for recovery treatment. They really lift people’s voices up on this issue because it’s important to talk about it. Nearly 1 in 3 people will have an acquired brain injury in their lifetime…that’s so significant.
FWM: How are you inspiring people today?
If I can inspire people through my story of hope, it makes all of this worth it. So many people are out there suffering and feeling hopeless right now and believe me, I’ve been there. But I have firsthand experience that we can overcome anything. Anything and everything! Life is such a precious, beautiful gift. When you cultivate this mindset, you start to see the miracles all around you every day. I want to give people hope.
FWM: You are a much sought-after motivational speaker. What are the topics you are sharing today?
It’s just incredible that I’m even able to have a life again, let alone be able to share it by being a speaker. How amazing?! I just speak from my heart and share my personal story in detail and how I’ve made it this far. To go from being bedridden and learning how to talk again to living this amazing life I have now, is just crazy! I’ve found that stories are what tie us all together—we all have a story. When I share mine, it seems to help people and so I find great joy and fulfillment in doing so. I love connecting with people through speaking. I usually tailor it to the specific audience and demographic but it resonates with everyone in one way or another. It’s easy to give up but sharing what I’ve gone through is what people need to hear—they can do it too! I’ve already had several speaking engagements so far this year with more and more bookings coming in every week! Because this is so personal to me, I really try to accommodate as many requests as possible. Look out for me back to speaking outside the US this year too.
FWM: What is the greatest lesson you have learned?
Life is so short. I may have been given a second chance, but we really only get this one shot. Make it count. Live with passion and purpose and do as much good as you can.
FWM: You are one of the executive producers of the recently released feature film “Roe v Wade” starring Jon Voight. Why does this project mean so much to you?
It’s always so thought provoking to delve into history. I loved how this film tells the true story of such a major court case in our country. I find that fascinating! Films are such a powerful medium and if it makes you think and evokes emotion, well, it’s done it’s job. I’m passionate about life so I love this subject.
FWM: Tell us about your upcoming projects and your vision to inspire others in 2022.
It’s already been an incredible start to this new year and I feel like it’s such a beautiful time to be alive. I’m currently working on five other major films, starting two businesses, and hoping to share more with the public on the innovative projects I’m proud to be a part of such as LifeStoryHealth. I really see my vision this year as being able to collaborate more with others so that we can make beautiful art and make beautiful things happen. When we all come together to make a positive impact, that’s when the magic happens. Look out 2022!
