Jennifer Stone's Nursing Career Made 'The Pitt' Audition Traumatic

Former child star Jennifer Stone revealed she auditioned for the medical drama 'The Pitt' while working as an emergency room nurse. Stone stated that the script's realistic depiction of trauma triggered a panic attack, as the lines mirrored her daily professional reality. She has since found the show difficult to watch due to its proximity to her current career.
Key points
- Jennifer Stone auditioned for a series regular role on 'The Pitt' after the show's initial release.
- Stone currently works as an emergency room nurse and a disaster relief registered nurse.
- She studied her audition lines during breaks while working shifts at a hospital.
- The realistic script caused Stone to experience a panic attack and heavy breathing.
- Stone previously starred as Harper Finkle in 'Wizards of Waverly Place' and its reboot.
Background
Stone is best known for her role as Harper Finkle in the Disney Channel series 'Wizards of Waverly Place' (2007-2012) and its recent reboot, 'Wizards Beyond Waverly Place.' While other cast members like Jake T. Austin and David Henrie have discussed the revival's production dynamics, Stone has transitioned into a healthcare career, becoming a registered nurse in 2022 and a disaster relief nurse in 2023.
How outlets are covering it
The Hollywood Reporter and The Express Tribune both report on Stone's appearance on the 'CHEERS! with Avery' podcast. Both outlets emphasize the psychological impact of the audition on Stone, highlighting her struggle to separate her professional nursing duties from the dramatic script. The Express Tribune frames the story as a 'shocking' revelation, while The Hollywood Reporter focuses on the specific details of her panic attack and her current difficulty watching the series.
Why it matters
The story highlights the intersection of celebrity careers and professional healthcare, illustrating how realistic medical dramas can affect those with direct experience in the field. It also underscores the career transitions of former child actors, showing how some pursue entirely different professions after their entertainment careers conclude.
What to watch
Stone has not indicated whether she will pursue further acting roles, but her comments suggest she may avoid projects that closely mirror her current nursing profession. The Express Tribune and The Hollywood Reporter have not reported on any immediate follow-up actions from Stone regarding 'The Pitt' or future auditions.
- ‘Wizards of Waverly Place’ Actress Jennifer Stone, Who Now Works as a Nurse, Says She Auditioned for ‘The Pitt’ The Hollywood Reporter
- Disney star Jennifer Stone auditioned for The Pitt after becoming a real-life nurse — but didn’t get the role Entertainment Weekly
- Disney Channel Star-Turned-Nurse Jennifer Stone Reveals She Auditioned for ‘The Pitt,’ Says the Script Gave Her a Panic Attack IMDb
- ‘Wizards of Waverly Place’ star Jennifer Stone opens up about her shocking ‘The Pitt’ audition The Express Tribune
- Disney star Jennifer Stone auditioned for “The Pitt” after becoming a real-life nurse — but didn’t get the role AOL.com
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