Olesya Rulin mini-bio: Olesya Rulin Born on March 17 in Moscow, Russia, Rulin spent her early childhood in a poor, 12-house village where her family made hats.
Her father emigrated from Russia to the United States in the early 90s, leaving her mother, brother and Rulin behind while he worked in Utah. Two years later, the whole family followed and settled in Texas, where they lived in a trailer for six months before relocating to Salt Lake City, Utah, where her father started a taxidermist business. They continue to live there even though they could move to Hollywood.
She hopes to serve as a role model for youth, encourages them to learn about the world around them and to contribute to making a difference.
An advocate for animals, Rulin serves as a "foster parent" for rescued dogs, which led her to her Cocker Spaniel, Charlie, with whom she couldn't part when adoption day came.
In addition to acting and dancing, she is studying French and loves outdoor activities, including hiking, biking and kayaking, to name a few.
In addition to her role in "High School Musical" and "High School Musical 2", her other credits include the Disney Channel Original Movies "Halloweentown High", "The Poof Point" and "Hounded," the television series "Everwood" and the feature films "Forever Strong," "Mobsters and Mormons" and "The Dance."
Olesya's part in High School Musical 2 was significantly larger than the first movie, including a solo in "You Are The Music In Me" and a few lines in "Work This Out".
It is rumored that Olesya will reprise her role as Kelsi Nielsen in High School Musical 3, which is scheduled to be released in 2008.
