The Talent Behind Grace Unplugged By Angela Guzman

AJ Michalka

AJ is a successful actress, musician and songwriter. AJ is the main character in the film Grace Unplugged, staring as Grace Trey. She recently finished production on the independent film Jesus in Cowboy Boots, a Cannes Film Festival entry in which she starred and co-produced. Other features include Secretariat, Super 8, and The Lovely Bones. AJ began her acting career in television, where she's been seen in "The Guardian," "Oliver Beene," "Cow Belles," the pilot "Haversham Hall," and the made-for-TV movie, "Super Sweet Sixteen."

AJ has also been involved with various Disney Recording Productions; while AJ and her sister Ally recorded albums together their album went plantinum.

James Denton

James Denton plays Johnny in Grace Unplugged. The role isn't far from reality, as Denton is a former worship music pastor.

Denton didn't begin acting until he was 28 years old. Even though he received good reviews, he was not convinced that he could make a living from being an actor. After a few more years, he risked everything and moved to Chicago to become a professional actor where he quickly became one of Chicago's brightest acting stars as a company member of the Griffin Theatre and at the Strawdog Theatre Ensemble. Once he earned a key role in the "Untouchables" TV series, Denton moved to Los Angeles for more opportunities.

James is best known for his longstanding role in "Desperate Housewives." Other ongoing TV shows include "The Pretender," "Philly," and "Threat Matrix." He has made guest appearances on "JAG," "Slider," "Dark Skies," "Two Guys and a Girl," "Ally McBeal," and "The West Wing," and once hosted "The Miss America Pageant." His movies include Primary Colors, Face/Off, and That Old Feeling. James is also a musician and part of the Band From TV, a group of actors who perform concerts to raise money for charity.

Shawnee Smith

Shawnee Smith got bit by the acting bug at a very early age. When she landed a McDonald's commercial at the age of eight, she continued acting and made a career of it. Later she became a member of the Screen Actor's Guild, appearing in dozens of other commercials before landing her first film role as a dancing orphan in Annie. She is best known for her cast role as Linda in the popular TV show "Becker," starring Ted Danson. Shawnee also appeared in television shows such as "Cagney and Lacey," "Murder, She Wrote," "The X-Files" and "All is Forgiven."

She discovered a love for the stage when she was 15 and appeared in a play starring Richard Dreyfus. She became the youngest actor to win the Dramalogue Critics Award for her performance in the original production of To Gillian.