At just 11 years old, Charlee Daugherty is already balancing competitive athletics with a growing passion for the entertainment industry. Born in Miami and now living in Tampa, Florida, Charlee is a competitive gymnast, dancer, choreographer, and aspiring actress who loves performing in every form. Her journey has also been shaped by profound personal loss after the passing of her three-year-old sister, Riley, who was her best friend.
Today, Charlee’s family honors Riley’s memory through the Riley Jean Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting families experiencing tragic loss while raising awareness and resources for child safety and prevention. As she attends iPOP! this week, Charlee is showcasing not only her talents but also the resilience, determination, and compassion that continue to guide her pursuit of a career in television and film.
A Love for Performing
Music, movies, dance, and storytelling have always captured Charlee’s imagination.
“I’m always dancing and performing,” she says.
That enthusiasm extends well beyond acting. As a competitive gymnast, Charlee has spent years learning discipline, commitment, and the importance of performing under pressure—skills that translate naturally to the entertainment industry. Alongside gymnastics, she also enjoys dancing and creating her own choreography, combining athleticism with creativity every chance she gets.
Making the Most of iPOP!
For Charlee, iPOP! has become an exciting opportunity to introduce herself to industry professionals while continuing to grow as a performer. The highlight of the week was being selected for one of the two short films made during the week, titled “Room 312”. Only eight actors were selected for this role out of hundreds, and it’s a role that earned her first IMDb credit. Other highlights included attending the industry luncheon, meeting agents face-to-face, handing out her headshots and comp cards and beginning to build valuable professional relationships.
Performing in front of an audience while connecting with other young performers who share the same dream has made the experience even more memorable. For someone who has spent years performing through dance and gymnastics, it’s another opportunity to step confidently onto a new stage.
Dreaming of the Big Screen
When asked what kind of project she hopes to book someday, Charlee doesn’t hesitate. A scary movie.
“My dream job is to be in a scary movie or show,” she says.
If Hollywood called tomorrow, she would happily accept a role that combines both acting and dance, allowing her to showcase multiple sides of her talent.
Her admiration for actress Millie Bobby Brown is another clue to the kinds of stories that inspire her. She appreciates Brown’s talent, confidence, and ability to bring memorable characters to life, qualities Charlee hopes to continue developing throughout her own career.
More Than an Actress
Away from auditions and rehearsals, Charlee enjoys spending time with friends, visiting Busch Gardens with her mom, and continuing to challenge herself in new ways. She also has a few facts that surprise people. Not only does she love choreographing dances, but she has also been vegan her entire life. Her commitment extends into school as well. One of the accomplishments she is most proud of is earning straight A’s while also qualifying for the State Gymnastics Championships three separate times, an achievement that reflects both her work ethic and determination.
Built on Perseverance
When asked who inspires her most, Charlee doesn’t point to Hollywood. Instead, she credits the people who have encouraged her every step of the way.
“My mom and dad.” And her favorite reminder is equally simple. “I can do hard things.”
It’s a mindset, along with three words that stand out; Beautiful. Confident. Caring has helped her succeed in gymnastics, academics, and now her pursuit of acting. Those qualities are matched by others she hopes people recognize as they get to know her: driven, teachable, persistent, and always willing to learn.
Finding Strength Through Purpose
Behind Charlee’s bright personality and determination is a story that has shaped both her life and her family’s mission. When Charlee was eight years old, she lost her three-year-old sister, Riley, who she describes as her best friend. While no loss can ever be replaced, her family has chosen to honor Riley’s memory by establishing the Riley Jean Foundation, which supports families experiencing tragic loss while promoting child safety awareness and prevention.
The foundation reflects the same compassion and resilience that Charlee strives to bring into every part of her life. Whether she’s competing in gymnastics, pursuing acting, or encouraging others to believe in themselves, she hopes to make a positive difference both on and off the screen.
Looking Ahead
Over the next year, Charlee has one goal she is determined to achieve. Booking a role on a television show. She knows that every audition, every performance, and every opportunity to learn brings her one step closer to making that dream a reality. Her advice to other young performers reflects the same confidence she brings to her own journey.
“Believe in yourself always.”
It’s a simple message, but one that has guided Charlee through every challenge she has faced so far. As she continues making the most of her iPOP! experience, Charlee is embracing every opportunity to learn from industry professionals, connect with fellow performers, and showcase the determination that has already helped her succeed in gymnastics, academics, and now acting.
For Charlee Daugherty, iPOP! isn’t the finish line, it’s another important milestone in a journey that’s only just beginning. With talent, determination, and a willingness to keep learning, she’s excited to discover where the next chapter will take her.
To find out more about Charlee Daughterty and the Riley Jean Foundation visit: www.rileyjean.org
