Young Jenna From 13 Going On 30 Is Unrecognizable Today

The dream house, Poise Magazine, and Razzles: What do all three have in common? They are recognizable plot points from the 2004 romantic comedy "13 Going on 30." Twenty years later, the movie has become a fan favorite depiction of girlhood and growing up. The story centers around 13-year-old Jenna Rink who wishes to skip her teen years and become her 30-year-old self. When her wish comes true, she learns that her life as an adult living in New York City isn't what she expected.

This classic coming-of-age film starred Jennifer Garner as the grown-up gal with the mind of a teenager. She was so convincing in the 1980s-centric flick, we'll give Jennifer Garner a pass for the outdated outfits she's been caught wearing. Her 13-year-old self was played by young actor Christa B. Allen. Today, Allen is still acting and has posted videos to social media in reference to her popular past movie role. Fans were shocked to find out that now, Allen is actually older than Garner was at the time the two made the iconic film. She has transformed into a stunning beauty, still maintaining her long brown tresses and captivating dark eyes that she lit up the screen with years ago.

Christa B. Allen has continued to work in the acting industry as she has grown up. Shortly after she made her big screen debut in "13 Going on 30," Allen starred in the kids show "Cake." She went on to make multiple guest appearances on different television series including several on Disney Channel. Fans may remember her as one of the stars of the show "Revenge." Aside from acting, Allen is passionate about spirituality and has dabbled in music as well.

Allen knows how much fans love "13 Going on 30" all these years later, and it appears that she still looks back fondly on her time in the classic movie. For Halloween in 2020, Allen dressed as her character — but this time, as the older version played by Jennifer Garner. She incorporated '80s makeup trends that are making a major comeback like bold pink lip gloss and lots of blue eyeshadow. Her followers were stunned by how much Allen still resembles Garner, just as much as Garner's own daughter Violet Affleck, who is growing up fast! 

In August 2025, Christa B. Allen took to TikTok and revealed a dark truth from her past. Allen admitted that she was once "in love with a charismatic wealthy cult leader" and she has been rebuilding her life after her ex "burned it to the ground." She followed up the post with a number of videos providing more clarity on the situation and retelling her experience in her own words. While Allen hasn't revealed the man's identity, she did say in another video that the two initially bonded over their spirituality. The beginning of the relationship saw the pair intensely supportive and involved in each other's work. But soon, her ex allegedly took steps to make Allen fully reliant on him that included making her quit her jobs and relocate to be with him.

In the caption of her original TikTok post, Allen said, "the truth is, he was selling fairytales and from luxurious penthouses and private jets, I foolishly bought in." She added that the two spent nearly every minute together, but she was still unaware of his intentions because he had lied to her repeatedly. She made reference to cheating and manipulating that was done to her, but says that she takes responsibility for her actions and considers the heartbreak a life lesson. Allen assured her audience in a final post that she is now in a good place and was grateful for the support of her friends and family.