"13 Going On 30" Star Christa B. Allen — AKA Young Jenna — Just Turned 30 (And Flirty And Thriving, Of Course)

    "Thirty and flirty and thriving."

    Jen Abidor
    by Jen Abidor

    BuzzFeed Staff

    If you're like me, you've seen the movie 13 Going on 30 starring Jennifer Garner somewhere around 1,330 times.

    Jennifer's character grabbing her own boobs as she takes in her new body
    Columbia Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection

    So, you'll remember the amazing Christa B. Allen playing the role of 13-year-old Jenna Rink, making a wish to turn, well, 30 and flirty and thriving.

    Jenna Rink Wishing to be 30
    Columbia Pictures

    Well, today Christa herself celebrates her 30th birthday!

    TikTok/Christa B. Allen / Via tiktok.com

    My nostalgia-loving heart is full.

    Over the past couple of years, she has made some mega-viral TikToks re-creating iconic outfits and scenes from the beloved movie — including a full re-creation of Jenna's classic party look.

    Her TikTok account is a real delight, and I highly recommend following.

    She has even done us all the great public service of letting us know that the dress is available on Amazon. (For $13 no less!!!)

    @christaallen

    ✨👗 do you think they made it $13 on purpose 🤣 #13goingon30

    ♬ The Purge - Demetrius X
    Where was this when I was Jenna Rink for Halloween in 2019??

    I simply have no idea where the time has gone since 2004, and the only explanation is magical wishing dust!

    Sony Pictures Classics, TikTok/Christa B. Allen / Via tiktok.com

    As someone who turned 30 two full years ago now, I really do feel like I am 13 on most days. 

    And here's a side-by-side of Christa and Jennifer Garner, just for fun:

    Columbia Pictures / ©Columbia Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection, TikTok/Christa B Allen / Via tiktok.com

    Excellent casting, tbh.

    To celebrate her milestone birthday, Christa has been releasing a short series on TikTok (aptly titled Vienna) where she interacts with her own "13-year-old self" and interrogates some of the themes of the movie.

    @christaallen

    Vienna - part 2 🌞 stay tuned for part 3 tomorrow! #thirtyflirtyandthriving #shotoniphone @lana.renee @welcometoheidi @yourkoreandad @clubpenguinlily

    ♬ original sound - Christa
    You know, like the idea that seemingly the only options for "thriving" as a thirtysomething are having massive career success or getting married and buying a house. And, of course, the importance of self-love. Truly stuff that any 13-year-old (or 30-year-old) needs to hear. Christa calls the series, "Less of a sequel, more of a response."

    Anyway, happy 30th birthday Christa! Hope you really are partying like it's 1987!