LAKELAND — Working on a movie set for the first time at age 8, Talia Hill found a way to make an impression on one of America’s most beloved entertainment figures, even if by accident. Or by near-accident.
Talia, a Davenport resident, had been cast as a dancer in the movie “Christmas on the Square,” along with her older brothers, Tristan and Tyson. As the actors and dancers took their places to shoot a scene, Talia began to cross a street without noticing a mail truck backing toward her.
The girl felt a pair of hands grab her from behind and pull her backward to safety. Then she turned around and peered up into the face of Dolly Parton, who had the lead role in the production.