Lara Neal, better known to the public by her real name, Isabella Panjak is a British actress, known for playing the character of Coraline’s mother in the animated film adaptation. She has recently appeared in the crime drama pilot of the TV series adapting her role as the serial killers Sleepy Hollow; in that role she is given a whole new look, and a brand new look that is different from the way she was presented by the producers in the past. This change is mainly due to the fact that the producers had felt that Neal was too little taller than the age when she appeared in the original Coraline movie. In an effort to give her a more authoritative feel, the producers of the TV series have been forced to add a few inches to her height.
Despite being made to appear taller on television, there is no evidence to suggest that this has had any negative effect on Lara Neal’s career. Her appearances on the television have also been met with warm reviews from the media, and her star status has remained undisturbed. She has also stated that while she likes the attention her appearances have garnered, she feels that her height does not come into play when she is acting. While other actors may be required to make costume changes for their role, Lara is happy to play her character as her real age is irrelevant, and her looks are simply an extension of her personality.
Despite facing slimmer roles in recent films, such as that of Sleepy Hollow, she still feels very happy with her role. “I’m delighted with the way I fit into the Coraline film,” she said. “It’s fun to be here, and it’s a really crazy experience being a big girl.” While her height may be part of her persona, and is part of the reason people associate her with the Coraline film franchise, Lara Neal is quick to point out that the Coraline films are hers alone.