Smith is a New York City theater student who is a beloved fan of DeBrose’s. While attending GMA, Smith met her role model on stage and was gifted with tickets to the Hollywood premiere of Wish and a trip to Disneyland.

The genuine moment was exactly what the young student needed as a pick-me-up. Smith recently lost her mother, leaving her with no guardians or a home.

Not only did DeBose give Smith compassion, support, and gifts, but she also left her with a rule to live by. “Stay curious; that’s always really helped me. Curiosity will lead you to the most gorgeous places,” she said to Smith.

“…And always stay humble and be kind. Kindness is free, and it’s certainly gotten me a lot farther than my ego or even my talent […] You never know who you’re going to meet, and if you greet them with kindness, it’s always helpful. You’ve got this,” Debose said.

Disney’s newest animation adaptation, Wish, follows the heroin Asha, an intelligent and witty idealist who makes a wish so powerful that it is answered by a cosmic force — a little ball of boundless energy called Star. Together, Asha and Star confront a most formidable foe, the ruler of Rosas, King Magnifico, to save her community and prove that when the will of one courageous human connects with the magic of the stars, wondrous things can happen,” the description of the movie reads.

If you’re interested in watching Wish this fall, it will be in theaters Nov. 22, 2023.