Jodie Foster’s Impactful Role in Taxi Driver: A Turning Point in Her Career

By the time Taxi Driver began filming in 1975, Jodie Foster, then just 12, was a seasoned actor with an extensive resume in both film and TV.

Despite her young age, Foster had been on more sets than Martin Scorsese, who directed the film, marking it as his sixth big screen credit.

With 28 TV shows and multiple films under her belt, Foster’s experience overshadowed that of both Robert De Niro and Scorsese.

1976 was a standout year for Foster, as her role as Iris Steensma in Taxi Driver, alongside Bugsy Malone and Freaky Friday, solidified her as a talented young actor.

Facing initial hesitation due to her Disney image, Foster ultimately accepted the role, influenced by her mother’s desire for her to be taken seriously in important films.

Transitioning from child star to respected actress, Foster’s performance in Taxi Driver was just the beginning of her illustrious career, leading to accolades like the Academy Award for The Accused.