(She was an uncredited extra in the direct-to-video filmCasper: A Spirited Beginning.)

They put extras in the house across the street, says Ferrera, 34.

I sat all day inside the house, waiting to be called on camera, and never was.

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Shes also a new mom to 4-month-old Sebastian, her son with director husband Ryan Piers Williams.

Now shes adding author to her resume.

You also have to pray a lot.

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I always felt like that made me more American.

American Like Meis now availablefor purchase.