Fab Five: The Texas Cheerleader Scandal Cast Ages: How Old Were They?

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The film Fab Five: The Texas Cheerleader Scandal is based on a true story that occurred at McKinney North High School in McKinney, Texas, in 2006.

The film premiered on August 2, 2008, two years after the real-life incident occurred. The actresses who played the “Fab Five” cheerleaders in the film were around the same age as their characters at the time of filming.

Jenna Dewan was 27 years old, Ashley Benson was 18 years old, Aimee Spring Fortier was 21 years old, Stephanie Honoré was 24 years old, Jessica Heap was 25 years old, Ashlynn Ross was 16 years old, and Tatum O’Neal was 44 years old.

In the film "Fab Five: The Texas Cheerleader Scandal," five high school cheerleaders known as the "Fab Five" - Brooke Tippit (Ashley Benson), Jeri Blackburn (Jessica Heap), Lisa Toledo (Aimee Spring Fortier), Ashley Sanchez (Stephanie Honoré), and Tabitha Doering (Ashlynn Ross) - wreak havoc as the notorious mean girls in their schoolIn the film “Fab Five: The Texas Cheerleader Scandal,” five high school cheerleaders known as the “Fab Five” – Brooke Tippit (Ashley Benson), Jeri Blackburn (Jessica Heap), Lisa Toledo (Aimee Spring Fortier), Ashley Sanchez (Stephanie Honoré), and Tabitha Doering (Ashlynn Ross) – wreak havoc as the notorious mean girls in their school (Credit: Fox 21 Television Studios)

Of the actresses playing the Fab Five in Fab Five: The Texas Cheerleader Scandal, only Ashley Benson (Brooke) and Ashlynn Ross (Tabitha) were of high school age at the time of filming. Benson was 18 years old, while Ross was 16 years old.

The other three actresses, Jessica Heap (Jeri), Aimee Fortier (Lisa), and Stephanie Honore (Ashley), were all in their 20s at the time of filming.

In 2006, a group of cheerleaders from McKinney North High School, including the daughter of then-school principal Linda Theret, gained notoriety due to their involvement in truancy, classroom rudeness, dress code violations, and other misconduct.

The McKinney cheerleader scandal was the basis for the 2008 TV movie "Fab Five: The Texas Cheerleader Scandal," which aired on Lifetime Television in August 2008The McKinney cheerleader scandal was the basis for the 2008 TV movie “Fab Five: The Texas Cheerleader Scandal,” which aired on Lifetime Television in August 2008 (Credit: Fox 21 Television Studios)

The scandal received national attention when the school’s cheerleading coach, Michaela Ward, resigned in October of that year and began speaking to news outlets. In December 2006, the District Board hired attorney Harry Jones to investigate the matter.

Principal Theret was placed on paid administrative leave, later retiring, and the superintendent confirmed that she would not return to the school or any other campus.

The names of the school, students, and teachers involved were changed in the film adaptation.

Ashley Benson played Brooke Tippit, the co-captain and leader of the "Fab Five," while Jenna Dewan portrayed Emma Carr, the new cheerleading coach aiming to guide and transform the behavior of the notorious group in the film "Fab Five: The Texas Cheerleader Scandal"Ashley Benson played Brooke Tippit, the co-captain and leader of the “Fab Five,” while Jenna Dewan portrayed Emma Carr, the new cheerleading coach aiming to guide and transform the behavior of the notorious group in the film “Fab Five: The Texas Cheerleader Scandal” (Credit: Fox 21 Television Studios)

Jenna Dewan grew up in Grapevine, Texas, about 30 miles from McKinney, Texas, where the real-life incident that inspired Fab Five: The Texas Cheerleader Scandal took place.

Ashley Benson’s Menswear Moment: Dapper Outfit at PaleyFest

After almost seven seasons of Pretty Little Liars, in March 2017, it looked like Ashley Benson was ready to leave her effeminate outfits behind to try something new.

Ashley Benson sported a chic all-black ensemble at the Paleyfest LA's screening of "Pretty Little Liars"Ashley Benson sported a chic all-black ensemble at the Paleyfest LA’s screening of “Pretty Little Liars” in Los Angeles on March 25, 2017 (Credit: Apega / WENN)

Cara Delevingne’s ex-girlfriend — who mostly wore lace, bright colors, and short skirts for the television show — seemed eager to dip into the menswear pool.

Ashley arrived at PaleyFest in Los Angeles all decked out in a handsome ensemble as she joined the rest of the “Pretty Little Liars” cast for a sit-down interview.

Ashley Benson turned to Stella McCartney for her two-piece women's suitAshley Benson turned to Stella McCartney for her two-piece women’s suit (Credit: Apega / WENN)

Ashley turned to the talented Stella McCartney for her two-piece women’s suit. The ensemble consisted of a dinner jacket and a pair of skinny pants with a black Wolford top underneath.

Ashley Benson displays her feet in Jimmy Choo Minny sandalsAshley Benson displays her feet in Jimmy Choo Minny sandals (Credit: Apega / WENN)

The actress kept her jewelry to a minimum, choosing only a few earpieces from Jennifer Meyer before finishing her look with the classic Jimmy Choo “Minny” sandals.

Ashley Benson shows off her pedicured toes in velvet Jimmy Choo "Minny" sandalsAshley Benson shows off her pedicured toes in velvet Jimmy Choo “Minny” sandals (Credit: Apega / WENN)

Ashley’s genuine excitement was palpable as she reunited with the rest of the “Pretty Little Liars” cast at PaleyFest after being apart for some time, especially when she saw her BFF Shay Mitchell and co-star Tyler Blackburn.

The tight-knit bond between the cast members was evident through their heartfelt expressions of joy upon being together again. However, it was bittersweet for them as they acknowledged that PLL would conclude after the current season.

Ashley Benson seems to have a good time with real-life BFF and co-star Shay MitchellAshley Benson seems to have a good time with real-life BFF and co-star Shay Mitchell (Credit: Apega / WENN)

You can shop Ashley’s classic Jimmy Choo “Minny” sandals on Mytheresa and Farfetch.

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