Why One Heart-Wrenching ‘Titanic’ Scene Featuring Child Star Alex Owens-Sarno Was Cut From The Film

Alex Owens-Sarno was just eight years old when she landed her first acting role in Titanic. She had first auditioned for a background casting call but was so likable and genuinely talented that they cast her to play Cora. Her character was the third-class girl passenger who danced in the famous number with Leonardo DiCaprio’s Jack Dawson.

After the movie release, she soon realized just how popular her character turned out to be. People stopped her on the street, curiously inquiring whether she was the little one from the movie. One of her scenes, however, never made it to the final version of Titanic.

Which scene of Alex Owens-Sarno was cut from ‘Titanic’?

One of the most disturbing scenes filmed for Titanic included Cora and her family being drowned as the ship went down. Although the footage eventually resurfaced on the web, it was removed from the film after test audiences reacted poorly to viewing it. According to Owens-Sarno, audience members who had become fond of Cora could not allow themselves to see the terrible demise of her character.

Mothers specifically could not stomach the scene, so it was removed. Director James Cameron had originally wished to leave the scene in, believing that it added to the emotional richness of the film. However, in the end, what the audience wanted decided the fate of the scene.

Where is Alex Owens-Sarno now?

Post Titanic, Owens-Sarno attempted to get back into acting, but stardom in Hollywood didn’t easily follow her. As an adult, she moved to Los Angeles and enrolled in acting classes, hoping to restart her career. Though often encouraged to do comedy owing to her looks, she found that she could relate more to dramatic roles.

Now, she remains linked to her Titanic heritage, responding to fan mail and autographing signed photographs from the film. She has since found a niche in sketch and Improv comedy and continues to pursue opportunities as an actress.