FOX Beat: Ellen Page talks about her role in new film 'Freeheld'

WASHINGTON - Actress Ellen Page, who rose to fame with 'Juno,' is back on the big screen in a new film taking on a controversial subject.

Her new movie, 'Freeheld,' tells the story of a New Jersey police officer diagnosed with terminal cancer - who tried repeatedly to ensure her pension benefits could transfer to her domestic partner.

Page joined us in studio Friday to talk about he filming of 'Freeheld,' a movie inspired by actual events.

One of the most important aspects of the filming came with her interaction with Stacie Andree, the woman who she portrays. "She said It's extremely emotional for her to talk about this experience," Page said about Andree. "And she was incredible to us. And she is someone who really inspires me. She did something so crucial and important and at a time of unimaginable difficulty."

"It's hard to say thing she's happy with it but, you know, I do feel like she feels good about how we made something truthful and authentic to her experience."

Page said the film was special to her because it dealt with something she was very passion about. "If they had been able to get married at the time, they wouldn't have been in this situation. So I really, really think it can help show just how important that recent decision is and how much discrimination can affect people's lives."

Making 'Freeheld' inspired the 28-year-old Page to come out as gay. "I feel grateful to feel how I feel now compared to how I felt in the past, she said. "I don't want anyone to have to feel what it feels like to live in the closet and be in that space which is a toxic and sad space."

"All you can hope is films like this and incredible people like Laurel and Stacie - and what they've done - helps us create a society that more people can grow up and in the feel like they have to hide who they are or be ashamed of who they are."

During the interview, Kevin surprised Page with a 'fan question' from Patrick Wilson - her co-star in the film 'Hard Candy,' who would be open to doing a sequel!

Find out more about Freeheld: http://www.freeheld.movie/