What made you want to pursue acting?
I started with modeling and I got bored just smiling in front of a camera. Acting always intrigued me. When I was little, I would reenact scenes from Snow White and Cinderella.
Do you remember when you realized it’s what you were meant to do?
When I booked my first job! It was Mighty Med on Disney XD. That was the moment I realized…acting is the only thing I want to do in my life.
What other genres are you interested in pursuing next?
Drama and action! I love doing my own stunts. I was a gymnast for 10 years and I feel like I get the best of both worlds with doing stunt work. My dream job is to play a villain or an anti-hero character.
Who are some actors/actresses that inspire you most?
Definitely Angelina Jolie. She is elegant and bad ass at the same time. Not only is she a great actress but she dedicates her time to help people in need.
What are some of your favorite genres of music? Artists?
My favorite will always be rock music: Guns n Roses, Nirvana, Rage Against the Machine, Green Day, The Runaways… I could go on and on about the bands I love. I’m stuck in the past. I’m tired of people making music on a computer.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
No amount of guilt will change your past. No amount of anxiety will change your future.
What was it like when you found out you were cast as Alexa in Alexa & Katie?
I was in my room with my mom and best friend. We were just hanging out and then we started jumping on the bed. I was so thrilled!
What was your process like preparing for the role?
I did an immense amount of research. I went to a children’s hospital to talk to a few kids about their experience and to understand their journey. It was so insightful because it’s different when you’re talking to someone who is your age or an adult or a child. Everyone has different stories and hardships.
What were some of your favorite moments in filming?
I love when kids come to the studio to watch the show! It gives them time to take everything that is stressful out of their mind and just have fun with us.
What’s been your favorite part of playing Alexa?
She’s very strong and is an inspiration to girls. There’s a light about her that can never be taken away.
Alexa & Katie was just announced for another season! Can you tell us anything about the upcoming season?
I can’t say anything right now but just know it’s heartwarming and something you don’t want to miss!
You just wrapped filming Tall Girl down in New Orleans with an amazing cast. What can you tell us about the movie?
Tall Girl has a great message for kids to be inspired by. It shows that being yourself and loving who you are is important but also one of the hardest things to learn growing up.
What can fans expect from the film?
Comedy. The film is hilarious. Everyone in the cast made me laugh till I was crying.
Can you share any memorable moments from filming with the cast?
We had a huge dance scene and all of us were going nuts. Rico [Paris] did a backflip, we were break dancing, Griffin [Gluck] fell on the floor, Clara [Wilsey] and I were doing the salsa… it sounds like a mess but we had so much fun. All of us were dripping in sweat by the end of it.
How did you prepare for the role?
As a cast, we would always support each other. We would sit in the hotel room and help each other memorize lines.
How do you relate to your character Liz?
She’s not afraid to be who she is. We both wear glasses and we are both dorks sometimes. But a “dork” is the best compliment to me.
What’s up next for you?
You’ll see đŸ˜‰
Article initially published in print, March 2019
Words: Laura Ersoy
Photography: Derrick Freske
Styling: Jennifer Austin at Opus Beauty
Hair: Frankie Payne at Opus Beauty
Makeup: Maria Vargas at Opus Beauty
