BY SERA SNYDER
PHOTO BY PINK MONKEY STUDIOS
At the age of just 11 years old, Audrey Smallman has already begun to leave her mark on the film industry. She is currently playing the lead on UP TV’s new show “Date My Dad”, as the character Gigi Cooper. In her interview she opens up about some of the challenges she has faced, what she loves the most about acting, and shares some things that people may have not known about her before! Read on below to find out more about this talented young lady!
What first made you realize that you wanted to pursue acting?
AUDREY: "What really made me want to pursue acting was how much fun I had on set & how creative it was. Even on long shoot days it's all the people and the energy on set that makes it worth it! I also love meeting new people."
What challenges, if any, have you faced so far working in the industry?
AUDREY: "Some challenges I have faced working in the industry would be all the auditions surprisingly. It can be nerve-racking and stressful. Sometimes I don’t even know who will be in the room! When working, I’d have to say I don’t find it too challenging because I love it. But if I had to say something, it would be that sometimes the clothes can be a little uncomfortable."
What is the best memory you have so far from working on the set of Date My Dad and why?
AUDREY: "The best memory I have from working on the set of Date My Dad would have to be my birthday! We were all working away doing the birthday scene for Ricky (Barry Watson) bringing him his breakfast in bed. All three of us Cooper sisters thought we were going to do a read through of the scene, but when we got to set everyone started singing happy birthday. I thought they switched up the scene and I started singing, but then quickly realized it was for me. It was the best day ever!"
PHOTO BY PINK MONKEY STUDIOS
If you could give one piece of advice to fellow young actors and actresses what would it be?
AUDREY: "The one piece of advice I would give young actors and actresses would be to do it because you love it, not for the money or fame."
What is something that most people do not know about you?
AUDREY: "That I have an older brother with cerebral palsy. A cute story about that is when I was really little I didn't understand why my parents fed my older brother all the time. I didn’t think this was fair. So my parents fed me a lot and for a long time. Until I was about five. Then I decided I was old enough to feed myself."
What are your favorite activities to do when you are not working?
AUDREY: "Drawing, gymnastics, soccer, skiing, and spending time with my family and friends. I also go to school."
As a very young actress just getting started, what is one role you’d aspire to take on one day?
AUDREY: "At first I wanted to be a feature film movie star and be on the big screen! But now I'd like to stay in a TV series and also do movies. I like TV shows because I get to work with the same people for longer."