OLIVIA SANABIA: INTERVIEW


BY DANIELLE HOLIAN

PHOTO BY BONNIE NICHOALDS

PHOTO BY BONNIE NICHOALDS

Hyping up to release original music, Olivia Sanabia has had a love for music since she was a child and says music is her therapy. She then branched out from music to entertainment once she discovered her love for acting, siting influences of Joey King. We discussed further topics like her current role in Coop & Cami Ask the World, being involved with charities and non-profit organizations, like Cookies for Kids’ Cancer, Make-A-Wish experience, and what the rest of 2019 holds for her, below.

For our readers, please tell us a bit about your background in music.

Olivia: “My love for music began at a young age. I started singing at the age of two and would sing the song ‘Tomorrow’ from Annie over and over again. As I got older, I discovered that I love piano and guitar. Music is so therapeutic to me. I'm so excited to release my first original!”

What got you into the entertainment industry? Then branching off into acting and singing?

O: “I got into this business after starting musical theater and discovering that I loved acting. Throughout the years, I have grown to love my craft even more.”

Who or what was your inspiration growing up?

O: “Growing up, I was always inspired by my older sister. I was also immensely inspired by Joey King. Seeing her in the movie Ramona and Beezus played a huge role in what inspired me to act.”

What drives you forward as an entertainer?

O: “What drives me as an entertainer is my goal to move people and affect them. Whether it is making people laugh or cry, there is nothing more satisfying than knowing you made an impact on someone.”

The second season of the Disney Channel series you star in, Coop & Cami Ask the World, premiered on October 5th — how does it feel to be a part of the Disney family?

O: “I am so happy that I get to be a part of the Disney Channel family. I grew up watching Disney Channel with my family so getting to bring joy to other families is such an honor.”

 

And tell us about your role and storyline on Coop & Cami Ask the World.

O: “On Coop & Cami Ask the World, I play Charlotte who is the oldest of the four Wrather siblings. Since it is a single-parent home, Charlotte takes on a lot of responsibility and tries to look out for her siblings. She is also very passionate about everything she does and she loves to sing. This season, we see Charlotte singing a lot more and dealing with normal teenage situations.”

How is this project different from other roles you've played like Kelly Quinn in Amazon’s Just Add Magic?

O: “This project is different from Just Add Magic because it is more lighthearted and silly. The goal of our show is to make kids laugh!”

And what is the best part of your job?

O: “The best part of my job is, like I said, getting to impact people. If you are lucky enough to have a platform, I think it's important to use it to be a light. Getting to share information about my favorite charity, Cookies for Kids' Cancer, with my followers has been so awesome and important to me.”

 

What do you do in your spare time?

PHOTO BY BONNIE NICHOALDS

PHOTO BY BONNIE NICHOALDS

O: “In my spare time, I love hanging out with my family. They are my support system. I also love watching movies. I think it's fair to say, I'm a bit movie-obsessed!”

What does it mean to you to be involved with charities and non-profit organizations, like Cookies for Kids’ Cancer?

O: “The organization Cookies for Kids' Cancer is so close to my heart. What these kids have to go through is so awful. I think we should all get involved in the race to find a cure. I want to be able to share that message and encourage others to get involved.”

What has been a highlight in your career to date?

O: “I'm so grateful for both the good and hard times that I've had in my career. They all help you grow as a person. Getting to grant a little girl's wish through Make-A-Wish was such a rewarding moment and definitely a highlight.”

Lastly, What does the rest of 2019 hold in store for you?

O: “I'm so excited for the rest of this year. I am going to be releasing original music which I can't wait for everyone to hear! I am also going to be stepping back into musical theater. You guys can follow me on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook all @OliviaSanabia to stay posted on my journey!”

 

FIND OLIVIA ONLINE

TWITTER INSTAGRAM FACEBOOK


ABBY DONNELLY: INTERVIEW


INTRO BY KAT VISTI

INTERVIEW BY LEAH FRENCH

PHOTO COURTESY OF RED PEBBLES PUBLIC RELATIONS

PHOTO COURTESY OF RED PEBBLES PUBLIC RELATIONS

Abby Donnelly is a young actress who plays Darbie on the hit Amazon Kids show entitled "Just Add Magic." The show has been renewed for a second season which aired on October 14th. Abby is also known for her roles as Peggy Cartwright on American Horror Story and as Jenni on Suburgatory. She also played Helen McGill on Criminal Minds. We caught up with Abby to hear about the new season of Just Add Magic!

 

You’ve appeared on shows like Criminal Minds and American Horror Story. Can you describe the transition from the horror, mystery side of acting to acting in a kids show?

ABBY: American Horror Story was actually my first job! I was already nervous and scared about hitting my mark and saying my line! I'm a huge fan of Criminal Minds so I had an idea of what I was going to have to do in the show. Both were so much fun to film! Just Add Magic has a much lighter feel, even though there is a lot of mystery in it.  The mystery and magic aren't "scary" like they are in the other shows. The biggest transition has been getting to play the same character for many episodes! And I love Darbie!

 

Can you give us a short summary of your character Darbie in your new show Just Add Magic?

ABBY: Speaking of Darbie, she is fun, loving and tries her best to do the right thing! That doesn't always happen as Darbie tends to be a little clumsy and forgetful at times. She tends to be funny and light hearted and will always be a true friend!

 

What can viewers expect to see in season two of Just Add Magic? 

ABBY: The second season is so fun! A different mystery to solve with new characters and crazy magic recipes. Once again, every episode ends making you want to see more! 

 

What was it like filming the Halloween special of Just Add Magic?

ABBY: The Halloween episode was very special! We had neighborhoods decorated for Halloween, Mama P's decorated for Hallowen and a super cool (and scary) haunted house! It was Halloween in the middle of July which was weird but so fun! I love being the Dar-bee! 🐝

 

What other genres of TV shows would you like to indulge in, in the future?

ABBY: I would definitely like to play a superhero of some kind!

 

Are you working on any secret projects at the moment?

ABBY: If I told you then it wouldn't be a secret, right?

 

What has been your favorite episode to film for Just Add Magic so far?

ABBY: My favorite episode in season one was 'Just Add Birthdays'! We had so much fun just being silly! And so far in season two - well we aren't finished filming so I don't know yet!

 

What has it been like to work closely with your fellow cast mates, Olivia Sanabia and Aubrey K. Miller?

ABBY: It's been an experience I will never forget working with Olivia and Aubrey! I have a special and unique friendship with them both! 💖

 

FIND ABBY ONLINE

TWITTER     INSTAGRAM