[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”21592″ img_size=”large”][vc_column_text]
We had the pleasure to chat with talented actress Hana Hayes from Fox’s hit series “The Grinder” alongside Robe Lowe, Fred Savage and Mary Elizabeth Ellis. Hana has also earned worldwide notice as the voice and image of ‘Sarah’ in Sony/Playstation’s “The Last of Us” video game. Also Hayes guest starred on popular television shows including “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Criminal Minds” and “ Law and Order” and had roles in the films “Thunderstuck,” “Mercy,” “Stockholm PA “and “Beautiful Now.”
In addition to acting, Hana loves dancing, singing, baking, reading and drawing. She also enjoys tutoring at Mathnasium and volunteering with a senior singing group. Fashion and designing clothes with her mom is another pursuit, and they have hopes of launching a fashion line together in the future.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”21591″ img_size=”large”][vc_column_text]
Hi Hana please tell us a little about you?
Well, I’m 16 years old, and I live in Los Angeles with my mom. I have been acting for six years, and love it with all my heart.
How did you get started acting?
Well, when I was ten I entered myself in an acting competition called IMTA. I had a wonderful time, and acquired an agent and manager through that process. My mom and dad agreed to let me come to LA and try auditioning for six months. Six months turned into six years, and here we are!
Did your family support your decision to become an actress?
Yes, I have been very lucky that my parents have sacrificed so much to help me follow my dream. This business is really hard and the support of a parent is crucial.
How do you prepare for a role?
When I am preparing for a role, I like to learn as much about a character as possible. I study what I think would be their favorite music, book, etc. I really want to get in the characters head.
What is your FOX’s “The Grinder” show about?
The Grinder is a legal comedy about two brothers (Rob Lowe and Fred Savage) Rob’s character Dean was an actor on a legal drama for several years, then he decides that he is going to leave the show and move back home to Boise, Idaho. He moves in with his brother Stewart (Savage), who is a lawyer in real life. Den thinks that his experience playing a lawyer on tv qualifies him to practice law in the real world. I think it’s a really funny concept that hasn’t been done before, which is so rare in television these days.
Tell us about your role as Lizzie?
Lizzie is a really fun, and slightly awkward teenage girl. She is learning how to navigate life and new experiences, like I think we all do in our teenage years. In the more recent episodes we have been filming, I have gotten to explore Lizzie’s character more, and I look forward to the audience getting to know her better.
What’s your favorite part working on “The Grinder”?
I don’t think I can pick one specific thing. I have never been a series regular on a show before, so the experience of working with the same people every week is very new to me. I guess I would say that is my favorite part about working on the show, it’s really special to be able to work with the same group of people for so long, and form those relationships.
Who is your best friend on the set?
Definitely Connor Kalopsis, who plays my little brother Ethan. He is so much fun to hang out with, we play games and are always laughing in between takes.
What is the feeling to work with such talented people as Robe Lowe and Fred Savage?
It is truly incredible, they are both such humble and kind people. I pinch myself everyday that I get to work on this show with them.
What role would you love to play that you haven’t yet?
I love crazy roles, ones where the character is nothing like you and you really have to become someone else. I have had a couple of roles like this, but I would definitely love to portray more characters like that.
What advice would you give to those who want to be in this business?
I know it has been said 1000 times, but you really can’t give up. This business is filled with rejection, and it can get really hard. But if you love it and it’s your dream, you shouldn’t let anything stop you.
What are the 3 things you can’t live without?
-Nutella
-my phone (I hate to say it, but it’s true)
-my cat
What is your favorite healthy food?
I love sushi!
And your favorite cheat food?
Well I have never been on a diet, so I wouldn’t call it a cheat food, but I love chocolate molten lava cake!
How’s your typical day?
My typical day is always a little crazy. My schedule is very unpredictable when it comes to work, so everyday is always exciting. I usually go to work for most of the day, and when I get home I do my school work. If I have time left before I have to go to bed, I ask my friends if they want to get together or I watch Netflix.
Something people don’t know about you?
I love to bake! my favorite sweet treat to make would probably be a chocolates lava cake (as I mentioned before, it’s one of my favorite foods)
Five years from now you will be….
Hopefully in Los Angeles continuing my acting career. Acting is something I hope to be doing for the rest of my life.
What kind of music do you like? And don’t like?
I love alternative music, and I strongly dislike heavy metal haha.
Do you support any charity?
Well I volunteer at this place called the Mathnasium, and tutor little kids in math. I know it’s not really a charity, but I love volunteering and helping kids that love to learn.
Your idea of a perfect Sunday is…?
Watching Netflix and eating ice cream (preferably cookie dough).
Do you have any other hobbies?
I live being creative! So I enjoy baking, sewing and drawing. Whenever I feel stressed, these are a great way for me to relax.
What do you think of the Social Media?
I love it! Especially Instagram, I feel like it gives you the opportunity to connect with fans in a way no other social media platform can.
Where we can follow you?
Insta: @hanahayes_
Twitter @hanahayes
Quote: “A comfort zone is a beautiful place, but nothing ever grows there”
Favorite Book: Looking for Alaska
Sports Team: Broncos
Drink: Shirly Temple
Favorite music: Ed Sheeran or Taylor Swift
Holiday destination: Hawaii
Movie: The Heat
Tv Show: Jane the Virgin
[/vc_column_text][vc_separator][vc_column_text]
Photo Credit: Nikko Lamere
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
