[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”23985″ img_size=”large”][vc_column_text]Our interview with gorgeous actress Alyssa Jirrels who’s best known from her work on “Girl Meets World,” Alyssa can now be seen as a series regular on Disney’s “Mech -X4.” Mech-X4 is an action comedy series about a teen boy, who with the help of his friends and brother, pilots a giant robot to protect his city.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”23983″ img_size=”large”][vc_column_text]Describe yourself in 3 words.
Loyal. Aware. Intuitive.
Who is your biggest supporter?
My parents. I will never be able to repay them.
How did you get started in the industry?
I did theatre for about 9 years before I started in film and TV, and a super cool dude named Guy Wilson who had been on Breaking Bad, NCIS, Bones, etc, happened to see me in a show and put me in contact with his manager, who developed and taught me everything I needed to know. I basically owe Guy my entire career.
What was your first acting role?
I played a bumblebee in Rumpelstiltskin when I was 5. It was very exciting.
What is the best and worst part of being an actress?
I think the best part is also the worst part. Acting is not a quantifiable or tangible profession. It seems so impossible to master a career in something that is so transcendent. With most professions, the trajectory is somewhat foreseeable and you can pinpoint certain factors that you can work on and change to ensure that you get where you need to go. As an athlete, you train; you gain or lose weight, you run 5 miles every morning, etc. There is a basic rule book that will guarantee that you advance. As an actor, everyone’s trajectory is so wildly different, that you kind of have to start blindly and feel your way through it. And that’s incredibly difficult and at times very painful. But what makes it so wonderful is that our version of running 5 miles every morning is literally to just observe humanity. Our training is a constant journey into connecting with our most authentic selves and in turn connecting with characters. Exploring what makes us think, feel, and tick. We get to just be curious human beings and study all the crazy twists and turns of life. That’s a wonderfully rich experience.
Best advice ever given?
I visited the Days of Our Lives set with Guy Wilson when I was first starting out, and the props supervisor told me “Be ready so you don’t have to get ready.” That’s always stuck with me.
How did you find out about Disney’s “Mech -X4”? What is the series about?
I was in a coffee house in my little hometown called Taylor Maid and my parents came up the stairs and told me very excitedly to pack my bags because we were going to Canada. I called everyone I knew, it was very cool. The show is about a boy named Ryan Walker who discovers he has the ability to control technology with his mind.
What has been your most memorable experience from the set so far?
There are two episodes in the middle of season two in which I got to explore kind of every genre there is, and I got to go all over the place emotionally and physically, and it was one of the most fruitful experiences I’ve ever had. I learned so much within those two weeks, and I will treasure that filming process forever. I can’t wait for people to see.
What other projects you have been part of?
I am a newbie to film and tv! But I have done a whole lot of theatre, commercials, and a guest spot on Girl Meets World.
Who is your favorite Actor/Actress? And why?
Brie Larson. Hands down. She is one of the most dedicated, selfless actresses I have ever seen. She is an incredible storyteller and fully immerses herself into every performance. She makes some of the most difficult work look easy. My favorite thing about her though is that she is made a conscious effort to ensure that each story she tells is meaningful and in her words “deserve a conversation.” She understands the safe space that entertainment provides for people, and is in the industry to create art that will change people’s lives. That really resonates with me.
3 things you can’t leave your house without.
My phone, ‘cuz I am addicted, a charm from a necklace that belonged to someone really special to me, and undereye concealer. Especially this time of year, allergies are kickin my butt.
What music do you like?
Classic rock, mainly. All the greats, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Billy Joel, Aerosmith, Queen, etc. Absolute legends.
Your idea of a perfect Sunday is?
Probably sleeping in, watching Friends, and then getting some food and chillin with my own group of friends that aren’t on a TV.
How’s a normal day in your life?
Wake up, go to the gym, make eggs, burn the eggs, eat a bagel instead, do school, and then try to meet up with some people and get some social time.
What is your favorite healthy food?
There is a sandwich place in Oak Park called Uncle Af’s, and the make the best organic chicken with vegan pesto panini. You should check it out. Best sandwich I have ever had.
And your favorite cheat food?
COOKIE DOUGH AND OREOS. TOGETHER.
How do you see yourself in 5 years?
Hopefully working on something I’m incredibly passionate about.
Do you support any charities?
Women on Wings and Girls on the Run!!!
Where we can follow you?
@alyssajirrels on Instagram and Twitter.
Quote: “Ease is a greater threat to progress than hardship.” -Denzel Washington.
Holiday Destination: Ashland, Oregon.
Food: Can I say oreos and cookie dough again?
Restaurant: The Panini Cafe in Los Angeles!
Drink: Shirley Temple. Yes, I know, I’m basically six years old.
Celebrity Crush: I had a major crush on Percy Jackson for a while. Witty and brave, what a combo.
Song: Vienna, Billy Joel.
Sports Team: I’d be lying if I said I payed attention to sportsball.
Movie: Can I do top three? The Theory of Everything, Little Miss Sunshine, Blue Valentine.[/vc_column_text][vc_separator][vc_column_text]Photo Credit: Adam Hendershott[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
