[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”27014″ img_size=”large”][vc_column_text]Check our exclusive interview with talented actress Ava Cantrell who is set to star in the Indie Thriller “My Father’s Joy” and also the title role in the new psychological thriller feature film “The Fostered.”
Ava is reoccurring as Molly on CBS’s “Young Sheldon.” She starred as Young Diana in Warner Bros. feature film “Lights Out.” She’s an award-winning actress for her role in “One Under the Sun” as Amelia Voss. She was also reoccurring on the hit Nickelodeon’s network show “Haunted Hathaway’s” as Penelope Pritchard. She has received the award for 2017 Rising Star at LaFemme Film Festival and also won Best Leading Feature Film Actress in 2018 at Young Entertainer Award.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”27015″ img_size=”large”][vc_column_text]Hi Ava, please tell us a little about you?
I have been an actress for a decade on many recognizable TV shows and movies. I graduated High School early with a 4.4 gpa. I love photography and surfing, and I am recently developing, creating and directing my own projects.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Individual, analytical, creative
Name one your strengths?
Self reliant. I can be social in social situations, but I’m most content by myself. I’ve never relied on other people for validation, trust, etc. I’m my own best friend first.
What inspires you?
Nature and the world around me. I love photography and put a lot of creative energy into that. Connecting with the beauty of nature and animals is what I focus on when I’m taking pictures. Wildlife, oceans, and animals are what most of my photos center around.
Why and how did you get started in acting?
I was a dancer that loved to perform. My parents recognized this in me at an early age and helped me get in the business.
What roles do you like to play? And why?
I love all roles, especially the challenging ones. I am a comedic, dramatic and horror actress, but I think I would love adventure the best. I am hoping one day to also work in a movie like Hunger Games.
Tell us about your role in Indie Thriller “Abigail?
I play Abigail, the lead of this thriller. Abigail is dealing badly with her own demons. The movie is set in the 70’s in the desert. I am super excited to start filming!
And about your recurring role as Molly on hit CBS’s series “Young Sheldon?”
I have been lucky enough to be on Young Sheldon twice and got to play one of the star drama students. Jason Alexander is my teacher and for me, he makes the role super fun to play. The cast and crew is brilliant on this series. It is a joy to show up on set for that role.
How was the casting for the series?
I actually booked Young Sheldon of one audition. Sometimes the role is just meant to be yours.
Now tell us about your film “Lights Out?”
Lights Out is such an epic horror film. I play teen Diana, the human Diana before she turns into the creature Diana. That movie killed it at the box office and I can’t wait for the sequel!
What is the feeling to be an award-winning actress for your role in “One Under the Sun?”
One Under the Sun is my most dramatic roles to date. I played a girl with terminal cancer. It was very rewarding on set to play Amelia and rewarding to be acknowledged by my performance.
How does a normal day in your life look like?
That drastically varies. If I am working it’s all go-go-go, and if I’m relaxing I’m usually at the beach. I don’t really have typical days. As an actor a lot is unexpected and last minute.
What has been the hardest part of your career?
I made a lot of sacrifices, and continue to do so.
Best advice ever given?
Tomorrow is a new day. We can get really caught up in bad days, and bad times, but really every day is a fresh start.
What’s your favorite show on T.V. right now?
I watch a lot of shows! Currently watching Survivor, Hanna, and Arrested Development.
What do you do when you have some time off?
When I have time off you can catch me surfing at the beach or reading by the pool.
What is on your bucket list?
Traveling to every exotic beach, or at least as many as I can.
How would your best friend describe you?
Witty, indecisive, loyal.
What quote do you live by?
Out of the poem Invictus, by William Ernest Henley: I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul.
Your idea of a perfect Sunday?
If I’m not at the beach I love just having out at my house, watching Netflix, eating good food.
What’s next for Ava Cantrell in 2019?
What isn’t next? I have a few things going on. I just finished directing my first short “Detention Boyz” a hilarious mockumentary. I am editing it right now. Super excited for everyone to see that. I co-created a comic called “Amulet of Lilith” with my dad. We are in the beginning phase of that seeking a bigger publisher. It is in print and on sale right now, and I am super proud of it. Going to start filming “Abigail” in the early summer.
I want to attend community college and going to take over one of my parents businesses while continuing to pressure acting, writing and directing!
Something people don’t know about you?
I am very petite, so people often mistake me for being meek or weak. But I have a very strong will and do sports like surfing, boxing, etc. But us short girls know that we are actually the toughest out there; little fighters!
What is your own definition of happiness?
Happiness comes 100% from within. It’s not success or outside approval. It’s a state of mind as well as being appreciative of what you have, and filling your life up with doing things you love, surrounded by the people you love.
How would you describe your fashion style?
On the carpet, I like classic style with a modern twist. In my daily life I am very casual, and maybe a little tomboy. I love wearing surf brands like BillaBong, Rip Curl, O’Neil, and Dakine.
What is your favorite healthy food?
I like sushi, fruit, homemade smoothies, and granola.
And your favorite cheat food?
Burgers, fries, and pizza.
What music do you like?
Alternative rock, and classic rock. When I was little I didn’t care much for music or really get what the fuss was about. But I got a little older and started to find the stuff I really liked.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
Charles Darwin. I’m a huge science nerd. I would say Albert Einstein, but in perspective we actually know a lot about him and he was alive relatively recently. I think meeting Darwin would be interesting because his revolutionary discoveries were not recognized for a long time, and I wonder what that was like. His diary from the Beagle was amazing insight into his studies and personal experiences.
Do you support any charity?
I support many charities! Most recently I had a Charity Buzz auction which was lunch to benefit Children Mendings Hearts. My auction went for $725! I am so thrilled to raise so much money for this great charity. We will be going to schools and teaching about anti-bullying through empathy and arts! I am throwing a Smores Night for Covenant House which helps homeless youth. I think giving back is very important for many reasons, and its something I do often!
How important is Social Media for you?
Social media is amazing to connect with fans! I have had fans follow me through my dance career, to Nickelodeon, next Warner Brother Lights Out, then with “One Under the Sun” and most recently “Young Sheldon” Thats a long time and I truly value my fans and love connecting. Many aspects of social media are fake with fake followers and fake interaction. I don’t want to connect with bots, I want to connect with real people. I am a private person and share what I feel comfortable sharing. Social media for the most part is the best part of our lives and I really want people to understand it is not a representation of the real world.
Where we can follow you?
Insta: @avacantrell
Twitter and FB @theavacantrell
Song: The Killers – All These Things That I’ve Done, and for a current new song, Sit Next to – Me Foster the People
Travel destination: Kauai
Movie: The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, and How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
Actor/Actress: Ben Stiller, the whole cast of Oceans 8, and Julia Roberts
Sports Team: I don’t really watch sports. I am too busy and when I get a moment I want to be doing sports rather than watching.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
