Check out our interview with talented actress, artist and social media influencer Ava Kolker who just released her new single “All to Myself” today!
Ava is best known for her series regular role as Olive in the hit Disney show Sydney to the Max alongside Ruth Righi and Jackson Dollinger. Since starting in the industry at the tender age of 4 in American Horror Story, Ava has had numerous roles in television and film. Just a few of her other notable credits include a recurring role on Disney’s Girl Meets World with Ben Savage and Rowan Blanchard for which she won a Young Entertainer Award as well as guest starring roles on Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., White Famous, and How I Met Your Father.
On the big screen, she has been in such films as The Trials of Cate McCall alongside Kate Beckinsale and Nick Nolte, Scary Movie V with Ashley Tisdale, the blockbuster horror film Insidious: The Last Key with Lin Shaye, and in the upcoming movie Manifest West alongside her sister Lexy Kolker and Annett Mahendru.
Follow Ava on IG @avakolker & TikTok @avakolker
Hi Ava, please tell us a little about you?
Hi, I am an actress and singer and have been in the industry since I was 4 years old. I always loved to entertain and to make people laugh and feel some type of emotion.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Passionate, loyal, hardworking
How did you get started into acting?
I met a talent manager by chance and he suggested I take some headshots and he would start submitting me on projects. My family didn’t really think anything would come out of it, but I booked my 2nd audition which was for “American Horror Story” at 4 years old and the rest is history
How has this changed your life?
Well, it changed everything. When you decide to give acting a chance, it has to be your #1 priority, so you drop everything when an audition comes up! I became homeschooled when I booked “Sydney to the Max” and have continued to be homeschooled ever since. So I focus on doing anything that can improve my skill sets until the next project.
What is the best and worst part of being an actress?
The best part of being an actress is the amazing experiences you get to have and the incredible people you get to meet. I also love to be a small part of taking someone out of their daily life for a moment and make them laugh or cry or provide a small escape. I find it to be very rewarding. The worst part is definitely all of the rejection and learning lines for auditions for jobs you don’t get, but it’s part of the biz.
How do you prepare for a role?
I really try to imagine myself in that situation. How would I feel? I step into those shoes and as I get through the scene I feel the emotions and really go into what they are going through.
Tell us about your work on the popular Disney show “Sydney to the Max?”
I play the character “Olive” who is the titular character’s best friend. Olive is a little awkward, but very funny and always there for Sydney as they navigate the challenges girls go through in middle school.
What other projects have you been part of?
I was also on “Girl Meets World” for 3 seasons on Disney Channel, and I have been in about 14 films including “Insidious the Last Key”, “Scary Movie 5”, “Trials of Cate McCall”, “Miss Meadows” opposite Katie Holmes and many others.
Now tell us about your new film “Manifest West?”.
“Manifest West” is the story of a family who falls apart as they move off the grid into the wilderness. I play Dana Lanik who is a bad influence on the lead character played by my sister Lexy. It’s a beautiful story that shows what length a man would go to, to keep his family together and do the best he can to help his wife who suffers from mental illness.
What kind of roles do you like or would like to play and why?
I like to play a variety of roles to stretch myself. I did a lot of comedy for 6 years on the Disney channel, but I also love drama, horror, and adventure. I would love to do a musical next or a Marvel project again. That would be amazing.
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
I believe helping people escape their daily routines and problems for a moment is amazing. I always love when I watch something I filmed and my family or friends crack up or cry or are really affected. It’s incredibly rewarding that I was able to do that. I love that part of it.
What’s your advice for the newer actors?
My advice is to practice your acting muscles. Practice crying, practice your comedic timing, practice your looks and stay subtle. Most of all, give it your best shot with every audition and then move on to the next one. Once you book a role, show up prepared, and then become the character and don’t overthink it.
Now about your new music. Tell us about your new single “All to Myself?”
It’s a fun new song that shows the connection between a fan and her favorite artist. It has a great fun beat to it, and I hope everyone can rock out to it in the car.
What’s the story behind the song?
It’s about how a girl is so invested in her favorite artist that it’s all she thinks about and starts to have feelings.
Describe your sound in 3 words?
Hard to say because it depends on the song.
Who influenced you and why did you choose to make music?
I felt that as an actress, you are always someone else. As an artist, you can express yourself and what you’re going through in a certain moment in time. It’s a great form of self expression and very freeing.
Do you play any instrument?
I am learning to play the guitar and the piano.
Do you ever get nervous?
I always get a little nervous on set. I want to make sure I can deliver my lines to be impactful. I still get very nervous to perform on stage too. I feel like as I am more self aware, I become more nervous than when I was little.
What would you say are the greatest lessons you learned so far in this business?
The greatest lesson is to have no expectation as to what is next. You just have to do your best for as long as it takes until the next good opportunity opens up. You never know how long that might take, but you can’t get discouraged.
What do you think is the secret to having a successful IG account?
Consistency, quality, and interesting content to include photos and videos.
As a popular actress and influencer you are followed by so many people. How do you feel about that pressure of always doing the right thing, and encourage people to follow their dreams?
I feel like with a big platform comes a big responsibility. My parents always taught me to be vulnerable and approachable but also to make sure to treat people with respect and love and give them the encouragement you have needed along the way. So I try to do that. I certainly have had my down moments and I believe those are the moments you grow and learn the most to be able to help others who are going through struggles as well.
Now talking about Instagram, can you share some tips for keeping your account interesting?
Sure, I try to mix it up with quality photos, funny reels, dance reels, different locations, videos, with different people who can bring some different energies. I try sharing different experiences, and just share my journey with people.
What’s your advice for the newer influencers?
My advice is to be consistent. Post multiple times a day on multiple platforms, and cross promote your different platforms. Do collaborations with other influencers and find your niche that can make you relatable to people.
How would your best friend describe you?
I would hope they would describe me as 100% loyal and someone they can count on to always be there. That’s what I look for in my friends and try to be the same way in return
If you are a book, what would be the title of the book and why?
The title of my book would be “Live Life with No Regrets”. I try to live by that, to make the best decisions I can with the information I have in the moment and then don’t beat myself up if I could have done something different. Just look forward, learn and continue to evolve with no regrets.
What advice would you give to your younger self and why?
I would tell myself to enjoy the journey without worrying about all of the disappointments along the way. There will be so much failure, but the few successes along the way make it all worthwhile.
What book should every entrepreneur read?
The book every entrepreneur should read is “Good to Great”.
What’s next for Ava Kolker in the last months of 2022 and for 2023?
My latest film manifest west is coming out Nov 11, and lots of new music for sure and hopefully a great new acting project.
What is your favorite healthy food?
Artichoke
And your favorite cheat food?
Chili Cheese Fries
What is your own definition of happiness?
Feeling at peace surrounded by people I love without fear of being judged or analyzed.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
I would love to meet Lady Gaga. I think she is absolutely phenomenal and such an inspiration.
Best advice ever given?
The best advice I was ever given was to follow your dreams and don’t be afraid to dream big.
Do you support any charity?
Yes, I support Children’s Hospital, St. Jude and Pawworks.
Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years from now?
I hope to be on a popular TV show, releasing albums, and traveling around the world making an impact for a positive change.
Favorite song? Why?
“Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen because it’s an iconic masterpiece and is inclusive of so many genres of music brilliantly.
What do you think of social media?
I think it’s a very powerful tool to connect with people that can be positive if used properly, but it’s important to protect yourself from the potential harm it can cause by educating yourself on the filters that are available, as well as blocking destructive people. If someone can make sure they don’t let the haters and bullies get to them, then they can really use their voice for good without fear of negativity.
Where can we follow you?
I am at @avakolker on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube and @avagkolker on snapchat
Book: “The Outsiders”
Quote: “We cannot become what we want by remaining what we are” – Max Depree
Movie: “Mama Mia”
Tv Series: “Vampire diaries”
Favorite Food: Mexican
Travel Destination: Greece
Sports Team: the LA Kings
Photo Credits: Orange Shirt & Beach Photo – Kolker Family
Close up photo: Salvatore D’Alia @timbuz
