Check out our interview with talented Disney’s “Sydney to the Max” actress Ava Kolker.
Fans first met Ava on her role in Girl Meets World on Disney and now is making a name for herself with her new role in Sydney To The Max.
While acting, she is now also dabbling in music with the release of her first single “The Good Ones”.
Follow Ava at @avakolker
Hi Ava, please tell us a little about you?
Hello, Well, I’m a 13 year old actress. I currently play Olive on Disney’s “Sydney to the Max” and I love to sing and be active and spend time with my family.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Hard Working, Persistent, Nurturing.
Who was your role model as a child?
It might sound funny but my mom was my role model. I would see her work so hard and be so efficient and I learned very early to use every minute and not waste my time if I want to achieve my dreams.
How did you get started into acting?
I met a talent manager by chance when my older sisters decided they wanted to act. I was 4 years old. He told my parents to give him headshots of all of us and he would start to submit us for auditions. I booked my 2nd audition on American Horror Story.
How has this changed your life?
Oh my goodness. Acting has changed everything. It’s been my first priority as long as I can remember so I would drop everything for an audition, or a chance at a role. When I finally booked Sydney to the Max, I began to home school and work everyday so it’s completely changed my daily life. I get to do what I love everyday now and fit everything else around my work schedule. It’s been such a dream come true and I hope that I can make acting a lifelong career.
What is the best and worst part of being an actress?
The best part of being an actress is that you can help change people’s emotions and have so much fun taking on a new character and become them. The worst part of being an actress is sometimes the schedule. It’s tough to wake up at 5:30 pm everyday, work a 9.5 hour day and sacrifice a lot of other things you like to do.
Tell us about your work on “Sydney To The Max?”
I play Olive on “Sydney to the Max”, Sydney’s loyal best friend. We are looking to start filming Season 3 as soon as we’re allowed to go back to work. Olive is very quirky, funny and goes through all of the middle school challenges that Sydney is going through, right along with her.
And about the success of Disney’s “Girl Meets World?”
Girl Meets World was such a blessing. I feel like that was my first big opportunity. I booked my role of Ava Morgenstern when I was 6 years old, and I was so lucky to learn from the best actors and directors and Michael Jacobs. The writing team also gave me the best scenes with August Maturo and Danielle Fishel and I loved every minute.
What other projects you have been part of?
I have been in many feature films including Insidious the Last Key, Scary Movie 5, Message from the King, The Trials of Cate McCall and many more. I’ve also guest starred on Marvel Agents of Shield, Sam and Cat, Blackish, and others.
How do you prepare for a role?
I read the description and try to watch other similar projects that I can identify with. For Young Elise in Insidious the Last Key, I watched the First 3 insidious Movies to really get to know Elise (Lin Shaye) and imagined what she would be like as a kid going through the abuse she went through.
What kind of roles do you like or would like to play and why?
I would love to play a marvel hero at some point or play in a musical like mama mia because I love to sing and take martial arts to be ready for an action movie if the opportunity presents itself.
Now on the music side, please tell us about your first single “The Good Ones?”
The Good ones is a song that I dedicated to all the great people in my life who have been there through the ups and downs and always have my best interest at heart so I wrote a song about them and for them.
[vc_column][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tovXm23trtE” title=”Ava Kolker – The Good Ones Lyric Video”][vc_column_text]
Describe your sound in 3 words?
Fun, Young and Upbeat.
How do you balance going to school and acting? Is it difficult to juggle?
It’s not too bad. Disney has it down to a science so we do 3 hours of school a day on set with wonderful set teachers. Since there are 2 students per teacher, we get a great personal education.
Who influenced you when writing your songs?
I work with 2 wonderful songwriters Peter Zizzo and Francis Galluccio and they really listened to my ideas and collaborated with me to bring my vision to life. They are amazing and I adore them.
Why did you decide to become a singer/songwriter?
I always loved music and started in musical theatre when I was 6 years old. I loved being on stage singing solos and I always thought I wanted to eventually do my own music. When I met Peter and Francis, it all came together to make it a reality.
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
It’s so rewarding to be on a show that teaches valuable lessons to kids and teens in an entertaining way. If I can be part of bringing joy to families, that’s incredibly rewarding.
How would your best friend describe you?
They would say that they can trust me above everything.
What’s next for Ava Kolker?
I hope that I can stay in the Disney Family after the show is done and possibly do some Disney movies or Marvel Movies. I am definitely looking to write and release more music and work on my new Fashion line “Ava By Pol Atteu.” Looking forward to the future.
What is your own definition of happiness?
I think happiness is being grateful in the moment being with those you love having special moments together.
What would be a deal breaker on a first date?
If someone was disrespectful, that would be an immediate deal breaker.
How is a normal day in your life?
I wake up at 5:30 pm, get ready, get to set at 7 am. I work till 4:30 pm and get back in the car for an hour to hour and a half commute home. If I have any energy left, I try to do a quick workout at home and learn lines for the next day. Many nights, there are also events or premieres or things to attend. When I work on new music, I go to the studio after work and do 4 hour sessions in the studio with my favorite songwriters.
What is your idea of a perfect Sunday?
Getting up, making breakfast, and going to the beach with my family, having a picnic and spending the whole day outdoors.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
I would love to meet Lady Gaga because she is so multi-talented and is unapologetically herself.
What is your favorite healthy food?
Artichoke.
And your favorite cheat food?
Jack in the Box Tacos.
Best advice ever given?
Go for your dreams, no matter how many times you get knocked down.
Do you support any charity?
Yes, pawworks, make a wish foundation, children’s hospital and St Jude.
Name 3 things you can’t live without?
My family, my friends and my pets.
Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years from now?
I hope to do Broadway, and continue to work on a great project I am proud of.
Favorite song? Why?
Currently Watermelon Sugar By Harry Styles because it’s a bop and so much fun to listen to.
What music do you like?
I like pop most but I like all kinds of music.
What do you think of Social Media?
I think if used properly it’s a wonderful way to connect with your friends and fans and to see what everyone is up to. I love it.
Where we can follow you?
You can find me on Instagram at @avakolker, Twitter at @realavakolker, tiktok at @avakolker and my music is on YouTube @avakolker
Quote: Success is failing over and over without losing enthusiasm
Favorite Singer/Artist: Lady Gaga
Movie: Bohemian Rhapsody
Travel Destination: Atlantis
Sports Team: LA Kings
Tv Show: The Flash
Book: The Traveler’s Gift by Andy Andrews
