Check out our interview with talented actress Ava Cantrell, who can be seen as the titular lead character in the revenge-horror film ABIGAIL.
ABIGAIL is set in 1976 and follows troubled teen ‘Abigail’ (Cantrell) who befriends her bullied neighbor and helps him fight back. As she takes him under her wing, her obsession with seeking revenge on his tormentors becomes deadly, and the secrets of her past begin to surface.
Having successfully worked in Hollywood since the age of 7, Cantrell first made a name for herself on Nickelodeon’s hit series “The Haunted Hathaways” before working on such acclaimed series as CBS’ “Young Sheldon” opposite Jason Alexander, and most recently co-starring in Warner Bros/New Line Cinema’s horror feature LIGHTS OUT. With ABIGAIL as her first starring feature role, Cantrell is primed to follow in the footsteps of other illustrious actors such as Florence Pugh (‘Midsommar’) and Mia Goth (‘Infinity Pool’).
Follow Ava @avacantrell
Hi Ava, please tell us a little about yourself.
I’m an actress, an entrepreneur, college student, animal lover, and photographer with a passion for surfing and martial arts.
Describe yourself in three words.
Studious, athletic, and curious.
How did you get started in acting?
I was a competitive dancer as a little girl and fell in love with the performance aspect of ballet and contemporary dance. The more character that was involved with the choreography the better I performed. The desire to act just came as a natural progression. I also would turn it on, when I got on stage and enjoyed the crowd’s reactions.
How has this changed your life?
It taught me a good work ethic from an early age. I learned how to act and talk when around adults in a workplace. I think, most importantly, I learned how to deal with rejection and criticism in a healthy way.
What is the best and worst part of being an actress?
Auditioning. It’s the worst and best part of being an actress. Almost every audition is going to end up with someone else getting the part. You may work for days, learning the lines and preparing your character for that one shot at getting the role. It can be stressful, intimidating, and time-consuming. But every audition is an opportunity to book a role. It’s exciting to embark on that journey. Each audition is a learning experience where that part is yours for the moment. You are playing that character for an audience and that is a real rush. And every once in a while, the casting director, the director, and the producer see you as that person and book you for the role.
How do you prepare for a role?
My manager, Sharon Lane, is an amazing coach and works with me on every role. But before we sit down together to break down the character I read, and read, and read the script. I learn the lines like they are data so they are locked in. Then work on the character behind the dialog, always focusing on the intent for each interaction.
Tell us about your work in the revenge-horror film “ABIGAIL” and about your role as Abigail?
Abigail was the role of a lifetime for me. I had worked steadily since I was eight years old on short films, co-starring roles, guest starring roles in television and movies but never booked a lead or series regular. All of that work gave me the confidence to tackle Abigail and have the skills to deliver my best performance day in day out throughout filming. The role of Abigail was a gift that I’m eternally grateful for.
Now tell us about your work in very popular TV shows like Nickelodeon’s hit series “The Haunted Hathaways,” and CBS’ “Young Sheldon?”
Haunted Hathaways was so much fun. I started with a guest star spot on an early episode of the series to play a crazy doll girl. The writers, thankfully, loved the character and my performance. I became a great recurring villain to play opposite the two young stars on the show. It was so exciting to film on the Paramount Studios lot, be invited to Nickelodeon events, and be a part of such a popular and successful show. Young Sheldon came later as a teen, and I had the same kind of experience with that. My part became upgraded after the first day of film and I got to work closely with Jason Alexander on a couple of episodes. Young Sheldon turned out to be a huge, huge hit and I’m so grateful that I got to be a small part of it. Every actor and actress that has been on that show is so talented and the writing is always comic genius.
What other projects have you been part of?
The biggest, most well-known movie I was in was Warner Bros Lights Out. In that I play the teen/human version of the monster, Diana. That movie was the famous director, David Sandberg’s first feature. It was an adaptation of his short by the same name. David is such a talented director and storyteller and I’m so grateful to him that he hired me for that role. It was also the first horror movie I ever watched, and now I’m hooked on the genre.
What kind of roles do you like or would like to play, and why?
I’m so lucky that I have a great variety of work on my resume. I love comedy and horror and those roles make up the biggest part of my body of work. Someday I would love to get the opportunity to be in an action movie. Abigail gave me a small taste of that and since filming I have dived into marital arts. I have been training in Muy Thai for over a year and even competed in a tournament. I’ve always been an athlete and would love to book a role with high level stunt choreography.
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
The most rewarding part is being on set. I truly love that part of the job best. Everything is better on set.
What’s your advice for the newer actors?
Find the joy in auditioning. It’s what you most likely will do the most of. Give everything in that moment but when it’s done, let it go.
What would you say are the greatest lessons you have learned so far in this business?
Plan on leaving an hour earlier than you think when driving in LA. Seriously though, I think having balance in your life is a necessity. Acting is a job, and you need to go home and be yourself. It’s important to not get caught up in the hype. I made a choice years ago when I passed up a reality TV show that I wanted to focus on serious acting and worry less about the number or fame game. For me, being a working actor rather than a famous person would be the goal.
How would your best friend describe you?
Loves to laugh and up for any adventure.
If you were a book, what would be the title of the book and why?
Ava Cantrell, Train for the Marathon. My whole life so far has been a steady climb upwards. I continue to put in the work, for school, acting, business and I haven’t had any immediate hits. I’m not the fastest at anything but I focus on my goals, and I have been able to reach them steadily.
What book should every entrepreneur read?
A Curious Mind by Brian Grazer. My dad got that book and gave it to me to read. It’s not a financial book, but it shows you a road to success by always being curious and asking questions. Brian Grazer is a famous movie producer (A Beautiful Mind). The book teaches you to adapt your thinking to the power of learning for others and the wonder of discovery.
What’s next for Ava Cantrell in 2024?
Hopefully a good amount of work now that the SAG strike is over. 2024 should begin a huge amount of production after the industry has been shut down for so many months. I’m crossing my fingers that I can book something great.
What is your own definition of happiness?
Living a life of balance. Surrounding yourself with people that you love and have the same passion for life and adventure. Laughter. The perfect wave.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
Stephen Hawkings. Stephen is one of the greatest scientific minds that ever lived, and I would love to listen in on one of his conversations about the origins of the universe or his thoughts on how black holes function.
Best advice ever given?
Never, ever apologize for being yourself. – Meryl Streep
Do you support any charities?
Yes, I have been involved in many over the years. I love dog and cat rescue organizations like Stand-up for Pits and the LA Mission who has been a refuge for the homeless in Los Angeles. From a young age I have been giving back.
Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years?
I will have an MBA and have starred in an action movie with Keanu Reeves.
Favorite song? Why?
“Something to believe in” by Young the Giant. It’s one of my top songs on Spotify. I’m a huge fan and this song really speaks to me.
What do you think of social media?
Love it, hate it, can’t escape it.
Where can we follow you?
Instagram and Threads @avacantell
Facebook, X, and Youtube @theavacantrell
Favorites:
Book: Any Holly Black Book
Quote: Mistakes are part of the dues one pays for a full life
Movie: The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
TV Series: Supernatural
Favorite Food: Dim Sum
Travel Destination: Kauai
Sports Team: San Diego …. Anything.
