[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”25428″ img_size=”large”][vc_column_text]Our exclusive interview with beautiful LA-based teen Lexi DiBenedetto who stars on Nickelodeon’s hit series Knight Squad. The comedy was recently renewed for a second season and centers around students forming an unlikely alliance to protect each other’s secrets and pursue their dreams at a magical school for knights in training. Lexi’s persistence, maturity and passion for acting at a young age naturally separated her from the pack. She grew up in front of the camera, having appearances on popular series such as Grey’s Anatomy and Modern Family. Her breakout performance, headlining the short film, Love Is All You Need? (2012), immediately went viral and has received over 10 million views on YouTube as well as wide international attention.
Lexi loves the outdoors as well as bringing attention to causes which help the most vulnerable, especially animals. Passionate about organic food, she believes in the benefits of a healthy diet. She is a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”25429″ img_size=”large”][vc_column_text]Hi Lexi, please tell us a little about you?
I’m originally from Carolina Beach, NC and I’m now currently living in Los Angeles. When I’m not working I enjoy being outside with my family and our rescue dogs or at the beach. I also love horseback riding!
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Resilient, passionate, and bold.
Name one your strengths?
I don’t give up easily and I’m loyal to my family and friends.
Do you have a role model?
My parents. They’ve taught me so much. Any amount of determination I have, I get from my parents.
How did you get started acting?
I started off in a commercial when I was very young and then moved my way into short films and community theater in my hometown. When I was about 5-years-old, I told my parents I wanted to act and then at the age of 8 I begged my way into an adult acting class because it was the only acting class available where I lived.
Did your family support your decision to become an actress?
Yes, 100 percent! I actually wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for my mom and dad. They uprooted their entire lives to move across the country so that I could pursue my dreams. I owe them everything.
When you were a kid what did you want to be when you grew up?
Honestly, I’ve always wanted to be an actress. I was as young as 5 when I decided it was what I wanted to do as a career. I also wanted to be a Veterinarian, but now I know I wouldn’t handle giving shots very well!
How do you prepare for a role?
I read every detail first to understand exactly what is going on. Then I start to breakdown the character and try to understand them so that I can help bring their story to life.
Tell us about your role Nickelodeon’s hit series “Knight Squad,” and what the series is about?
Knight Squad is about a group of kids training to become knights to protect the magical kingdom of Astoria. I play Prudence, who is a quarter giant on her mother’s side. She has giant strength and a giant heart! Prudence likes to fix problems and doesn’t like to see her friends upset or mistreated. She is the caregiver of the group.
What’s your favorite part working on “Knight Squad”?
I really love the fight scenes and using the big hammer Prudence carries. It is so much fun to learn the fight scenes and work with my stunt double. I also love when Ciara and Prudence have their fun BFF moments!
What role would you love to play that you haven’t yet?
I just really love to bring important stories to life about incredible people or characters. I would love to be supergirl or a superhero!
What advice would you give to those who want to be in this business?
Be prepared, never give up, and BE PATIENT. Everyone’s journey is different and some take more time than others. This industry is hard and a little crazy so it’s important to always be yourself! Also, do the research to find a great acting class so you can practice your craft.
What are the 3 things you can’t live without?
I’d have to say nice beach days, Netflix, and popcorn!
How’s your typical day?
Well, when we are filming Knight Squad, I’m on set five days a week. When I’m on break I work out or do something active, go to an audition and then try to go to an acting class or anything that will help me better my craft.
Something people don’t know about you?
I love classic cars!
Five years from now you will be….
Hopefully, working and continuing to do what I love for a living. I would also really love to write and create a show on a platform like Netflix or Hulu.
Who are some of your favorite models and designers, and why?
I like an Australian model named Stephanie Claire Smith because she supports body positivity and a healthy, yet balanced lifestyle. As for designers, I like too many to name. I think it’s fun to express yourself through clothing.
How would you describe your fashion style?
Maybe..Casual, subtle 70’s vibes? It really depends on my mood but I LOVE my staple clothing items that are from thrift stores. Actually, a fun fact is that my mom is amazing at styling my red carpet looks and is always finding me cool vintage jackets, belts, and boots. My typical daily style would probably be a vintage t-shirt with a funky belt and a pair of boots.
What is your own definition of happiness?
I wish I could answer this but I don’t think you can define happiness. However, if you were to try then I think that every day you would have to redefine the definition of what happiness means to you.
Do you support any charities?
Salvation Army, ASPCA, and I am getting involved with the Environmental Media Association, as well as the humane society.
Your idea of a perfect Sunday is…?
Brunch, Beach or horseback riding!
What would be a deal breaker on a first date?
Being rude or pushy. Also, I think it’s important to be asked out in person or maybe a phone call, but texting is too impersonal for me.
Favorite healthy food?
Fruit or cucumbers and carrots.
And your favorite cheat food?
I can’t pick just one! I like popcorn and ice-cream a lot as well as waffles!
What kind of music do you like? And don’t like?
I don’t really dislike any music because I kind of have a mood for everything. My favorite music includes reggae, rock and early 2000’s pop! I also grew up listening to country music and it puts me in a great mood!
What do you think of the Social Media?
I really appreciate that it gives me a platform to connect with my supporters and keep in touch with family/friends. I really just want to be honest with people. Sometimes I find myself spending WAY too much time on my phone and comparing myself to others and it doesn’t feel great. So as much as I think the social aspect of social media is great, I really urge people to spread positivity and to please stop comparing yourselves to others. I also think it’s important to realize that people only post their best days on social media, but that doesn’t mean that anyone has a perfect life. Again, this is something I struggle with, so maybe we can all work on it together! Self-love is important.
Where we can follow you?
Instagram and Twitter are @dibenedettolexi and my facebook page is Lexi DiBenedetto. I absolutely love hearing from you, so please comment! XOXO
Quote: “To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson
Favorite Book: I actually prefer reading scripts at the moment.
Sports Team: I grew up with the Carolina Panthers.
Drink: Hot Chocolate
Celebrity Crush: Tom Holland
Travel destination: Bora Bora or Europe.
Movie: Miss Congeniality and Shawshank Redemption.
Tv Show: The Office and Downton Abbey.[/vc_column_text][vc_separator][vc_column_text]Photo Credit: Amanda Ramon[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
