Interview with Chelsea J.

Wilson (2006)

1. You're most famous for your role of Parker McKenzie on the show "Lizzie McGuire." Was the role of Parker originally supposed to be a one-time thing? When I first got the part I never imagined that I would get the chance to become a recurring character on the show. After I did the Picture Day episode, I was thrilled to find out they wanted me back!

2. Although you were a recurring character, showing up in only a handful of episodes, how would you describe your relations with the cast of "Lizzie McGuire? I never got to spend a really long time on set, my longest filming period was five days, so unfortunately I didnt get to know the rest of the cast that well. However, when I was there, everyone was incredibly friendly and welcoming.

3. What would you say was your favorite "Lizzie McGuire" episode to film? I had so much fun filming the episode where I wouldnt go with Gordo to the dance because he was too short. Im barely 51, so the idea that anyone would be shorter than I am was too funny. Also, the last scene of the episode, when my character is stuck dancing with Ethan Craft, was one of the most fun moments. Clayton, who played Ethan, was pretending to dance by flailing his arms back and forth and being ridiculous. It was so hard to try and not laugh while doing the scene!

4. Also, what was your most memorable experience while on the set? Probably filming the episode I just mentioned. I had such a great time.

5. At this point in your life, what do you consider to be some of your future dreams and goals? As much as I love acting, I dont see myself pursuing it as a career. My passion right now is writing (Im an English major) but Im also extremely interested in politics. 1

Hopefully I can find a way to combine these two interests into a career that I love.

6. If someone was to look through your CD collection, what types of music would they find? I listen to everything. I love my pop music, Madonna, Britney, Christina, but I also definitely have moods where I cant get enough of Jay Z. But my collection is also full of some lesser known artists like Imogen Heap and Stars. Believe it or not, Im a Country fan too, and I also have my moments where I cant get enough Classic Rock. I really do listen to everything!</font>

7. Many child actors get their start in acting through a series of commercials, guest appearances, and stage plays. How did you break into the acting scene, and what made you decide to choose acting as a profession? I have been acting since I could walk. I started out doing school plays and then was hired for the professional theater companies in my city. I did theater and musical theater forever and then I went on an audition for an agent who worked in LA. I ended up signing with her, but I still lived in Sacramento, so I had to fly back and forth for every audition. But on my first audition I landed a guest spot on a Fox Family show and pretty soon after I got the part on Lizzie. I was really lucky!

8. Having been an actor in the past, what would you say is the best part about being an actor? The worst part? The best part about acting for me is the response from the audience. Thats why I love theater. When you are onstage there is this palpable energy form the audience that is the greatest adrenaline rush. The fact that they are all out there watching, motivates you to really get into the character. The worst part about acting is that eventually all shows come to an end and you have to leave your new family. People get so close during a production that it is devastating when it ends.

9. Going to college is said to be one of the best experiences you go through in your life. Word is that you are attending the University of Southern California (USC). Why did you choose here to go? And how would you describe college life? The moment I walked onto USCs campus, I knew it was the perfect school for me. Im a California girl, so being in the LA sunshine is ideal. Also, I came from a tiny high school 2

and I needed a bigger environment, but I still wanted the small classes offered by a private school. And then theres USC school spirit which is unrivaled. Its hard to describe the amazing feeling of being a Trojan!

10. When you auditioned for the show "Lizzie McGuire," did you originally try out for the role of Parker? I think when I originally auditioned I tried out for the role of a mean cheerleader. Apparently the casting director liked the fact that I could play roles with attitude and cast me as Parker instead.

11. Who do you look up to as a role model? My parents are wonderful role models. They worked incredibly hard to make sure I got the best education possible and grew up appreciating all the things they were able to give me.

12. What would you say is a guilty pleasure of yours? I am obsessed with the television show The OC. No matter what Im doing, on Thursdays at 9, I drop everything to watch it. Its so dramatic and over the top, but its so much fun! And I absolutely love Summer (and her wardrobe!).

13. What's your favorite word in the English language? Oodles?

14. Would you say there are any similarities between you and your character Parker McKenzie? Any differences? I hope there arent too many similarities; Parker was not a very nice person! Being short myself, I try never to judge people by their appearances in the way Parker judged Gordo because of his height.

15. Did you get to keep any of the clothes you had on the show? I didnt get to keep any of the clothes, but it would have been so much fun to raid the 3

costume department on the show. The people in the wardrobe department had so many cool clothes from little boutiques in LA that I would have loved to steal.

16. If you could have suggested a storyline for Parker in the series, what would you have chosen and why? Ooh, thats hard. I would have liked an episode where Parker was nice and not so mean. She has a nice side, Im sure of it.

17. We hear that you have chosen journalism as your major at USC at this time. What sparked your interest in this field and what do you see yourself doing after you graduate? At the moment Im an English major and Political Science minor. Although I am still definitely considering journalism eventually, the world of politics also really interests me. I wouldnt want to become a politician, but maybe speechwriting or campaign work. After college though I am going to grad school, I just dont know in what field yet. Its nice to know I have a while to decide!

18. When it comes to acting, do you plan to be in any projects in the future? Or did "Lizzie McGuire" mark the end? Im definitely taking a break from acting. I cant say that I wont ever act again, but for right now I want to focus on school and friends and just being in college. Acting was such a big part of my life for so long that I will always find some way to make it a part of my life though, even if it means just being an audience member.

19. If you could film a movie with anybody from the LM cast, who would you choose and why? The whole cast would be really fun to do a movie with; they just have a great time together.

20. Finally, what would you say was the best advice you were ever given? Even though its clich: to never give up. As long as you believe you can accomplish anything you set out to do you will eventually succeed