Ashley Boettcher Interview

Ashley Boettcher can currently be seen as ‘Mel Fuller’ on Amazon’s “Gortimer Gibbon’s Life on Normal Street”, which is set to return for season two on July 15th. 

Ashley’s additional credits  include Aliens in the Attic, Shrek Forever After, Disney’s “Shake It Up”, Judy Moody & the Not Bummer Summer, NBC’s “About a Boy”, Nickelodeon’s “The Ledge of Korra”, The Rise of the Guardians and various TV commercials and movies.

Hi Ashley please tell us a little about you?

I’m 15 ½ years old and have been acting since I was 2 ½ years old. I’m from a small town in Texas, which many people haven’t really heard of, where my two best friends and grandparents live. Ever since I was little, I’ve loved the art of filmmaking. I enjoy bike riding, reading, writing, making & watching movies and hanging out with my friends and family.

Describe yourself in 3 words?

Creative, smart, loyal.

Who is your biggest supporter?

My family is my biggest supporter.

How did you get started in the industry?

How I started acting is a very long story, so here is the short version. I was born to do it, and have always loved filmmaking. I started acting at 2 ½ years old and shortly thereafter, decided I wanted to eventually become a director. Then it seemed like all the right doors opened, and now I’m where I am today.

What was your first acting role?

My first acting job was a Friendly’s commercial. For those of you who have no idea what Friendly’s is, it’s a restaurant chain on the east coast.

What is the best and worst part of being an actor?

The best part is getting to play tons of different characters. One day I’m Mel and the next I could be a hobbit or a wizard!

The worst part, I think, is the competition. People in the industry are super competitive and they’ll use you to get ahead, which makes it super hard to find true friends. I will say, when you do find those true friends, there are none better. They understand all the struggles and joys of acting, and help you through a lot.

Best advice ever given?

I’ve gotten so many great pieces of advice over the years choosing one is very difficult. I think the most important piece of advice I’ve gotten not only applies to acting, but life as well. Don’t be afraid to fail.

Telling myself that it’s okay to fail, gives me the courage to continue to do what I love.

How did you find out about Amazon’s “Gortimer Gibbon’s Life on Normal Street”? And tell us about your character Mel Fuller?

From an audition request from my agent.

On the surface, Mel seems like the stereotypical “smart girl”, but is so much more. Yes, she’s smart, but she’s kind, caring, loyal, witty, and has a heart. I was drawn to her because she’s a lot like me. We’re artistic, smart and loyal people who love our friends and families to the end of the universe.

What we can expect for the next season?

This next season is all about growing up, adventure and fun! We dealt with some pretty serious things last season, so we’ll be covering the aftermath. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of laughs and crazy situations the gang gets into.

What has been your most memorable experience from the set?

There are so many favorite memories. From sitting in the Observatory discussing random topics to talking with the crew. Everyone was amazing and being with them was wonderful.

Are you friends with the cast outside the cameras?

Yeah, Coco and I actually hang out a lot.

What other projects you have been part of?

Aliens in the Attic, Judy Mood and the Not Bummer Summer, Yellow Day, Shake it Up, About a Boy, Prison Break, Las Vegas, Earnest & Celestine, to name a few. If you want to know more, check out my page on IMDB.com.

Who is your favorite Actor/Actress? And why?

There are a lot; Jenifer Lawrence, Ashley Tisdale, Emma Watson and Meryl Streep are some. They’re all such strong, independent, talented and successful women, who aren’t afraid to stand up for themselves and their friends

3 things you can’t leave your house without?

• My phone
• My portable phone charger
• My wallet

What music do you like?

I like all types of music, from classical, to rock, to a hybrid of the two.

Your idea of a perfect Sunday is?

Volunteering at my church with the younger kids, having a nice brunch with my family, then coming home and relaxing with my family or talking with friends over FaceTime.

How’s a normal day in your life?

There is no normal day. Every day is different. All depends what’s happening. It’s pretty crazy at times, but fun.

What is your favorite healthy food?

I make pasta with zucchini noodles, pesto, and mozzarella cheese!

And your favorite cheat food? 

Candy or Calzones!

How do you see yourself in 5 years?

In 5 years, so at 20 years old, I see myself directing, acting, writing; and owning a production company along with a house and a family of French bulldogs!

Do you support any charities?

Yes. They are:

Camp M*A*S*H (Make Arthritis Stop Hurting) – it’s a week-long camp for kids ages 7 to 17 who have a form of juvenile arthritis or related disease. The kids have fun doing activities like swimming, rope course, horseback riding to name a few. I love helping out there! To learn more, visit www.campmash.org and to learn about juvenile arthritis and how you can get involved, click here!

Operation Blessing – “provides strategic relief in 37 countries on an ongoing basis through core programs such as disaster relief, health and medical care, hunger relief, vulnerable children and orphan care, safe water and community development.” To learn more, visit ob.org

Operation Smile – works with a global network of medical profession, who donate their time, to provide medical care for children around the world who lack access to safe surgery. To learn more, visit operationsmile.org

Orphan’s Promise – “partners with local outreaches around the world to provide holistic care to help orphans and other vulnerable children reach their highest potential.” To learn more, visit orphanspromise.org

Where we can follow you?

Instagram, Snapchat, Tumblr, Twitter & Vine – @BoettcherAshley

Facebook – Ashley Boettcher – Official

Favorite Music: Classical meets Rock

Quote: “Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.” – Dumbledore

Holiday Destination: Back home in Texas!

Food: Pickles and Charleston Chew Minis, just not together!

Restaurant: That’s hard because I really love eating at home!

Drink: Shirley Temple, Jasmine Tea & Butterbeer

Celebrity Crush: Pretty much every male Avenger

Song: Feeling Good by Nina Simone

Sports Team: I don’t have one.

Movies: There are so many! Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, The Breakfast Club, Star Wars, Batman (with Michael Keaton), Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings to name a few.

Photo Credit:  Gilles Toucas