Check our exclusive interview with young up-and-coming Philadelphia-area native actress Jillian Shea Spaeder who is currently starring on hit Disney XD series “Walk the Prank”.
Jillian is also a talented musician whose natural born instincts for performing on stage and screen are setting her up for success in both television and music.
Describe yourself in 3 words!
Three word that describe me are fun-loving, fearless and musical
Anyone in your family is also in the business?
No one in my family is in the industry, just me!
How did you get involved in acting?
I started doing small roles in concerts and musicals in elementary school. In fifth grade, I started with a private acting coach fifth grade, and that holiday season I was cast in my first equity theatre production–the only child in a cast of 12. The following summer I met my manager while at a performing arts seminar in Hollywood, and she offered to represent me. Because we live on the East Coast, we weren’t sure about living in California, so she encouraged us to come out for pilot season to test the waters. I had a lot of auditions during this two-month period, including the one for Walk the Prank!
Do you have or had acting classes?
I had a private acting coach back home in PA, and I also took a lot of acting classes and private coaching sessions when I came out to L.A. for pilot season. When the show is not filming, I go back to classes for improv and scene study. I also do private coaching any time I have an audition.
Tell us about your role in Disney XD series “Walk the Prank,” And how did you cast for it?
Walk the Prank is a really funny show about four kids who have a popular online hidden camera show where they prank people. What makes it different is that we prank REAL people, so the show combines scripted comedy and real-life pranks.
What other project you have been part of?
I filmed some segments for DreamWorksTV on YouTube and also an episode of Nicky, Ricky, Dicky & Dawn.
Who is your favorite actress/actor?
My favorite actress right now is Ellen Pompeo…I am obsessed with Grey’s Anatomy.
If you could act with anyone as your co-star, who would it be and why?
I thought about this for a while but realized that I actually have the perfect co-stars. I love my boys!
Best advice ever given?
Be the person everyone wants to work with again…enthusiastic, kind and professional.
Who is your biggest supporter?
My family (my mom, dad, brother, and sister) are all super supportive of me.
Favorite song? Why?
Yesterday, by the Beatles, is my favorite song, because I just love the melody. The song never goes out of style.
How is a normal day in your life?
When I’m filming the show, a normal day is 9 ½ hours on set, which includes school, coming home to learn lines, binge-watching some Grey’s, and playing some guitar and singing. Oh, yeah, and eating!
Something people don’t know about you?
Most people would be surprised to learn I love music from the 70’s and 80’s!
What kind of music do you listen normally?
I listen to pop music mostly. I love Megan Trainor, Shawn Mendes, and the Beatles. One of my newest favorites is James TW.
What would be the dream holiday, and who would you go with?
I am from a small town in Pennsylvania but live in CA while filming, so my dream holiday is actually spending time at home with my family.
What is you favorite song to belt out in the car/for karaoke?
Rocking out to Bohemian Rhapsody, for sure!
3 things you can’t leave home without?
I can’t leave home without my guitar, my phone, and my mom—because she drives me everywhere!
Do you support any charity?
My family has always sponsored kids through Children International, so that organization is close to my heart.
What do you think of Social Media?
I love social media. It gives me a chance to connect with friends, both from back home and here, as well as fans from our show.
Where we can follow you?
My official website is JillianSheaSpaeder.com and my social media links are:
Instagram: @JillianSheaSpaeder
Twitter: @JillianSpaeder
Musical.ly: Jillian.Spaeder
Live.ly: Jillian.Spaeder
Facebook: Jillian Shea Spaeder (music); Jillian Spaeder (general)
Snapchat: Jillbean1982
Quote: “I just like smiling…smiling’s my favorite.” –Buddy the Elf
Movie: Elf
Travel Destination: Paris
Food: Pasta
Drink: Sprite
Sports Team: Philadelphia Phillies
TV Show: Grey’s Anatomy
Book: A Tale Dark and Grimm
Photo Credit: Ryan West Photo
