About Rebecca Eckler
Since becoming pregnant with her daughter Rowan, Canadian journalist and author Rebecca Eckler has penned three hilarious books, including the best-selling Knocked Up. Catch Rebecca’s weekly unique perspective on motherhood and single parenthood.
I’m fascinated with child stars. The ones who actually want to be actresses at such a young age are different than most children, even if they say they’re not. In some cases (okay, a lot of cases) famous youngsters can turn into the Lindsay Lohan’s of the world. But before they grow up, they do seem to possess some quality (call it the “it” factor) that the majority of children do not possess.
I had the privilege of talking to Madison Pettis, who is the star of YTV’s Life With Boys. I could tell immediately that she is mature for her 13 years, simply by the way she was so friendly and open with her answers — there is not a shy bone in her body. Here’s part of our interview, for all you mothers who are interested (like me) on how a child becomes a television star:
Rebecca Eckler: When did you start acting?
Madison Pettis: I stared acting classes when I was five years old and doing modeling. I started dancing when I was four. I just liked being on stage!
RE: With all the television shows featuring ‘stage moms’ did your mother gear you to be an actor? What is she like?
MP: I was the one who said I wanted to take acting classes. I wanted to be in front of people. My mom was skeptical and never wanted me to be an actress. I was the only one in my family who wanted to do it. My mother wasn’t an actress. At first it was just a fun thing. But I never thought it would turn into a career.
RE: What is your typical day like when you are filming Life With Boys?
MP: Well, it depends on the call time. Sometimes it can be at 7 a.m. or at noon, depending on what scenes we are shooting. I go for hair and make up for about an hour. And when I’m not shooting, I’m on set with a teacher. And it just goes back and forth, from filming to doing schoolwork. I work a nine and a half hour days.
RE: Do you get allowance from the money you make?
MP: I don’t get an allowance. I have no idea what I make on anything! But I don’t get everything I want!
RE: What is your advice for other children (or mothers who know their children want to be actors?)
MP: My advice is that if you like acting or singing or dancing than take lessons. It’s just like any sport. You have to practice, practice, practice. I work hard at it, because it is so much fun.
Check out YTV for more information on Life With Boys.
Follow me @rebeccaeckler
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