Currently, you may know her as Kim on Disney’s Kickin’ It, but Olivia Holt will be taking center stage in her new Disney movie, Girl vs. Monster, airing this Halloween! She is a talented actress with a bright future ahead of her. I asked her some questions about her acting in general, Kickin’ It, the movie, and how she gets involved. Make sure to check out her answers below and keep an eye out for Girl vs. Monster.
Arin: What got you interested in acting?
Olivia: My older sister, Morgan, was really into theater and acting. She would always make these scripts up and have me act them out. We both did local theater and I just fell in love with performing.
A: Who are some of your biggest role models in the industry?
O: I absolutely love Reese Witherspoon, Kate Hudson, Natalie Portman, and Emma Watson. They are amazing actresses that have great comedic timing yet [also] have really great depth. Also, I admire how they were able to make the transition from being a child actor to where they are today.
A: What is your favorite part about your role on Kickin’ It?
O: I love playing Kim. I think she is a great role model for girls. I love how she is confident in who she is and that she is not afraid to hang out with the guys.
A: What can people expect to see from your character on the show?
O: When people watch Kickin’ It and see Kim, they will see that friendship comes first with her. They will see that she is a tough girl that can go toe to toe with the guys, yet she is still sweet and girly and has a sensitive side.
A: What do you most look forward to with your film Girl Vs. Monster?
O: I had so much fun making this film; we had such an amazing cast and crew. Just seeing all the hard work finally put together is going to be so exciting. I can’t wait to see all the action scenes. Also, I got to sing three songs in this film. Singing is a passion of mine, so I am super excited for that as well.
A: How would you describe your character in the film?
O: My character, Skylar, is fearless and confident [and] not afraid of anything. I would have to say she is like a Laura Croft sort of character. Without giving out too much of what happens, Skylar finds fear and has to overcome it.
A: What goals do you have with your career?
O: I love acting and singing. Performing is something that I want to do everyday. My goal is to keep doing what I love. I plan on working on more music and finding more fun roles to play.
A: What is one of the biggest lessons you have learned from the industry?
O: The biggest lesson I have learned is that there is a lot of rejection in this business and I have had to learn how to channel that to be positive for me.
A: What hobbies do you have outside acting?
O: Well, singing of course. I also used to do gymnastics. I don’t time have for that anymore, but I still love to workout, so I have been learning Parkour. It is a combination of movements like climbing, running, leaping; it’s very challenging.
A: What is one TV show you would love to guest star on?
O: I have a few, but since I have such a love for gymnastics, I would love to guest star on Make It or Break It.
A: If you could work with any director who would it be?
O: I have worked already with some pretty cool directors, but one I think that would be not only iconic, but I’m sure I could learn so much from would be Martin Scorsese.
A: Are there any charities or non profits you are involved with?
O: This year, I got involved in JDRF (an organization for junior diabetes or Type 1).
Another thing that I have really enjoyed this year is visiting St. Jude and City of Hope and other children’s hospitals.