Read our exclusive interview with actress Jolene Purdy, who is starring in her third television series, ‘Gigantic.’ The series, scheduled to premiere on TeenNick on October 8, follows the lives of the teen children of famous Hollywood stars. Jolene discusses with us, among other things, why teens should watch the show, and what it’s like to work with co-star Grace Gummer, Meryl Streep’s daughter.
Shockya (SY): Your new show ‘Gigantic’ follows the lives of several Hollywood teens, who are all growing up in the shadows of their famous parents. Is the series a satire of real-life Hollywood children?
Jolene Purdy (JP): I don’t really think it’s a satire. It shows how difficult it can be to live with all the privileges.
SY: After watching ‘Gigantic,’ will teens continue to idolize the children of famous Hollywood celebrities?
JP: In this world, everyone envies someone. When people have more than you, or can go to some kinds of parties, of course there’s going to be some kind of jealousy. Celebrities are in the limelight are idolized by people. I think it is going to show that there is a different side to this world of celebrities.
SY: Your character, Piper, is best friends with Anna Moore, who is portrayed by Grace Gummer, Meryl Streep’s daughter. Is Grace at all like Anna?
JP: Grace is the sweetest, most talent person. I think she is a fantastic actress. I love working across from her. I think my favorite scenes were with her. I didn’t know who she was for the first couple weeks we were working together. I had no idea. You would never know. She’s so funny. She’s a goof-ball. We have so much fun together.
SY: ‘Gigantic’ is aimed at teens, and has been called the ‘Entourage’ for the younger crowd. Why should teens watch this type of show?
JP: I think it’s interesting to see what life is really like in Hollywood. It goes past all the money and privilege to show you its really normal. It’s interesting to see what being the son or daughter of an actor is like.
SY: Besides ‘Gigantic,’ you have also starred on several other shows, including ‘Do Not Disturb,’ and most recently, ’10 Things I Hate About You.’ What is it about television series that you find most appealing?
JP: I grew up doing musical theater, so doing TV, each episode is like doing a mini-play. So you put it together fast and you move onto the next one. Each week, it’s putting on another play. I think that’s so much fun. I enjoy the pacing.
SY: Do you find TV to be different than working on movies? Do you like one more than the other?
JP: TV is very on your toes, all the time, every day, all day. Everything moves so fast. So we shoot a half-an-hour episode in four days. So that’s pretty quick. A film can take a long time. You have more time for a shot, you can take longer for a film. I enjoy both, but they are different.
SY: So would you consider doing more movies in the future?
JP: I’d love to do a film. The only film that I’ve done was ‘Donnie Darko.’ That was such a fantastic experience. I want to have that every time I do a film.
SY: On ’10 Things I Hate About You,’ your character, Mandella, wasn’t part of the popular crowd. Since ‘Gigantic’ is all about the glamour and glitz of fitting in with the Hollywood ‘In Crowd,’ do you think your fans will embrace your change in character?
JP: I definitely think so. Being a character actress, there are two sides to you. You question when you try to fit in. Then there’s another side that’s “I am who I am, love me or hate me, this is how it is.” I think people could react either way. I think before they were very good to me. “10 Things” was about being insecure about fitting in in high school. I think here they’ll cheer me on. It will give other people the confidence to step out, to be bold and make their own decisions and not care about what other people think.
SY: If teens feel like they’re living in the shadow of their parents, siblings or friends, what advice do you have for them to make them feel like they’re their own person?
JP: Don’t let anyone else define who you are or what you can or cannot do. You are different from the world. Everyone is walking their own path. So if you compare yourself to other people, you’ll miss out on great opportunities.
Written by: Karen Benardello