Twenty-year-old actress Skyler Samuels is accustomed to a busy lifestyle in which she juggles her time burying her nose in college textbooks, so to speak, and being in front of the camera.
Samuels began her acting career at a young age, and is best known for her start up gig as Gertrude "Gigi" Hollingsworth in "Wizards of Waverly Place" on the Disney Channel. She also played a main part alongside Penn Badgley as his girlfriend in the remake of "The Stepfather." Her talent really shined as a youngster which catapulted her career and helped form a very diverse platform of accomplishments.
Samuels is quick to adapt to a role and make it her own - very impressive, if you ask me. This is obvious, as she is able to step into a scene in any genre and hit the nail right on the head. Examples? Take a look at the upcoming comedy, "The DUFF," set to hit theaters Feb. 20, 2015 and "American Horror Story: Freak Show," the fourth season of the series that just recently concluded.
"The DUFF" (Designated Ugly Fat Friend) is a film about a senior in high school who attempts to reinvent herself after she learns that one of her classmates has dubbed her as "The DUFF." This coming-of-age plot will strike a chord with all of its viewers - those who are currently in high school and those who will never forget their experiences in it, whether good or bad.
Bianca (played by Mae Whitman) is "The DUFF," and she is befriended by Samuels' character Jess - an upbeat, positive and super-motivated girl who sticks by Bianca's side as she tries to overcome the social hierarchies and cliques of the cruel high school hallways.
Q: How much of your character rings true to your actual personality as a friend?
A: "Jess is the ultimate optimist. She is always happy. As Bianca tries to find herself, her friends are right by her side, and that's exactly how I am with my friends in my life. Sometimes you just have to let them go through their tough times and be there for them through it, and I think that is really shown through Jess' character. Bianca's best friends really are her best friends."
Q: Are there any other parts of your character that portray your identity?
A: "Jess is way trendier than I am. She had an awesome wardrobe and it really inspired me to up my game in real life."
Q: Did filming this movie bring back any memories of your own high school years?
A: "High school is all about hierarchies, labels, cliques - we are labeled and structured. Everyone goes through it, more or less. The movie is more about learning to be comfortable with who you are. Make your own labels."
Q: After watching the trailer for "The DUFF" and familiarizing myself with the plot, the acting seemed very natural on all levels. How was it to work with the rest of the cast?
A: "It was basically like a summer camp. We spent two months in Atlanta in the same hotel and we all really hit it off. I had a really great time with Bianca Santos (who plays Casey). She was definitely like my girl crush. She took me dancing and it was a blast. Bella (who plays Madison) was hysterical; she's pretty much like a stand-up comedian. It was a great group and we all got to know one another. It was awesome too that while we were filming, we all had such good chemistry that a lot of our jokes made the final cut. A lot was improv and it just worked out. It was magical."
Q: What message do you think the film is sending to its viewers?
A: "Well, it's definitely a movie that is full of humor - good, old-fashioned humor that anyone can respond to. It is not just a movie for high school kids. Allison Janney's character, for example, plays Bianca's mother who is trying to be a support system for Bianca, while battling her own demons at the same time. She's in her 40's and she's trying to get back into the dating world after she's been out of the game for a little while.
"It's truly about how all of the characters work to reinvent themselves in order to feel content. Robbie Amell (who plays Wesley) struggles with his identity too. He tries to be the nice guy and the jock and, essentially he can't be both, but he challenges that stereotype. He can be friends with so-called "nerdy" classmates and the guys on the football field. Everyone is working towards the same, realistic message. We all wear many hats, and that is the key point in this movie."
Q: Now, moving on to "American Horror Story," you played Bonnie Lipton for four episodes. Tell us a little bit about your character. Were you as scared on the set as I was watching it?
A: "It's a funny story. The filming for both of these was only two weeks apart and it was super hectic. I just resumed college overseas this past semester and I'm back in the states now, but I haven't watched it because I am terrified. I get chills every time I see these characters. I guess that's when you know you have something magical - when the actors are freaked out. This was one of the best sets I have ever been a part of. How this show is made is mind-boggling. I thought this season was the most visually astounding. It was unbelievable. The actors are some of the most hard-working people I've ever worked with. I thought to myself, 'where do you go from Freak Show? How can it get better than this?'
"I was sincerely frightened, especially by Twisty the clown during my scenes. It all felt so real, never trite. It's a very special show."
Q: Will you be involved in season five of "AHS?"
A: "It's too early to tell. I have high hopes for the next season and I certainly hope so. The plotlines are genius and Murphy is so talented. I will know more after the New Year, but right now I know as much as you do."
Q: Do you have any upcoming projects?
A: "Nothing at this moment, but I know 2015 will have a lot of fun projects down the pipeline. As I've gotten older, projects are more interesting and dynamic. My thinking and acting has evolved over the years.
Q: How do you balance your school work with your acting ambitions?
A: "First and foremost.. I am definitely a very real college student. My goal is to get my degree next year and to finish all of my credits. I love my job and I love school. I've been working for 16 years - I've always worked - and I only know the two (work and school) together. It's a day-to-day process, but so far so good. Things like my own experiences with school really make me appreciate "The DUFF." It's a very normal and real thing that everyone goes through. No one forgets about high school. Sometimes it's not easy and we have to help one another through it and I think this movie shows that.
"I want my roles to be quality ones that demonstrate my sincerity as an actress, and can resonate as true and helpful both on-screen and off-screen for both myself as I mature and for my audience."
Q: Is there anyone that you have worked with who you consider to be a role model? Do you work to emulate these actors?
A: "Yes. Jessica Lange (plays Elsa Mars on "AHS") is a queen. I worship the ground that she walks on. She is magnificent. Her physicality - I got star struck when I saw her on the set. Watching her career develop has been amazing. I only hope to have a career as vast, extensive and impressive as hers. She is a class act.
"Another woman I admire is Reese Witherspoon. She has always been so real. She's a real girl in every movie. Her transition to play her most recent part in 'Wild' was phenomenal."
Be sure to catch Skyler Samuels in "The DUFF" in theaters on Feb. 20, 2015.
