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TheStarScoop.Com got the scoop from Allen Evangelista on playing nerdy Henry on ABC Family’s hit The Secret Life of the American Teenager, the show’s success and more.

Photo Credit: Steve Bigler

THE STAR SCOOP:
Tell us about being on The Secret Life of the American Teenager, and not knowing how it would turn out, to it being this big hit.

ALLEN EVANGELISTA:
It’s just been insane. I have worked before on other stuff, but this show gets recognized so much more than anything I’ve done before. Going out to eat with some friends, and anywhere in public, people actually come up to you, you know? I was very surprised. I was wearing a beanie and a hoodie…they still recognize me and it’s so flattering. So many people watch and I always thank them for watching. It’s just been insane in a great way though.

THE STAR SCOOP:
How would you describe your character, Henry?

ALLEN EVANGELISTA:
We’re shooting the newest season now. But the episodes that [have aired]…he’s very, should I say horny? He has a lot of hormones. He’s a guy in high school. He’s Ben’s best friend. He’s loyal. He’s broken up with Alice right now. He’s trying to find his place in everything.

THE STAR SCOOP:
The chemistry of the cast is so important. Did you all hit it off from the beginning?

ALLEN EVANGELISTA:
The first time we all met was a table read way back when. We all sat down, we just introduced each other. We read it, and after, everyone started hugging, which was really weird. I’ve been to a few table reads before. We definitely did just hit it off. It’s absolutely true. We hang out all the time.

THE STAR SCOOP:
Why do you think it is that the show has been so successful?

ALLEN EVANGELISTA:
I think it just hits the spot. With ABC family, it’s on a great network that has a great crowd for it. It depicts what happens in American high schools today, and I think it offers the chance for the parents and the kids to talk about what happens. It’s on TV and hopefully it opens a dialogue. Another thing is, all the teenagers actually look like teenagers. We’re pretty close to that age still, and we all remember how it is.

THE STAR SCOOP:
What do you think is the most important issue the show has brought to light thus far?

ALLEN EVANGELISTA:
I would say of course, sex at a young age is. A lot of people I’ve read before, they say we’re glamorizing it, the whole idea of pregnancy as a teen. But it’s not, especially with the new season that we’re starting on already. It shows how much trouble it is to have a kid. All these plans that you have set for yourself just thrown out the window basically, and you just have to adjust. It’s a life altering experience. This is not something you want, especially at that age. You’re probably not prepared for it either.

THE STAR SCOOP:
The show is such an ensemble cast. How does that work in terms of the cast dynamic?

ALLEN EVANGELISTA:
It’s actually great. We have 22 characters or something like that. It just means that we don’t all have to be on set everyday. As far as the work goes, it’s a great job to have. You have so much time off as well, not that we’re all lazy or anything. It just keeps you on your toes. You definitely have to see it from the beginning so you know who everyone is We never stay on one story too long. There’s a lot of different aspects, characters. The show can stay exciting.

THE STAR SCOOP:
You’ve had a lot of scenes with India Eisley who plays Ashley. What should fans expect with the triangle with her and Alice?

ALLEN EVANGELISTA:
I’ve got a lot of feedback from that. Everyone wanted for Henry and Ashley, for something to happen. The beginning of this season kind of hinted at that. As of right now, with the baby coming out, it’s predictable that that kind of fell to the background, because the baby’s coming. I believe hopefully next season, Ashley might be going to our school, so that’s definitely something to look forward to. Some drama ahead, most likely.

THE STAR SCOOP:
How would you describe yourself in comparison to Henry?

ALLEN EVANGELISTA:
We both look alike. That’s the only similarity. No, I always believe that casting directors cast you because they see parts of you already in the character. I did a show before this, Zoey 101. I played a nerd as well. I’m kind of familiar with the whole thing. I didn’t really have to study too much. He seems to be a loyal friend, and I consider myself that, too.

THE STAR SCOOP:
The show has a lot of newer young actors, but it’s also filled with well established adult actors, like Molly Ringwald and John Schneider. What has working with them been like?

ALLEN EVANGELISTA:
It’s been great. I worked with Molly recently. She was wonderful. She’s a chess player. I’m a big fan of that, too. John Schneider, I was a big fan of Smallville. When I first saw him at the table read in the beginning, I was like wow, kind of star struck. Everyone is so professional, especially them. They make it such a breeze. It’s so entertaining to just watch them. It’s like class for me, watching the professionals do it. I was actually at John Schneider’s house a few days ago. He directed an episode for Secret Life, and he had a few of us over. He has a gorgeous house, by the way. They’re just great, all so nice and down to earth.

THE STAR SCOOP:
What do you want to say to your fans?

ALLEN EVANGELISTA:
To the fans, they have been nothing but supportive. We always say we wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for them. They’ve been watching and they’ve been so loyal. I’m on Myspace once in a while. I do have a page on there. A lot of people send messages and such lovely comments. Just so they know, I do read as much of it as I can and I try to respond when I can. Every time I read it, I’m just so grateful. People are so, so loyal and it’s a wonderful feeling to be a part of all this.