THE STAR SCOOP:
Tell us about your character, Ashley.
INDIA EISLEY:
Ashley is the rebellious younger sister of Amy Jeurgens, who is pregnant at 15. Ashley is very, like most young people, a tad conceited, but she doesn’t really want to admit it [laughs], because she’s confused in the fact that there is a whole other side to her that most people can’t see. She always puts up kind of a sarcastic, dry front, but she has a caring, nurturing side to her that no one sees most of the time. I think that makes her feel a bit on edge because she wishes that people could just see that of her, and not assume that she’s this gruff person.
THE STAR SCOOP:
The Secret Life of the American Teenager is a very new show, and has a lot of new faces. How did you get involved with the show?
INDIA EISLEY:
Well, I’m just so grateful to be on this show. It is my first major role, and I’m so thankful and so, so fortunate. Really how I got involved in the show, I just [went to] the audition, and I got it! I was just so overcome. I was so happy that I got it.
THE STAR SCOOP:
You mentioned that the main character is supposed to be about 15, and you play the younger sister, who is about 13. But in real life, you’re actually 15, right? Do you feel like the characters in the show are realistic to that age?
INDIA EISLEY:
I am. I think so. Ashley is just different because she’s much more mature than a thirteen year old normally is. I think she kind of has to be in this situation. In a way, she feels the need to be the emotional backbone and strong one in the family. She feels like she needs to be strong for everyone around her.
THE STAR SCOOP:
Why do you think people have been so attracted to The Secret Life of the American Teenager? It’s been one of the season’s popular new shows!
INDIA EISLEY:
I think because it appeals to so many different demographics because there’s the situation with the adults, and then there’s the situation with the young people. It just has so many different elements to it. There’s so many different subject matters that hit home with a lot of people. Also, it’s entertaining.
THE STAR SCOOP:
Who are you most close to on set?
INDIA EISLEY:
Probably Mark Derwin, who plays my dad. He’s just a blast to work with. He’s so great. Of course when the occasional very emotional scene comes to front, he always has this thing where he whispers something in my ear that’s really hilarious, [laughs] and it’s right before they say action, so I’m kind of battling my way through the scene. I got the incredible experience of my first scene with Daren Kagasoff, who plays Ricky on the show. He’s just such a lovely person. So sweet and I hope to be working with him much more in the future. He’s a great person, and most of the guys on this show are just so much fun to work with, because they’re all so laid back. Really, everyone on the show.
THE STAR SCOOP:
What goals do you have for your career?
INDIA EISLEY:
I’m really looking forward to film. I got into acting really just purely for the acting, but film was the major reason I got into it. I just look forward to working with incredible directors like Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese…Ron Howard and all these different people that are just so incredible at what they do. I just look forward to immensely.
THE STAR SCOOP:
Speaking with film, you do have the opportunity to be working with a film legend, Molly Ringwald. Who else would you like to work with some day?
INDIA EISLEY:
She’s just such a down to earth, really cool person to work with. Of course, when you’re working with her, you know who she is. She never brings that kind of snooty vibe. She’s so real. There’s so many…of course my top favorite actress would have to be my mom, because she’s just so incredible and is just such a lovely actress. I would love to work with her. I really idolize Meryl Streep. I think she’s incredible. Toni Collette is unbelievable. Emily Blunt I really like. There’s just so many.
THE STAR SCOOP:
What do you want your fans to know?
INDIA EISLEY:
I’d like them to know that I’m not like the dead pan, gruff person that I play. I’m not my character.
THE STAR SCOOP:
Do you feel like you’re still an American teenager, having that experience like everyone else?
INDIA EISLEY:
I’ve never really felt the whole teen thing. I’ve never felt in touch with it. It’s not a bad thing. I’m just so really content and happy with the place that I’m at right now with acting, just pursuing my dream.
THE STAR SCOOP:
There are a lot of actresses in your age group. What makes you stand out?
INDIA EISLEY:
It’s hard to answer a question like that without coming across as a billboard for yourself [laughs]. I’m trying to look for roles that are more mature. I’m not going to be playing the usual teen stereotype which is so up front at the moment. I just hope to have a career that’s not only in my teen years.
THE STAR SCOOP:
Why should people watch The Secret Life of the American Teenager if they haven’t seen it before?
INDIA EISLEY:
It’s so easy to catch up to, so even if you haven’t seen the rest of it, it’s always kind of laid open. You always know what’s going on. To the people who haven’t watched, I highly recommend watching it, not just because I’m, you know, in it, but really just because it’s a great show. It is. I think you should watch it [laughs]. Much thanks comes from all of the show to all of them.
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