From the interview archives.

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Known as Piper Hart to fans of the Nickolodeon series Henry Danger, 12-year-old Ella Anderson is constantly impressing her peers and critics alike with her authentic and charming talent. VULKAN caught up with Ella to talk about her experience entering the film industry and how she’s adapted to being a recognized face in public. 

You started acting when you were 5, what was your first audition experience like? 

We walked into the casting office where a bunch of put together little girls with binders full of resumes and headshots. It was super funny because I really had no idea what I was doing but I went in and had fun anyway. I have never tried to make acting anything that wasn’t authentic, so I think I have just always enjoyed that. 

How do you prepare for new auditions and roles?

I try to understand any character inside out and get as comfortable as I can with the material. It’s always helpful when we get a script to read but if we don’t it’s also fun to think about other scenarios that this person may have gone through. 

Who’s your favorite actor right now?

I really love Natalie Portman right now. After seeing Jackie, which she was amazing in, I have tried to watch other projects she has done. Everything she does is so good. She can mold herself into whatever character she portrays, and I really look up to that. 

If you could choose anybody, who would you most like to meet and what would you ask them?

I would love to meet my dog in human form ha-ha! I would ask her all about how she remembers certain things and especially what dogs dream about.

What do you like to do when you’re not acting?

I do lots of painting, drawing, skateboarding, and I really want to get into polymer clay jewelry!

Do people recognize you when you’re out and about? How have those experiences been?

Yeah, they do. I always love meeting people and talking with them. Sometimes it’s funny because people think I’m really mean in real life from watching me on Henry Danger. 

What other stars do you like to watch perform?

I love watching lots of different people like Natalie Portman, Meryl Streep, Viola Davis, and Sterling K Brown.

Do you hope to one day win an Oscar? 

That would be cool. I watch the Oscars every year and it would be fun to even go someday.

Do you go to school or are you home-schooled? What’s your favorite subject?

I’m home schooled. I like English or literature. I try to sneak in art to my school even though it’s not technically a class.

Do you think you’re similar to your character Piper Hart in any way? How?

I don’t think I am, but that’s what makes the role fun for me. Sometimes she can be clever which I think I would like to be. 

If you could have any superpower what would it be?

I would love to have mystique’s power. If I had that I could go to the same persons house on Halloween a million times. It would also be cool to be able to heal anyone.

What’s your favorite show to watch these days?

My entire family and I love to watch Last Man on Earth together and I also got into The Great British Bake Off. Mary Berry is the best.

What is your favorite part about filming? 

I love everything on set. I like just being on set in general.  Every moment the camera is rolling I enjoy and I have been so lucky to work with people that make every scene so easy to do.

Is it hard to fit acting into your life? 

Acting fits in easily for me. Luckily, I have a family that is very supportive of what I do. I have been able to find a good balance of acting, school, and off time.

Do you ever have days where you just don’t feel like filming?

I never have those days. I love what I do, and I am so lucky to be able to do it. I take every moment in and work hard on the material I am given.

What do you have coming up that we should watch out for? 

There are lots of things in the works, but nothing set in stone yet. Keep your eyes out for new seasons of Henry Danger until then. ☺