Interview with Ashley Rickards

We got the opportunity to do an interview with Ashley Rickards who is recently playing the role of Samantha in the sixth season of "One Tree Hill". She told us about her work on "One Tree Hill" including the disadvantages of being much younger than the other actors, her pet therapy programm and her new movie coming up.

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1. You already finished High School at the age of 15. Do you have any ambitions to go to a college (any time soon)?

I worked very hard to get through high school quickly. It was a non-stop school and homework extravaganza. I wanted to graduate early so I would be able to work as an actress without having to worry about classes or finals. As for attending college, I am enrolled and plan to take courses on a part time basis focusing writing, producing and directing.

2. When and why did you decide to become an actress?

I went to a small school and the art department had an annual school opera that was mandatory for all students. I was not at all excited about it. However, to my surprise I really enjoyed it. It was because of that mandatory school opera that I realized my passion for acting have been pursuing it ever since.

3. We heard you worked in a pet therapy program. Can you tell us anything about it? And do you still have time for this program?

Yeah I started a Pet Therapy Program with my 4-H group. We brought dogs, cats, miniature horses and even guinea pigs into retirement homes. We would take them around to all the rooms and talked with everyone. It really brought a lot of joy to the residents and to all of us involved including the pets. The thing with animals is there is no judgment and they always make you feel appreciated and special. Sharing your pets with others who need unconditional love/attention for whatever reason is an incredible gift.

4. Did you watch "One Tree Hill" before you became a part of it? If so, who was your favourite character or which storyline did you like the most?

I did watch it and really wanted everything to work out with Lucas and Peyton!

5. "One Tree Hill" is in its sixth year now. What are the advantages and disadvantages of being new in a crew that has been working together for such a long time?

It's a great group of experienced actors and I have enjoyed working with them all. As far as disadvantages, while everyone has welcomed me with open arms, I am much younger than all the other actors so I can't always go out with them. Since we film away from my home in L.A. other than those who work on the show, I really don't know anyone in Wilmington. So my mom is stuck with playing social director and taking me to the movies!

6. "One Tree Hill" is strongly connected with music. Can you imagine to sing on the show?

I see Kate and Joy singing and they just light up and all eyes (and ears) turn to them. It looks like a great experience.

7. You and your character Samantha are nearly the same age. Do you see any similarities between the two of you?

Yeah, Sam is a private, somewhat introverted person. I think we are both very similar in that regard.

8. Can you give us some scoop about what's going to happen next with your character?

No, my lips are sealed!

9. It seems more than possible that "One Tree Hill" will get a seventh season. Is there any chance you will be part of it?

I have no idea, there are a lot of factors that go into making a new season and the actors are just one aspect. But it would be fun to do another season!

10. Are there funny experiences you made on set that you can tell us about?

We all have a lot of fun on set. The studio was built near some railroad tracks, so sometimes we hear the trains go by. One day we were shooting and EVERYTIME I would start to speak a train would choo-choo really loud! It was pretty funny considering Brooke was lecturing Sam.

11. If you could choose two other characters from "One Tree Hill" to have their own spin-off with your character Sam, who would it be? And why would you choose them?

That is a great question, I really enjoy working with everyone and I love Sam's interaction and story lines with each character. I think any combination with Sam would be great.

12. Do you have any new projects you can tell us about?

I'm about to start shooting a new movie called "Dirty Girl". Lisa Kudrow, William H. Macy, and Camryn Manheim are attached. I play Danielle, the dirty girl of Norman High School. She teams up with the timid class gay and they venture out of Oklahoma to California to find the father she's never known.

13. Since myFanbase is an online magazine about TV series, do you have a favorite one?

Of course "One Tree Hill" is my favorite show! Other than that, I don't have a lot of time for television and find I really enjoy curling up with a good book at the end of the day.

Annika Leichner - myFanbase