Interview with Tania Gunadi

Born in Java, Indonesia, actress Tania Gunadi moved to the United States after winning a green card lottery as a young girl. Her television credits include a series regular role on Disney's "Aaron Stone". Tania talked to myFanbase about her life in the United States, her passion for music and her role as Emma on "Aaron Stone".

Foto: Copyright: Stewart Marcano Photography
© Stewart Marcano Photography

The interview is © myFanbase 2010. Please do not copy it to other websites or messageboards.

1. You grew up in Indonesia. What was it like growing up there? How connected do you feel to Indonesia?

Growing up there was FUN because my parents believe in "No Chores Ever for the Kids" haha, so it was sweet!!! Also I lived in a neighborhood where there were lots of kids my age, so after school I got to play for hours and chose my own dinner with them (buying food from street vendors and eating on the street). It's a totally different lifestyle!

I feel more connected to Indonesia now that I am on the Disney Channel because I get lots of letters from fans/friends from all different islands in Indonesia. I get to learn about them and it's cool to connect with them. Just fyi, I came from an island called Java and there are more than 10,000 islands in Indonesia. Isn't that wild?

2. What is your favorite moment of your childhood?

My favorite moment was hanging out with my Mom and Dad at this place called Puncak Pass. We would go there every 2 months or so with our relatives and it was a beautiful vacation place, where we got to run around the playground, play hide and seek, swim, play badminton, and eat lots and lots of pineapple pancakes!!!!

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

Well, I sort of accidentally booked a Disneyland commercial, and it was such a blast that I decided to become an actress. I remember telling my Mom how awesome it was that there was an occupation where I get to have fun and make a living at the same time!

4. What is your favorite place in the world? Where do you feel most comfortable?

My favorite place in the world is Los Angeles, California where my home is. I love everything about LA. After I won a green card lottery from the U.S., it was the first city I arrived in, it's the city where I found my passion to be an actress, and it's the city where I learned to speak English and make new friends. There are so many more awesome things about LA, but it may take tons of pages. haha.

5. What do you like doing in your spare time?

I like to volunteer for the animal shelter/rescue groups, play Dance Revolution and board games with my nephew, and hang out with my friends playing drums/guitar or learn new sports like snowboarding etc. I also like to take naps with my 2 kitties at home.

6. You are starring in "Aaron Stone". What is the show about?

"Aaron Stone" is about a group of teenagers who like to play video games and end up saving the world for real.

7. What was the audition process like for "Aaron Stone"?

I first auditioned for the casting directors, then got a callback to read for the executives at Disney, then I screen-tested with Kelly Blatz, who plays Aaron, then they offered me the role and I said YEAH!!!

8. You play the character Emma on "Aaron Stone". What can you tell us about Emma?

Emma leads a double life. She's the girl next door who goes to school like every other kid, but when she comes home she invents new and cool, hi-tech gadgets to help Aaron Stone save the world. Occasionally, when needed, Emma goes into the field and kicks some enemy's butts herself.

9. If you compare yourself to Emma/Dark Tamara, what do you have in common and what are the differences between the two of you?

I would say that I am more like Emma in a way that I like to wear funky, colorful clothes, play video games, play the drums, and hang with my friends. I am quite different from Dark Tamara in that I know nothing about gadgets, let alone inventing and designing them!

10. You like playing drums. What kind of music do you prefer? Who is your favorite band or musician?

I love Pop and Rap!! I like music from Justin Timberlake, Taylor Swift, Eminem, etc. My favorite is Eminem.

11. If you could choose to put together an entire crew for a movie: Who would be the director? Who would be the writer? And who would be in the leading role(s)?

Love this question!!! Director: Steven Spielberg or Clint Eastwood, Writer: David Ayer or Nora Ephron, Lead Actors: Leonardo DiCaprio, Denzel Washington, Hugh Grant and Kate Winslet.

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

I am working on a secret animation project that will be announced in August 2010.

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

I have so many favorite shows (can't pick one): "Friends" (reruns), "FlashForward", "24 - Twenty Four", "House", "United States of Tara", and of course Aaron Stone.

Annika Leichner - myFanbase