Storm Reid was born for this. When she was just a toddler, she said she was going to be an actress. After roles in 12 Years a Slave, The Summoning, and TV’s “Chicago PD,” “NCIS: Los Angeles,” “The Thundermans” and “Nicky, Ricky, Dicky & Dawn” for Nickelodeon, among others, she joins the American Girl movie franchise for a leading role in their next movie, Lea to the Rescue. And, she most recently shot a series regular role in an upcoming Disney pilot, and feature film A Happening of Monumental Proportions (2017) directed by Judy Greer and co-starring actor Common, who plays her dad.
Read what the adorable actress has to say.
When did you discover you wanted to act?
I discovered I wanted to be an actress when I was 3 years old.
Where did you learn your acting techniques?
I’ve learned my acting techniques from going to ongoing acting classes.
What was your first role? Do you remember what you were thinking?
My first role was in a Sprouts PBS Kid’s commercial. I was really excited and I really didn’t know what to expect.
Which do you prefer, film or TV? Why?
I prefer doing movies better because when you’re filming movies you’re able to travel to different locations, sometimes daily, and they only last four to six weeks and you’re able to move on to another project when you’re done. With TV, you’re normally on the same set everyday and the locations rarely change.
What has been your most challenging character? Why was it challenging?
My most challenging character to date would have to be Aki, which I played in the new American Girl movie, Lea to the Rescue. It was challenging making Aki come to life because she’s so different from me. I had to learn an accent and Portuguese, but it was amazing being able to make her come to life.
What has been your favorite character to date? Why?
My favorite character to date would have to be Aki because the role was different then what I was used to doing. It was a fun challenge, plus I got to shoot the movie in South Africa.
What is your favorite line or scene?
My favorite scene was when we did a tribal celebration. The village was amazing and the background extras were of Indian nationality. There was food, music and drums.
What was the last film/TV show you saw that you didn’t act in and thought, now that was good? Why?
I recently saw Maze Runner 2 and it was amazing because all the acting was so powerful and the action had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. I’m so excited for the third one.
Why do you enjoy acting?
I enjoy acting because I get to play different people and have different personalities but most of all I have a love and passion for this. It is what I feel like I was born to do.
What sort of acting roles do you seek in the future?
I hope I’ll be doing dramatic roles in the future because that’s what I love to do.
What is the most extreme change to your personality, hair, body weight, etcetera that you have done to land a role?
I have not had to change my appearance to land a movie but I did a short film called The Spirit Game where I played the role of a girl that was burned alive by my father. I had to have prosthetic makeup done on my face to look like half my face was burned. It was so scary when they were done.
How you do spend your day when you’re not shooting?
Well, I believe you have to train to become really good at whatever it is that you are passionate about. I train a lot. I take voiceover lessons, vocal lessons, martial arts, gymnastics, and hip-hop dance.
How do you prepare for roles?
I prepare for my roles by doing research on the project and really analyzing the character so I can bring the lines off the paper and bring the character to life.
What else are you good at creatively, in addition to acting?
Other than acting, I’m good at drawing, singing, and just a little bit of dancing.
What are your hobbies/interests?
I love to shop. I like listening to music, watching movies and traveling.
